There is still time for the community to enjoy the free SPARK in the Park summer program, which is offered by Penningtonville Presbyterian Church on the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Atglen Community Park, 400 Ridge Ave., Atglen. The final SPARK in the Park events for the season will be held on Aug. 6 and Sept. 3.

SPARK in the Park began in June with bingo, followed by a "Splash Down at the Park" event in July. "We had a water slide in July, and we had well over 100 people - kids and families," said congregation member Pat Softchin, SPARK program coordinator. "August will be open mic."

All performers are welcome, including singers, dancers and those who play the guitar and other instruments. No registration is necessary, with the exception of those who need special equipment, such as music stands or multiple microphones. "We will start at 7 p.m., and if we have enough acts, we will go way past the hour," said Softchin.

Past acts have included a drummer and guitar players. "We've had individual singers and duets," Softchin pointed out. "We have had all different musical genres and people of all ages. Last year, we had a 4-year-old sing a Disney song."

On Sept. 3, attendees will be able to paint a picture and take it home with them. "A local artist will do a demonstration. I will have limited materials like watercolors and pastels," said Softchin.

SPARK in the Park is open to everyone, not just church members. "It's a community outreach," Softchin added.

SPARK in the Park began in 2022. The program was designed be an offshoot of Midweek Encounter, which meets on Wednesday nights at the church from September through May. That program includes a children's ministry at 5 p.m. and a free open table dinner at 6 p.m. This year, Midweek Encounter will begin on Sept. 10.

"We have a children's service from 5 to 6:15 p.m. and that is when we provide dinner," Softchin explained. "If the children decide to stay, we have children's choir practice from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m."

Programming is also offered for adults. "In the past, we have done the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace (program) and a Women of the Bible (study)," noted Softchin. "We don't have a specific Bible study, but we do rotate themes."

Midweek Encounter is held in place of traditional Sunday school. "Our church was formed to accommodate the children in the community for Sunday school. With COVID, we did away with Sunday school, so we tried to get back to a Sunday school module (with Midweek Encounter)," Softchin stated. "We are approaching our 175th anniversary in 2026, so serving children (is still a priority)."

Penningtonville Presbyterian Church is located at 406 Main St., Atglen. For more information, call 610-593-2173 or visit www.penningtonvillechurch.org or http://www.facebook.com/PenningtonvillePC. In the case of rain, cancellation information about SPARK in the Park will be posted on the church's website and Facebook page.