A Different Church Experience

When a few Christians in the Berks County area wanted a different kind of church experience they sought out to make it happen, and Encounter Church in Sinking Spring was born. Explains member and guest speaker Kristen Carder, “We believe the template of most church gatherings lean towards consumerism – where the participant can attend church, sit, listen and leave without truly engaging in the content or connecting with others. As a group, we are responding to that concern by faithfully conducting worship services that provide opportunities for people to engage with the Bible, with worship, with God and with each other in interactive and fun ways.” Carder says the services at Encounter are designed to help people listen, discuss, act, react and interact with the content through hands-on activities. Members meet Sunday evenings at 5pm, and those interested in learning more are welcome to visit. For more info visit encounterchurchberks.com

– NIKKI M. MURRY

ALL AGES: GET READY TO RUN

Ready, set – register! The Deena Andrus Memorial: Run For the Ages 10K Trail Chase is set for June 25 in Nolde Forest. The race is unique due to its age-graded start, meaning “older and younger runners get a head-start on the notoriously faster-aged runners in their late teens and early 20s,” says Race Director Donna Hey. It kicks off at 8:30am when fe ma le runners age 75 and older head out, followed by runners launched in age groups every 1-4 minutes with the last group of men ages 20-29 leaving at 9:05am. The overall winner is the first to cross the finish line. The race is named for Deena Andrus as she and her husband, Ted, were avid members of the Pagoda Pacers and fixtures in the local running community. Says Hey, “They lived very close to Nolde Forest and very much enjoyed running the trails there. When Deena passed suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 47, Ted wanted to honor her love of running and Nolde. He and their son, Mark, created the Run For the Ages in her honor with the proceeds split between the Pagoda Pacers and the Friends of Nolde.” Those interested in racing should register through the Pretzel City Sports website, pretzelcitysports.com – NIKKI M. MURRY

Head to French Creek State Park

Just across the Berks C o unty line is lovely French Creek State Park , the perfect spot to spend a beautiful May day. Consider these fun facts

1 . Nature Abounds.

Once an industrial complex, today French Creek State Park is an oasis for people and wildlife. Straddling the Schuylkill Highlands, the 7,730-acre park is the largest block of contiguous forest between Washington D.C. and New York City.

2. Stay Overnight.

Camping is available in many forms, including in modern cabins, camping cottages and even in yurts. Campsites are within easy access to shower and modern restroom facilities.

3. Fishing Fun.

There are 68 acres of fishing waters to navigate featuring species including Northern pike, Chain pickerel, Bass, Walleye, Muskellunge and Panfish. There is a fishing pier available for those individuals with disabilities in the day use area.

For more info visit dcnr.pa.gov/ stateparks/findapark/

One More Thing

Put on Your Fabulous Shoes. Grab your ticket for Wine, Women & Shoes to benefit Opportunity House set for May 18, 5:30-9pm at The DoubleTree by Hilton, Reading, and enjoy fantastic food, drinks and fundraising opportunities for a great cause. For more info visit winewomenandshoes.com/ event/opphouse.