Members of Linden Heights Baptist Church in Staunton are making plans for the fifth annual Praise in the Park.
The kickoff will be Sunday, July 1. Gospel concerts will continue every Tuesday night during July and August. The free concerts are held at the Gazebo at Gypsy Hill Park.
This year Praise in the Park will be day one of a four-day event held in conjunction with America's birthday celebration. Praise in the Park will begin at 3 p.m. and continue throughout the day.
“This is a family event,” said Karen Hall, publicity director. “There is fun for everyone of every age. We gather together to praise the Lord in a big way! There will be lots of great music, food, activities for the children under the large shade trees. Just bring a lawn chair and stay for the day.”
Thousands will gather on July 1 to hear the bands High Ground at 3 p.m., Heaven's Mountain at 5 p.m., The Coachmen at 6 p.m. and The Mike Bowling Group at 7:30 p.m.
Mike and Kelly Bowling received six nominations for the 2007 Southern Gospel News Music Awards. The group consists of Mike Bowling, his wife Kelly Bowling, and newcomer Jeff Snyder, along with pianist Roy Collett.
Rich in family harmony, original instrumentation, and innovative songwriting, The Coachmen have built up a sizeable following throughout the state of Virginia with their down-home melodies. Armed with a roster of talent with roots in southern gospel, country and pop, the group refers to its sound as a country/Americana influenced style of gospel and positive, middle-of-the-road music. The group is headquartered in Staunton.
“Praise in the Park outreach ministry was begun by Linden Heights as a way to bring folks from the Shenandoah Valley and our neighboring communities together to worship God and extend our love to the unsaved community,” said Hall. “Churches will set up displays telling about their ministries and missions and folks can sign the large prayer wall that will be a part of the event all summer long.
“Plan your vacation around July 1 and stay for all four days. There will be parades, shows, fireworks and much more!”
For more information about the events, contact the church at (540) 886-1136.
Special to the Herald