On a warm August evening, the air was buzzing with excitement and the laughter of children echoed through the neighborhood around San Pablo Lutheran Church, who, in a joyous partnership with Bethel Lutheran Church of Alberta, Canada, brought the community together for an enjoyable family event. This remarkable collaboration, facilitated by Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM), transformed the second Friday of August into a day of fun, fellowship, and new friendships.

Bethel Lutheran Church generously provided the funds for a delicious feast featuring hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, drinks, and popsicles. They also rented a Dunking Booth that became an instant hit, drawing in both kids and adults eager to take a shot at soaking a volunteer! Meanwhile, San Pablo Lutheran Church took the lead in planning a host of exciting water games that guaranteed splashes of fun for everyone. Imagine this: over 1,000 water balloons flying, water blasters soaking friends and neighbors, lively relay races, and even a life-sized Twister game! With so many activities, there was never a dull moment.

The event was a wonderful success, with nearly 100 people from the community showing up, including many families from the nearby Kennedy Apartments, a Section 8 Housing Development next to the YLM campus. For many attendees, this was more than just a fun-filled evening; it was a chance to meet new people, form connections, and experience the warmth of a welcoming community, where members of San Pablo to connect with their neighbors, forging new relationships and strengthening community ties.

The positive energy from the event has left San Pablo inspired and eager for more outreach opportunities. The church is already buzzing with plans for a Fall Festival, where they’ll continue their mission of connecting with the community. With sweet treats, festive activities, and, most importantly, the love of Jesus at the heart of it all, this upcoming event promises to be just as special.

In a world that often feels disconnected, it’s moments like these that remind us of the power of coming together. Through fun and fellowship, San Pablo and Bethel Lutheran Churches have not only created a day to remember but also laid the foundation for a stronger, more united community. May God bless San Pablo with many more joyful gatherings in the future!