Grace First Presbyterian Church, 3955 Studebaker Rd., Long Beach, is celebrating World Communion Sunday on Oct. 5 with a 10 a.m. service.
After the service, members and friends will present Aki Matsuri (Fall Festival) to celebrate the richness of autumn and to carry out the spirit of community and appreciation for the coming year. Members and friends will celebrate the diverse ethnicities of the congregation by having a potluck lunch. Each person attending can bring a dish to share based on their ethnic background.
Everyone attending the service will be directed at 11 a.m. by Aka Taru Taiko, using their drums to bring attention to the lunch in the Ministry Center.
One of the important programs during the festival will be presenting the Kimi Sugiyama Human Service Award to one or more individuals who show outstanding service and self-sacrifice to the community or the church. This award was established by Sugiyama’s family in 2002 to honor her memory.
Note: Regular Sunday services are at 9 and 11 a.m., with fellowship following each service in the Ministry Center. Families and children are welcome. The pastor is Rev. Marion Park.
For more information, call (562) 420-3393 or visit www.gracefirst.org.