Come Together 2016 better than expected
Courtesy Photo - A young boys takes a break from the bouncy houses.
Courtesy Photo - Stella Besherse shared stories in the library with her friend Roscoe.
Courtesy Photo - Event the volunteers Carly Klemple and Kathy Oord were in a happy mood. They were responsible for the chili feed.
Courtesy Photo - A little boy takes a new toy he found in the “Free Room” for a spin.
Courtesy Photo - Teens and youths enjoyed table games in the youth activity room.
OTHELLO — Months of planning and preparations for a family celebration of the New Year came to a happy end at the Othello Church of the Nazarene on Saturday night.
Come Together 2016 was organized for people who wanted share the warmth and joy of the Christmas season and the hope a new year brings.
It turned out better than expected. Note the smiles in the accompanying photographs.
Othello resident Ori Gonzalez summed up what seemed to be a general consensus on the event when she said: “I think it’s pretty amazing.”
Many of the people who came said that they don’t regularly attend church. Aaron Perez of Othello said he’d never been to church before in his life. He added that somebody had come by the house a couple days prior and the family had decided to come.
“(It’s) nice to get out of the cold,” he said.
From 5-7 p.m., visitors were greeted to the free community event with a raffle sign-up, festive music and a variety of activities to choose from. Almost every available room in the church bustled with activity. Many people chose to come as a result of a personal invitation.
“They came and brought a flyer,” said Justin Mosby, who recently moved to Othello. “I think it’s great. There’s a little bit of something for everybody.”
Visitors were also welcomed with a photo booth hosted by Janice Baginski Photography. Janice personally did a ton of work for the event. DZ events provided outdoor lighting.
One room with full tables, twinkle lights and the smell of eucalyptus was designed as a “free room – if it will bless you or your family, please take it home.”
People went in and out throughout the night, some bringing out treasures such as sets of classic literature books, brand new baby items, and gently used toys.
Next door, pinochle and board games were played by young and old. Another room, hosted by the Nazarene Youth Group, was geared for teens, and those who visited were treated to junk food, Wii games, and a Saran Wrap game.
Children laughed, screamed and played in the bouncy houses that filled the chapel. Some made their way to the library, where a ventriloquist act led to giggling fits. Many children sported temporary tattoos and face painting.
A nursery hosted by ladies from Connell Baptist was available for toddlers and infants. At one end of the church, a party-decorated community room beckoned patrons with the aroma of homemade chili and cornbread.
Seated at a table in the community room, Othello resident Chelsea Barber explained why she decided to bring her 3-year-old son to enjoy the activities.
“There’s not many other community events,” she said. “This was available and family friendly…There’s a lot more than I expected.”
Outside of the Young Life-sponsored cake walk room, Anita Rodriguez paused to reflect about the event, saying, “I love it. I absolutely love it.”
Anita shared how close relatives were going through a painful situation. She had wanted to provide an outlet for her nephews, ages 4 and 7.
“It’s nice to be able to bring them out somewhere without alcohol,” she said.
Around 7 p.m., people emptied the rooms and entered the sanctuary. The Othello Christian Church played several songs. After music, approximately 20 community-donated raffle items were given away, including gift cards to Ace Hardware, Leprekon, and Walmart.
One boy grinned ear-to-ear when his ticket was drawn and he sat down with his prize, a remote-controlled toy provided by John Deere.
After the raffle, Pastor Eric Depew from the Nazarene Church introduced the speaker, world-traveling soccer coach, David Irby.
Irby encouraged listeners to consider the resolutions made each New Year, to recognize that God has designed and loves each person, and shared inspirational stories of hope in the midst of hard times. He ended his talk with an invitation for reflection and prayer.
At the end of the night, some visitors lingered in conversation with new friends, sharing hot chocolate and cookies, some children ran around with toys, parents held bags of chili and plates of cupcakes.
As the evening came to a close, event organizers and guests were talking about planning for similar events in 2017.
Mission accomplished: Everyone there shared the joy of the season.