“Last Blast” is our outreach activity that celebrates both the kids going back to school and summer vacation coming to a close. We are in the early planning stages for this special event.

Some of you might remember the history of our “Block Party.” In 2007, a Neighborhood Block Party, “Firehouse” youth concert, one special service with potluck, and Doug’s first new “Kids Production” were all planned in conjunction with UMC Open House Month. On Thursday before the Saturday scheduled Block Party, we barely dodged Hurricane Humberto. We were left with no electricity at the church and in many areas of Orange County. God was good! In spite of the obstacles, the Block Party was held with 67 registered guests, 58 youth and 97 adults of the church taking part. A guest family later joined the church and is an active part of our membership. The concert had 97 in attendance, special service 224, and the production 87.

In 2008, Ike hit the weekend of the scheduled Block Party and cancelled it. However, a Cherie Kay Magic Show was rescheduled to be a part of “Trunk or Treat” with 44 guests and 127 members in attendance. 2009 brought RAIN and all activities were moved inside the Praise Center. We had a rather low attendance of 27 guests and 89 members.

At last in 2010 we got it right, changing the time to August, changing the name to “Last Blast,” and focusing on our community, especially the kids. Besides the blow-ups, games, Bingo, free food, etc., we had 21 community resource groups offering information on their services, socks/underwear giveaways, and more door prizes. 73 families registered and 110 church members helped plan, set-up/take-down, and work the activities.

With God’s help we’ll do it again this year. How can you help?

• By either purchasing socks/underwear (sizes pre-school to high school, boys or girls), or giving a monetary donation marked “socks/underwear” so that we can purchase them for you.
• By loaning a pop-up canopy for us to use that day.
• By HELPING us that day either inside or outside. All ages are welcome to participate. Just call the office at 409-886-7466 or contact Angela Abshire, Leighia Barron, Sarah Boehme, Allisha Bonneaux, Christy Day, Dina or Greg Defrates, Beverly or John Hanes, Danielle Heil, Ken Hillsten, Joy Hughes, Betty Merchant, Beverly Millsap, Tom Taliaferro, Ellen Wiemers, Ginger Williams, or Davie Thompson—committee members.