On the front lawn of the church, tables and tents were set up for the various activities going on at this event. For the first time in 10 years, First Presbyterian Church in Levittown held a Rally Day on Sunday, Sept. 15.
“A rally day traditionally is when the churches rally together for the start of the Christian education year,” said Reverend Terri Cissé. “We’re using it to rally for the Sunday school Christian classes that begin next week.”
Sunday school classes start on Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. and the program is available for children in Kindergarten through sixth grade. At Rally Day, there was a table for members of the community to sign their children up for Sunday school.
“I wanted to get a word out into the community that our doors are open and we would like to welcome anyone that is looking for a church,” said Cissé. “I am a new pastor here so I wanted to get a chance to meet the community as well.”
Upbeat music was playing and a DJ was setting up games for the children. There was a magic show, tours of the church, clowns, cupcakes, hot dogs, and even a “mad scientist” table where fun experiments were set up.
“I’m thankful for the members of the community who came and donated their services,” said Cissé. “Everything here was donated, from the food to the DJ, just because they wanted to help support the community.”
Helping out with the bake sale at the event was Boy Scout Troop 323. The troop helped sell baked goods for the price of one dollar for each item.
First Presbyterian Church is the troop’s charter organization according to Scoutmaster Kenny Bacotti. “All the money that is made at the bake sale is going to the church,” he said.
One Boy Scout member of Troop 323, Sean Murphy, is currently working on his Eagle Scout project for the church. Murphy plans to make a peace garden in the rear of the church area. “The peace garden is being made in memory of the members of the church who have passed away,” said Murphy.
Diane Madden, who is running for Hempstead town council spoke to the members of the church at Rally Day. Providing that she gets elected, Levittown would be her district. “I think it’s very important to get inside of the district and let them know what you stand for,” she said.
Madden also commented on how impressed she was with the event, “It is amazing how many times I’ve simply driven past this church and not really realized what a warm and welcoming place this is,” she said. “It is so important for people to get involved in their local churches and enrich the community that way.”
