By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

Just in time for one last weekend of summer festivities, Orange First Church of the Nazarene is hosting its inaugural Fall Family Kick-Off from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 17 at 3810 Martin Luther King Drive in Orange.

The first 100 guests will receive free ice cream from the ice cream truck on site. 

Also joining in the fun are Kingdom Zoo, The Dough Dough Girls as well as having bounce houses, giveaways, and free hot dogs, sno-cones, and drinks.

“Everyone is invited,” Children’s Pastor Rebekah Spell said. “This is a vision I have had for a while. This is a way to love up, love in, and love out.” 

Love up, love in, and love out is a mantra of the congregation: love God, love our church family, and love our community.

The event is not just for church members but for the whole community.

“This is an opportunity for us to love on our community,” Spell said. “We need to let the community know Jesus is still the center.”

All while keeping it local. Kingdom Zoo and Dough Dough Girls are both based in Orange County.

“We are also giving away local gift cards,” Spell added. “We are super excited about this great event.”

Orange Naz, as the church refers to itself, is not the only ones enthusiastic about the celebration.

“We are excited to do this event. It’s always great to work with children and give them an opportunity to see wildlife in an up-close and personal setting that educates and hopefully inspires,” Chester Moore, founder of the Kingdom Zoo Wildlife Center, said.

Spell added this was also an opportunity for the community to see what the church has to offer if they are interested or new to the area.

“Come to be loved on,” Spell said. “This is an event of loving on people and our community.”