Church using festival to reach out to community

The Christian Life Worship Center in Northwest Athens really wants to get to know the community. And what better way to get to know your neighbors than throw a party.

The church will host its inaugural Community Festival on Saturday, but this won't be a traditional church picnic. This festival will not just introduce the church to the community; it also will introduce one of Athens' rising bands, Leaving Araby.

Yes, Leaving Araby's music leans more secular than sacred. But this won't be a church members-only crowd.

"It really is a means for our church to get out of our walls," said the Rev. Brian Williams, the church's pastor. "We're throwing a party and we're inviting the community. We want to build bridges to the community."

There will be entertainment on an outdoor stage all day leading up to Leaving Araby, said Youth Minister Willie Chalker. In addition to a half-dozen local singers with ties to the church, the New Life Drama Company from Tennessee will act out a few skits. A Christian illusionist - don't call him a magician - also will perform.

Off stage, children can jump around in bounce houses, have their faces painted, get a handful of balloons, race pinewood derby cars or perhaps joust each other in the same style of the old "American Gladiators" contest.

Adults can pitch horseshoes, play Bingo or drink

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