By By JAMES COLLINS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- Community outreach, religion and fun were all found at the Michiana Christian Embassy's annual block party on Wednesday afternoon.
The event, which was held in the lot on the corner of Cass and Ninth Streets in Niles, was a celebration in conjunction with the church's vacation bible school.
More than 100 children and adults came out to enjoy the party, which featured free food, carnival style games and activities, a health screening table and music.
The bible school is being held at the same location under the large white and yellow striped tent all week long. The theme is Christians in Action.
Michiana Christian Embassy children's pastor Mike Pysklo said the aim of the bible school is to show the children what it means to be a Christian.
He said the church has been holding the bible school parties for a long time, but they just recently turned into block parties that are held outside in the community.
The party was open to everyone and was attended by children from the bible school and children from the neighborhood.
In addition to providing a fun and safe way to spend an afternoon, Pysklo said they also try to reach out to some of the community members who may not attend church.
Michiana Christian Embassy Pastor Jeff Whittaker agreed the block party is a great opportunity to show people the love of God.
Children were rewarded with prizes for participating in games like a blindfolded treasure hunt, an obstacle course and a ring toss.
There was also a popular table set up for "disguises," which included face painting, hair braiding and colorful hair spray. For the adults in attendance, there was a free health screening table set up for checks on blood pressure, cholesterol and vision.
Dr. Dan Joyce, of the Lakeland Emergency Room, and Barbara DeLong, Lakeland's manager for health enhancement, volunteered their afternoons to lend a hand to the community. Lakeland's Dr. Booker Morris also came out to help earlier in the day.
DeLong brought in a cholesterol screening machine to provide the adults with a free test that would normally cost about $25.
Joyce, who is also a member of the Michiana Christian Embassy, estimated more than 30 people stopped by for check-ups throughout the afternoon.
The party wrapped up around 8 p.m. with music from the church's youth choir, the Boys and Girls Missionary Crusade, and the adult choir, Joyful Noize.