True Light Church Baptist Brings Back-to-School Fun

True Light Church Baptist Brings Back-to-School Fun and Fellowship to the Grand Crossing Community

True Light Church Baptist hosted its annual community picnic on Sunday, August 23, following the worship service. The event took place in front of the church and in the adjacent parking lot, bringing together families and residents of the Greater Grand Crossing community for a day of fellowship, food, fun, and community outreach.

The event featured a game truck, a bouncy house for children, music provided by DJ TJ, free haircuts, and vendors offering back-to-school backpacks and other resources. Guests also enjoyed free food, including barbecue, tacos, hot dogs, chicken, and other refreshments.

Senior Pastor LaRue Kidd explained that the event has grown and evolved over the years. What began as a church picnic eventually became an opportunity for the church to step outside its walls and connect directly with the community.

True Light Church Baptist 2026 Picnic

“It evolved into Praise on the Porch,” Pastor Kidd shared. “We used to come outside and have church and then do this. Now, we have church inside and then come out and fellowship with the community.”

In addition to providing food and entertainment, the church incorporated a gentle approach to evangelism. Backpacks and school supplies included information about the church, including service times and a QR code, allowing families to learn more about True Light Church Baptist. Everything offered at the event was free, reinforcing the church’s commitment to being community-friendly and neighbor-friendly.

True Light Church Baptist is located at 7302 S. Maryland Avenue in Chicago.

The event also highlighted the church’s ongoing commitment to outreach and service. Pastor Kidd shared plans to continue expanding the church’s community efforts, including the development of a community garden where residents can participate and enjoy fresh produce. The church is currently testing its first garden, with tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, jalapeño peppers, okra, sweet potatoes, and strawberries among the crops being grown.

Community members expressed their appreciation for the event and the church’s dedication to local families.

Tangie Adams, who had previously attended another event at the church, said she felt compelled to return and support the community.

“I love that they are throwing this, inviting community members and pouring into the students of Chicago, making sure that they have what they need to have a successful school year,” Adams said.

True Light Baptist Church firmly demonstrates its dedication to faith, fellowship, and outreach through impactful events like its annual community picnic, effectively meeting the needs of the Greater Grand Crossing community.

True Light Church Baptist is located at 7302 S. Maryland Avenue in Chicago’s Greater Grand Crossing community. Church service is every Sunday at 9:30 AM.