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Boardman egg hunt draws interest in Greater Life Church
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By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
BOARDMAN
Children clutched plastic pails, baskets, tote bags and plastic bags waiting for their chance to collect the more than 40,000 Easter eggs scattered on the lawn by the Maag Theatre in Boardman Park.
But the Greater Life Church Easter Eggstravaganza included more than an Easter egg hunt.
Bounce houses, games and food were part of Saturday’s event. There also was a live band, clowns, a skit and a gospel presentation.
“I was overwhelmed. I didn’t expect so much,” said Tami Sankey of Austintown. “It’s so well organized. And everybody’s so kind and gracious, and they want to talk to you. People are passing by and saying, ‘How are you?’ It’s really a good, warm feeling.”
Her daughter, Kaitlyn, 6, played with a balloon from her goody bag.
Every child attending the event received a goody bag filled with candy and balloons. Also, an Xbox and other items were raffled.
Kaitlyn also was excited to see the bounce house.
“I think it’s a wonderful event,” Sankey said.
Her son, Joey, 9, agreed.
“I’m going to try to take as [many eggs] as I can,” he said.
Kaitlyn said, “I’ll get infinity.”
Shelly Roessler and her children, Jada and Jonah Judy, thought attending the event would be a good way to learn more about Greater Life Church.
The event is very nice, Roessler said.
“It’s very impressive how they’re trying to reach out to the community,” she added. “I think it’s great. This is the kind of thing that will draw people to the Lord. It shows the love of Jesus. People are drawn to these kinds of displays of generosity and community.”
Jada, 8, wanted to help others with the egg hunt, as well as collect eggs for herself.
“I’m going to pretty much do both,” she said.
Both she and her brother, Jonah, 10, enjoyed an elephant-ear pastry.
Greater Life Church was founded by Pastor Keith Bruner and Emily Bruner earlier this year. The congregation meets at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at Boardman Glenwood Middle School.