All of the kids on the block are invited to the second annual city-wide Block Party for a Saturday afternoon of fun games, free food and maybe a positive lesson to be learned.

Churches from Selma, Valley Grande and Orrville will come together for the weekend of Feb. 16 under one name, Ekklesia, which is a Greek word meaning the body of Christ. Ekklesia is an opportunity for the youth of those churches to come together for a fun and safe discipleship weekend and then give back to the community by throwing a city-wide block party.

“This is the second year for the Block Party and it is similar to last year but it has really taken off and grown,” said Kristen Jones, an organizer for the event. “It’s a group of churches from different denominations and we all come together under the name of Ekklesia.”

Jones said some of the churches include Church Street United Methodist, First Baptist of Orrville, Christ the King C.E.C, First Baptist of Selma, Elkdale Baptist, First Presbyterian  of Selma and more.

“We would encourage the children and their families to come so that they can enjoy a safe and fun environment rooted in the love of Christ,” Jones said. “Hopefully those that take a part in this will see that they can make a difference right here in their own community.”

Jones said the event will begin at the Old National Guard Armory at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16 and continue throughout the afternoon. There will be face painting, a giant inflatable slide, cotton candy, games, crafts, free food and drinks, snow cones and even Bible lessons.

The event, for children grades kindergarten through sixth grade, will happen rain or shine either inside the armory or outside if there is good weather.

Jones said the event seeks to not only show love to those in the community who come to the party but also bring area believers closer together regardless of denomination.

“It’s just about everybody coming together and not worrying about what their background is,” Jones said. “But instead working with the same goal of making a positive difference in the community.”