By CRISTINA JANNEY

Hays Post

Crosspoint Church of Hays will sponsor its eighth-annual community block party from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Big Creek Crossing.

Pastor Micah Sanderson said the event is a way to give back to the community.

Free food, inflatables, children activities, and a junk food walk–similar to a cake walk—will all be a part of the event.

The Hays Fire Department will be on hand with fire vehicles, and monster truck rides will be offered.

Thanks to local sponsors, $3,500 in prizes will be given away at the event, including a $250 gift certificate to either Walmart or Dillons that is sponsored by the church. Door prizes will be given away to both adults and children.

You must be present to win the door prizes, which will be awarded at the end of the evening at about 7 p.m.

A prayer tent will be set up for anyone who wishes a partner with whom to pray.

Some of the activities will be in the Big Creek Crossing parking lot, and some will be inside of the mall.

Sunday morning, Crosspoint invites the community back to the mall for a worship service at 11 a.m.

Crosspoint is one of 10 churches in a network across the state. It’s goal is to reach 10 percent of each community in which it has planted a church and 10 percent of the state of Kansas.

The church, 1300 Harvest Road, offers a contemporary service at 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays with nursery care and children’s church. Sanderson serves as the local pastor, but the sermons are offered through video from a teaching pastor, Andy Addis,  from the church’s Hutchinson site. The worship also includes live contemporary Christian music from a full band.

The church encourages casual attire and many church members wear jeans and T-shirts to services.

If you have any questions, call 785-625-5373, email [email protected] or visit the church’s website at www.crosspointnow.net