Second annual Praise in the Park even bigger and better this year
BAINBRIDGE – The second annual Praise in the Park Christian Music Festival is slated to begin at 4 p.m., July 27 and will continue through July 28 at the General Clinton Park, Route 7, Bainbridge.
According to Pastor Gary Kubitz of the Afton United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church of Bainbridge, last year’s event was small - with some local Christian bands and a few vendors.
Said Kubitz, “At the end of the event last year, the feedback we received was very positive, and people encouraged us to make the event bigger and better, so we are doing just that.”
The churches Kubitz serves began to explore different methods of reaching out to the community in both mission and service. Kubitz said the discussions held began as a means to do some fundraising, but said God had other plans. One of the members of the congregation suggested organizing and holding a music festival, and while Kubitz thought it was a great idea, he said he expressed concerns regarding size - thinking it might be a little big for the size of the churches.
“I thought of those first disciples who had much more to lose than we do by stepping out and taking a risk, and I encouraged the group to explore the idea further,” stated Kubitz, who added the group stepped away from the fundraiser idea and opted for ministry and outreach.
Added Kubitz, “As I reflect on our growth, I am reminded of a statement that is familiar to most United Methodists, ‘Open minds, open hearts, open doors.’ In our American society today, we tend to think about this from the inside out. We think that because our doors are open, people are going to come on in. Sometimes we forget that the doors are open so that we can go out.”
He said with the Praise in the Park festival the members of the group are doing just that: leaving the building they call the church and opting to “be the church.”
The theme of this year’s event is “Tell Your Story.” As his ministry grows, Kubitz said they hope to tell God’s story through their own experiences, music and fellowship. He added the event is for both lifelong Christians as well as those who are curious about Jesus.
This second year of Praise in the Park will once again feature local musicians from the Southern Tier, with the addition of some nationally known Christian artists.
Riverside Confession will kick-off the music at 4 p.m. on July 27. Shortly after, at 6 p.m., nationally known artist Tyrus Morgan - who does work with Compassion International - will take the stage.
According to Kubitz, karaoke will begin at 7:30 p.m. that evening, and a campfire is set to start around 8 p.m. with singing and s’mores.
“The neat thing about having the event in the park,” Kubitz said, “is that campsites are available to rent for the event.” Each campsite is able to hold up to three large tents, or a camper and a tent or two. Campsites cost $21, the fee the town charges, and reservations must be made by 3 p.m. Friday, July 26.
Added Kubitz, “It would be perfect for families or youth groups that would like to stay overnight and join in the campfire and fellowship that promises to be a lot of fun.”
There will be a host of family events to go along with the music on Sunday, said Kubitz. There will be food available for purchase throughout the day, starting with breakfast. A pulled pork dinner will be available after the conclusion of the worship service. In addition, he said craft vendors will be on the grounds Sunday, July 28. That day’s events will begin at 10 a.m. in the park with a worship service, he added.
The bands performing at this year’s Praise in the Park include: New Appalachia Blue Grass Gospel Band, Three Crosses Bare, Ten Days, Riverside Confession, Tyrus Morgan and event headliner Scott Krippayne. Krippayne’s headlining performance is slated for 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 28.
“We encourage people to come out and join us for Praise in the Park,” he added. “Bring a lawn chair or blanket and stay for a short time, or all day.”
For further information on Praise in the Park email Pastor Gary Kubitz at aftonbainbridgeumc@yahoo.com.
According to Pastor Gary Kubitz of the Afton United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church of Bainbridge, last year’s event was small - with some local Christian bands and a few vendors.
Said Kubitz, “At the end of the event last year, the feedback we received was very positive, and people encouraged us to make the event bigger and better, so we are doing just that.”
The churches Kubitz serves began to explore different methods of reaching out to the community in both mission and service. Kubitz said the discussions held began as a means to do some fundraising, but said God had other plans. One of the members of the congregation suggested organizing and holding a music festival, and while Kubitz thought it was a great idea, he said he expressed concerns regarding size - thinking it might be a little big for the size of the churches.
“I thought of those first disciples who had much more to lose than we do by stepping out and taking a risk, and I encouraged the group to explore the idea further,” stated Kubitz, who added the group stepped away from the fundraiser idea and opted for ministry and outreach.
Added Kubitz, “As I reflect on our growth, I am reminded of a statement that is familiar to most United Methodists, ‘Open minds, open hearts, open doors.’ In our American society today, we tend to think about this from the inside out. We think that because our doors are open, people are going to come on in. Sometimes we forget that the doors are open so that we can go out.”
He said with the Praise in the Park festival the members of the group are doing just that: leaving the building they call the church and opting to “be the church.”
The theme of this year’s event is “Tell Your Story.” As his ministry grows, Kubitz said they hope to tell God’s story through their own experiences, music and fellowship. He added the event is for both lifelong Christians as well as those who are curious about Jesus.
This second year of Praise in the Park will once again feature local musicians from the Southern Tier, with the addition of some nationally known Christian artists.
Riverside Confession will kick-off the music at 4 p.m. on July 27. Shortly after, at 6 p.m., nationally known artist Tyrus Morgan - who does work with Compassion International - will take the stage.
According to Kubitz, karaoke will begin at 7:30 p.m. that evening, and a campfire is set to start around 8 p.m. with singing and s’mores.
“The neat thing about having the event in the park,” Kubitz said, “is that campsites are available to rent for the event.” Each campsite is able to hold up to three large tents, or a camper and a tent or two. Campsites cost $21, the fee the town charges, and reservations must be made by 3 p.m. Friday, July 26.
Added Kubitz, “It would be perfect for families or youth groups that would like to stay overnight and join in the campfire and fellowship that promises to be a lot of fun.”
There will be a host of family events to go along with the music on Sunday, said Kubitz. There will be food available for purchase throughout the day, starting with breakfast. A pulled pork dinner will be available after the conclusion of the worship service. In addition, he said craft vendors will be on the grounds Sunday, July 28. That day’s events will begin at 10 a.m. in the park with a worship service, he added.
The bands performing at this year’s Praise in the Park include: New Appalachia Blue Grass Gospel Band, Three Crosses Bare, Ten Days, Riverside Confession, Tyrus Morgan and event headliner Scott Krippayne. Krippayne’s headlining performance is slated for 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 28.
“We encourage people to come out and join us for Praise in the Park,” he added. “Bring a lawn chair or blanket and stay for a short time, or all day.”
For further information on Praise in the Park email Pastor Gary Kubitz at aftonbainbridgeumc@yahoo.com.
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