Trinity CME (LA) Back to School Picnic

Trinity CME Church located in Lafayette, LA, held its first "Back to School Community Picnic" on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at DeBallion Park from 10 AM to 2 PM. Pastor Leslie Dugas, Jr., along with the Board of Christian Education, Evangelism, and officers and members of Trinity CME Church, spear-headed this event. The theme for the picnic was "Striving for Success (By Doing Your Best). This picnic was another outreach ministry to demonstrate the love of Jesus and to bring His gospel to the community.

Flyers announcing the event were available for members to distribute to family and friends and the media. Pastor Dugas and some members also canvassed the neighborhoods near the park to invite and encourage those in the neighborhood to attend and tell others to attend.

The event opened with selections from Trinity's Praise and Worship Team, under the direction of Mr. James Gee. Then purpose of the event by Pastor Leslie Dugas, Jr.; prayer, Mrs. Kathalee Cooksey; and scripture reading by Cecil Wiltz II set the tone for the beginning of a great fellowship.

The two motivational speakers were Mrs. Theresa Singleton, church member and teacher here in Lafayette Parish, who shared Keys to Success for parents and students. Mr. Brandon Shelvin, the youngest Lafayette Parish Councilman from District III and an associate pastor at a local church in the city, told how he was able to reach his goals through strength he receives from Christ (Philippians 4:13).

Closing prayer and blessing followed the song "The Greatest Love" sung by Mrs. Theresa Singleton.

In the closing prayer by Pastor Dugas, persons present were given the opportunity to invite Jesus into their heart.

After the opening activities, participants enjoyed free hot dogs, chips, cookies and sodas.

Games (football, baseball, basketball and board games) were played for all to enjoy.

There was even a "Go-Cart," compliments of Mr. Cecil Wiltz, Jr. Our prayer is that this Community Picnic will be an annual event among many outreach ministries as we the members of Trinity CME Church support our pastor and his vision to make disciples of not only members but also many "Beyond the Four Walls" of the church.

Submitted by Trinity CME Church; Rev. Leslie Dugas, Jr., pastor; Board of Christian Education, Mrs. Theresa Singleton, president; Mrs. Joyous Landry, director of Christian Education.