All community praise & worship event to be at Imperial city park
A musical and inspirational event will be held at Imperial’s Campbell Park early next month from noon to 4 p.m.
“Worship in the Park” will be a free event for everyone from communities in the extended area.
The theme for the gathering is “One God-One Family.”
This will be a benefit to raise funds for the Imperial Ministerial Alliance with a freewill offering for their fund to help in situations within the community.
Hosting this event will be Crossroads Wesleyan Church.
Organizers are Halley DeBusk and Sarah Martin, praise and worship leaders from CWC, and Andrew Wiest as technology coordinator.
A similar gathering was held several times in the past at various locations but was previously coordinated by volunteer worship teams and churches connected with the local Ministerial Alliance.
“The goal this time is to involve any and all people from other communities and churches who want to worship God openly—breaking denominational barriers, as well as individuals who are yet seeking a relationship with God,” said Martin.
Multiple worship teams and individuals from area churches in Nebraska and northeast Colorado will be providing praise and worship music. Pastors will share brief messages of hope and encouragement, said DeBusk.
More than just music, there will be grilled hamburgers, chips, drinks and desserts provided beginning at noon and continuing during performances, DeBusk added.
This is a family event and there will be games and face painting for the kids and young at heart, Martin said.
Special guests
Also attending the event and sharing her talent will be local trumpeter Makayla DaMoude.
DaMoude began playing trumpet at age 11 years old and played TAPS at military funerals. By age 12, she was involved in TAPS Across America and was the youngest member in the U.S.
DaMoude participated in the 150 year anniversary of TAPS in Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia, TAPS’ birthplace.
She has played for numerous military funerals, honor services, military dedication services in Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado. Each year she plays TAPS for Memorial Day in Madrid, Elsie and Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell.
She has played for two and three star generals, and this past year, she played TAPS for a four star general in Washington D.C.
The other special guest who will be attending the worship event is singer-songwriter Ginger ten Bensel from Cambridge.
ten Bensel has written songs with hit songwriters and recorded at the Sony Music Publishing studios in Nashville, Tennessee.
She has opened for Chuck Berry and Clint Black, sang at multiple Nebraska governors’ inaugural balls and two U.S. presidents.
Her songs range from country to Christian, often focusing on her home state of Nebraska.
“We are hoping this will be the beginning of an annual event for the surrounding communities,” Martin said. “All are welcome to come enjoy the day,” she added.
“This will be a time to take a break from busy days and spend time with family and worshiping God,” said CWC Pastor Brian Boisselle.
Any one who would like to share their talent at this Christian event can contact DeBusk at 540-435-1665, Martin at 308-883-2189 or Pastor Boisselle at 850-691-9418.
All attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. The park is located at 540 West 7th Street.