On Saturday, April 21, pastors and leaders gathered from numerous churches to learn how to conduct block parties.   Since August 2007 many block parties have been conducted for new church plants and churches across the association.   For all the contents, protocol, training videos, and more see www.wisconsinbaptist.org and go to our resources link to find all the information you need about the block party trailer.

Our churches are encouraged to go ahead and schedule their dates for the summer.   You can find the schedule online and make your reservation.   The cost of using the trailer is $150 with a refundable $50 deposit.   Please note the block party trailer is rented out on a first come, first serve basis so please make efforts to send in your application and fee soon.

Testimonies were also given by Paul Fries and Bob Turner who have used block parties for several years.  Both shared how God has used block parties in their communities over the past few years.   Blue River Valley Church and Heartland Church in Muscoda have used block parties at the Morel Mushroom Festival and Family Day at a nursing home.    River of Life Church in Portage has used block parties for their Harvest Party and as a way to serve the community with no strings attached.

Bob and Paul both noted that block parties actually have many benefits.   Church members work as a team to serve at a block party.   Many church members get to know each other  for the first time.    Many contacts are made in the community as the church goes beyond their walls.   Our prayer as an association this year  in 2012 is that our churches will take advantage of this tool to share the gospel and Jesus’ love through the ministry of block parties.