T-R FILE PHOTO Trinity Lutheran Church will host its annual free neighborhood party from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Picnic favorites, such as pork burgers, hot dogs, chips, watermelon and an assortment of desserts will be served. Youngsters will get to play free games, see a balloon artist in action and enjoy face painting. A returning favorite, Exit 185, will provide live entertainment.

Food, fellowship, games and live entertainment — all things to be found at the annual neighborhood party held at Trinity Lutheran Church Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“This is just an opportunity to meet other people and show hospitality by being a good neighbor to those in the community, especially in light of last month’s tornado,” event co-coordinator Pastor Gregg Davison said.

The party, which is free and open to the public, will feature picnic favorites, such as pork burgers, hot dogs, chips, watermelon and an assortment of desserts. Youngsters will get to play free games, see a balloon artist in action and enjoy face painting. A returning favorite, Exit 185, will provide live entertainment.

“Our congregation itself is so supportive, so it’s a pretty easy task to put this together every year,” co-coordinator Kris Davison said.

When asked what drives them to host this party each year, they shared similar sentiments.

“It’s a way for us to reach out to people in the community, as good neighbors,” Pastor Gregg said. “Jesus said love your neighbor as yourself; so many of our neighbors have been upended by the tornado.”

“It’s not about them joining our church. If people need help or encouragement in life, we’re there for them,” Kris said.

Congregants play a pivotal role in providing the food and setting up for the event.

Todd Metge, director of music at the church, said every year he and the musicians are in charge of cutting up and serving the melon, for example.

While everyone is welcome, a special invitation is being extended to participants in the Marshall County Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, and staff and residents of Central Iowa Residential Services (CIRSI).

The pastor said the congregation expects to serve around 300 people for this event.

“The event is funded by the generosity of our church and staffed by volunteers from our parish,” he said.

To learn more, contact the church at 641-753-7769.

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Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at

641-753-6611 or sjordan@timesrepublican.com