The Estevan Alliance Church welcomed families and community members back on Sunday with their annual kickoff barbecue, marking both the start of a new school year and a new ministry season.
Pastor Randy Smith said the event is all about reconnecting after a busy summer. “After everyone scatters for summer, everybody comes back and we have a big kickoff and a barbecue just to celebrate the beginning of the new school year, but also our new ministry year,” he explained.
The celebration brought together a large crowd, with food, fellowship, and activities for all ages. Children enjoyed bouncing castles and games, while parents and other adults had the chance to visit, reconnect, and strengthen community ties. Smith said it was as much about building friendships as it was about celebrating the new season ahead.
Along with the kickoff, the church is preparing to launch a full lineup of fall programming. Smith said activities are planned “from cradle to seniors,” ensuring that people of all ages have opportunities to connect. Seniors’ Bible study begins Tuesday, men’s Bible study meets early on Friday mornings at 6:30, and a ladies’ study is set to begin on Thursday. Youth gatherings will kick off at the end of the month, with weekly events every Friday night starting September 27.
For Smith, the message behind it all is simple. “God loves them and we love them,” he said, adding that the church’s events are designed to strengthen both faith and fellowship within the Estevan community.