The vaulted ceiling for this upcoming worship service is unlimited, and the welcome from the congregation plans to be just as large.

Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church (FVUMC) invites the entire community to an informal worship service this Sunday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The “Tailgate for Jesus: Family & Community Worship Service” and event offers community fellowship and fun on the lawn outside the church’s sanctuary at 100 S. Judd Parkway, SE in Fuquay-Varina.

After the 10 a.m. service organizers will also offer food, games and music throughout the day on the front lawn.

This service extends a welcome to all ages according to FVUMC Senior Pastor the Rev. Albert Shuler, “This is an opportunity to meet our neighbor,” Shuler said. “It has been noted the church is only the church when it knows ‘who are our neighbors now.’ We are mandated by the Gospel to reach beyond our lives as we seek to bring God’s Kingdom ‘here on earth as it is in heaven.’”

Organizers say that by inviting the community to share in worship, they hope that God’s love will be felt in abundance - with the sound of voices raised in song, in the preaching of the Word, the laughter of children playing on the grass, and in the conversations of all in attendance.

In many ways this event is typical of many fall gatherings, according to one event organizer and FVUMC Director or Music Ministries Jennifer Harrenstein. “As football season begins tailgating seems to be a really big deal in our area,” Harrenstein said. “We asked ourselves, why don’t we get just as excited or more excited about celebrating Jesus?”

“When we consider the amazing sacrifice He made for each of us and the tremendous blessing that we as believers receive when we put our trust in Him, it’s only fitting that we should make a big deal about celebrating and worshipping our God and Savior.” Harrenstein says the church’s vision is to SHARE God. “Hopefully, the excitement at this event will be contagious and will help to draw others to Him.”

By offering worship and family-friendly fellowship in the shadow of the church Harrenstein hopes the essence of Mission outreach will play out this Sunday. “I hope that anyone who feels like something is missing from their life will come and see that God offers hope to the hopeless, healing to the hurting and life abundant to all.”

Rev. Shuler wants this worship service and event to help spread God’s love beyond the church’s walls. “It is my hope that as we gather on this day on the front lawn of Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church, we have an opportunity to see just a glimpse of what God’s Kingdom truly looks like.”

In the event of rain the worship and other events will be moved inside the church.

For more information call the church office at 919-552-4331.