Gateway Church and IMPACT Church are joining together to offer Worship in the Park on Friday, Sept. 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Parkesburg's Minch Park. The event will include a time of worship, music and baptisms.

IMPACT Church pastor Mike Bailey said that he and pastor Scott Feather from Gateway Church have been planning the outdoor event for about six months. "We were talking about the potential of doing something in the park, and conversations kept leading us to this idea of bringing the two teams together and pooling our resources," said Bailey. "We wanted to make something big and great and free to the community."

Activities will take place on the upper field at the park. "It is a BYOC - bring your own chair - event," noted Bailey.

Two flatbed trucks will be set up in the park that will serve as a stage. A live band composed of members from both churches will provide the worship music. "There are around 15 people in the worship band between the two churches," said Bailey, noting that the musicians have been practicing in advance of the event. "We have bass and electric guitars, keyboards and several vocalists."

"We will have projectors with a screen so people will be able follow along, and we will give out information on both churches," Bailey added. "Scott and I will be available to answer questions and to talk to people."

Also included will be a short message from the pastors, a time for prayer and baptisms. "We will have a portable (baptistry) out there, and both churches will be offering baptisms," Bailey said. "We already have a few people who have pre-signed up (to be baptized)."

The Keystone Valley Fire Department (KVFD) will assist with parking and traffic and will fill the baptistry.

Bailey said that Minch Park was chosen as the venue because of its central location. "It will be a great night with a lot of worship," Bailey said. "We are hoping the community will come over and see what is going on and stay for a while and meet some new people."

In addition to the upcoming outdoor worship event, IMPACT Church is currently collecting winter wear for its annual Coat Giveaway on Saturday, Oct. 21. Donations will be accepted in the church lobby through Sunday, Oct. 15. Items needed are new or gently used coats as well as gloves, mittens, scarves, hats and boots.

KVFD, 329 W. First Ave., Parkesburg, is also accepting winter wear through Sunday, Oct. 15. Donations can be placed in the box in the firehouse lobby.

Minch Park is located at 400 West St., Parkesburg. In the event of inclement weather, Worship in the Park will take place at Gateway Church, 160 Cowan Road, Parkesburg.

For more information about the outdoor worship and coat drive, visit http://www.impactpa.church and choose Events. Those who would like to register to be baptized may contact Bailey at mike@impactpa.church or complete a pre-baptism worksheet at https://gtwy.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1917478.