Anticipation and spirits were high as May 17th arrived - the day of the combined outdoor worship service. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans for our worship service, with the high winds and colder temperatures guiding over 150 into the Commons and overflowing into the sanctuary for worship. Thanks to the quick pivot from our A/V team, the television screens were able to broadcast the service into the sanctuary, where people could spread the word a bit more. The energy was electric through the service, with kids singing songs they had learned during the programming year. Saturday and Sunday churchgoers mingled with each other throughout the service, seeing new faces and making introductions and polite conversation during the sharing of the peace and communion, tiding them over until the picnic-style meal at the end of worship.

The excitement was palpable as worship ended as children and adults made a break for the outdoor activities and food line. The variety of hot dogs, hamburgers, and desserts drew a long line, but this only added to the anticipation. While families waited, youth played games, got their faces painted, or got balloon art, adding to the festive atmosphere. After congregation members had their fill, the outside activities ramped up with kids running around with each other and shrieking gleefully, which increased when the bounce house was set up, and youth of all ages began to jump and scream, "I love bounce houses!"

After a while, adults enjoyed the fun, playing bags and joining the youth for Nine Square, a favorite game for many congregation members. In contrast, others blew bubbles, played different games, or chatted indoors.

Thank you to all who helped make this event a success, from helping with worship to helping with the meal or just attending - celebrating the end of the programming year is a highlight not only because of the fun activities and the food after worship but also the community and connections formed between Saturday and Sunday attendees during our combined services. Thank you to those who helped with SPLASH Children's Church this year and all the effort you put into each Wednesday night service. We can't wait to do it all again next year!