Getting together for 'No Regular Gathering'
The Grace Church Ministries group, NRG or "No Regular Gathering," hosted a fall movie night Saturday August 18 at Chester High School's W.O. Smith Football Field. The event was well attended and enjoyed by a diverse group of children and adults.
NRG was formed about a year ago by a group of young adults at Grace Church in Chester as a way to offer good socially acceptable activities to the community of Chester and the surrounding areas.
"We don't really have officers or an official management group for NRG, but there are several young adults that kind of serve as leaders for the group," said Pastor Ron Coleman. "Jeff Krieg and Brad Coleman sort of started the idea of having such a group and others followed and became involved in getting NRG going strong."
Jennifer King, co-owner and manager of Muddy River Coffee Shop in Chester, is actively involved in NRG and said the group is designed as a means of outreach to the community.
"When most of us grew up here in Chester there were a number of activities and events for kids and the community in general," King said. "We all remember those opportunities and wanted to give back to our community and help encourage Chester residents to get a desire to become a strong village in which to live and raise children."
The August NRG event had a football theme and was on the CHS football field. Everything that NRG does is usually free to participants. The movie, "The Blind Side" was free but refreshments were available at a minimal cost.
The Chester High School Band, Dance Team and Cheer Squad were on hand to create atmosphere to kick off the evening. The NRG concession stand was augmented by members of the CHS Drama Department and event participants were invited to sit on W.O. Smith Field and enjoy the movie, sitting on lawn chairs, blankets or in the bleachers. Many of the spectators walked around and just enjoyed the nice evening at CHS.
King served as master of ceremonies and began by thanking several individuals and groups that made the evening possible. King thanked the CHS Band, Dance Team and Cheerleaders for entertaining early in the evening. She also thanked Pepsi Mid America, Gilster Mary Lee Corporation, Ameren Illinois, the CHS Drama Department, and Dominos Pizza.
King has noted that most of the NRG events that are hosted throughout the year are free, but the group wanted to raise some money to donate to Chester High School in appreciation for the use of W.O. Smith Field.
The NRG held and 50/50 drawing during the event and sold concessions at a very affordable price. All together the event raised a total of $1,127 which will be donated to CHS.
At this year's Popeye Picnic, the NRG will have a booth offering women such items as hygiene products, diapers, and an opportunity to just sit and relax. There will be a changing station for baby needs and rocking chairs offering an opportunity to take a break from picnic routines.
King said NRG is open to all adults and that volunteers are always welcome to help at all events. For a closer look at NRG history and events interested parties can go the NRG Facebook page and review documentation of previous events.<object id="Extra Pictures" type="x-im/image" uuid="75950152-C192-4BE5-9547-867367822707"><links><link rel="self" type="x-im/image" uri="im://image/75950152-C192-4BE5-9547-867367822707.jpg" uuid="75950152-C192-4BE5-9547-867367822707"><data><title><![CDATA[