Will Hardee slides down the 24-foot inflatable slide.Evergreen Baptist Church, Effingham, hosted its inaugural “Spring Fling Thing” in May. The youth did a “masterful job” in putting the event together, said pastor Quinn Hooks.
Performing at Evergreen’s “Spring Fling Thing” was the church’s youth praise band, featuring Josh McKeown, Court-ney Hatchell, Raley Stone, Tamara Gulledge, Ryan Bunch, Damon Earp and Tim Bell.The day began with an inflatable slide that was as tall as the family life center. Inside the building was an inflatable bouncy castle for the younger children. There was also a dunking booth, “which seemed to be the most popular attraction on such a hot day,” Hooks said.
Under the picnic shed, a local contemporary Christian group played music while people gathered on the lawn. The youth served drinks, hot dogs and snacks. The highlight of the event was the performance by the Evergreen Youth Praise Band.
Sunday night was Youth Night and Girls in Action recognition. The GAs put together a special program based on the theme “Agents of Change.” Each girl was recognized for participation. Betty Suggs, Emily Bochette and Talor Hewitt were recognized as graduates of GAs and for promotion to the youth group.
The Youth Praise Band performed several songs and led the congregation in worship. Josh McKeown brought the message. He showed a clip of a NASCAR driver running across the finish line after he wrecked on the final lap of a recent race. McKeown tied this event into biblical admonitions to run the race of life in a manner worthy to receive the prize.