By Larry Stover, pastor at Praise Park Ministries Church of the Nazarene in Valley Grande.

On April 13, 2014, Praise Park Ministries Church of the Nazarene will host the athletes and their families of Dallas County High School for their “3rd Annual DCHS Athletes Day Celebration.”

This is the one time of the year that the church will have all athletes present for a meal and a celebration. Athletes coming include those participating in football, basketball, baseball, softball, track, as well as cheerleaders and their families. All coaches, assistant coaches, and their families are also invited to attend.

Activities will begin at 9:30 AM. Our “Out of This World” breakfast buffet will be served until 10:30 AM.

It will include eggs, grits, sausage, bacon, sausage gravy, toast, biscuits, a wide variety of sweet delights, several kinds of juices, and a surprise or two. We appreciate the assistance of Dave’s Market in Valley Grande helping with the breakfast.

At 10:30 AM we will all gather together to celebrate the 2013-2014 athletic season. A highlight of the morning will be introducing the many athletes in attendance allowing them to mention the various athletic endeavors they pursue.

The ultimate highlight of the morning will be to introduce the State 4A Basketball Champions to the audience.

Our youth and young adult worship team from Praise Park will be in charge of the music for the morning.

They are all about “Modern Worship” that includes a wide variety of stringed instruments, drums, and vocalists. They will be enjoyed by all.

A guest speaker will be here to encourage those in attendance.

Last year was an exciting day for everyone. There were over 200 in attendance. It was an awesome celebration!

I want to say a special thanks to Willie Moore, the Athletic Director of DCHS, and his wife Linda for helping to coordinate this event.

We want to encourage all our coaches, athletes, cheerleaders, and their families to join us next Sunday for this special celebration.

It’s a small way for the church to say thank you to a host of area youth who enjoy being a part of the athletic program at Dallas County high School.

These athletes are some of the greatest kids we have in the Selma-Dallas County area.

There is no charge to attend. Anyone in the community that would like to spend the morning with DCHS students is invited as well.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact me at the church, 874-8041.