Bingo, yoga and an outdoor movie night are just some of the activities that will be featured at SPARK in the Park, a weekly program being offered this summer by Penningtonville Presbyterian Church. SPARK in the Park began on June 21, and it will meet every Wednesday through Aug. 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Atglen Community Park, 400 Ridge Ave., Atglen.

The event is open to the community, and it will feature activities and games for people of all ages. This is the second year that the church has offered the outdoor summer program.

Pastor Eric Dorville explained that the program was meant to be an offshoot of Midweek Encounter, which meets on Wednesday nights at the church from October through May. That program includes free dinner and programs for adults and youths. "The hope was to keep the momentum going through summer," Dorville said.

He emphasized that Midweek Encounter and SPARK in the Park are open to the community, not just church members. "One of the big (goals) of this church is to provide opportunities for the community to come together and be a blessing to other people," said Dorville.

An extra benefit is to introduce the church to those who are searching for a place to worship. "We want to make them feel comfortable coming to church because that can be the hardest part," Dorville noted.

During each SPARK program, a member of the church's outreach team will host the event. "We have a quick, informal prayer and give instructions for what is taking place," said Dorville, noting that the event was well attended in its inaugural session. "Last year, we had 'make your own birdhouses' for Eastern bluebirds, and we had 50 to 60 people (in attendance). The Community Band and bingo was also a big hit."

A new SPARK program this year will be Open Mic Night on July 12. Those who would like to perform are asked to register by emailing pastoreric@penningtonvillechurch.org. The deadline to register is Sunday, July 2.

"It is open to everybody - whether it is a singer, guitarist, spoken word (artist) or (people reading) poetry," Dorville noted.

Upcoming SPARK programs will include the following: July 5, kickball, soccer and wiffleball; July 19, bingo; July 26, yoga; Aug. 2, first aid and CPR course; Aug. 9, make you own terrarium; Aug. 16, water wars and obstacle course; and Aug. 23, Movie Night.

In the case of rain, some events may be moved inside the church. Cancellation information will be posted on the church's website and Facebook page. All events are free, but a freewill offering will be received.

Penningtonville Presbyterian Church is located at 406 Main St., Atglen. For more information, call 610-593-2173 or visit http://www.penningtonvillechurch.org or http://www.facebook.com/PenningtonvillePC.

Penningtonville Presbyterian Church is located at 406 Main St., Atglen. For more information, call 610-593-2173 or visit http://www.penningtonvillechurch.org or http://www.facebook.com/PenningtonvillePC.