THE BALLOON MAN

Church to host circus Sunday, April 17, 2011

Staff Reports

Covenant Church United Methodist will host the Zerbini Family Circus April 29 and 30. This is the fifth year the circus has entertained at the church. The one-ring circus includes acrobats, live animals, clowns and a dog show. Animals include camels, buffalo and an alligator. The church’s youth group has raised between $2,500 and $5,000 at prior events. It receives 50 percent of advanced ticket sales and 20 percent of at-the-door sales. The Youth Ministry will use proceeds for mission and service work this summer. The middle school group will go to Asheville to participate in home-repair projects, such as painting and installing roofs, windows and doors. The senior high school group will work with Four Corners Native American Ministry in Shiprock, N.M., on the Navajo Reservation. They will also participate in home repair projects. The experience will teach the youths how those less fortunate than themselves live around the world. “We want them to live what Jesus told us to do — to love God and love each other,” Youth Minister Kirk LeJeune said. “We’re also planting seeds and hoping that when they become adults, service and mission will become a way of life.” The church also hopes local businesses and individuals will buy and donate tickets so children who may not otherwise be able to attend can visit the circus. The church will give donated tickets to low-income schools, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Club. The circus will be at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. April 29 and 10 a.m. April 30. The 10 a.m. shows are $5 in advance or $7 at the door. The 7 p.m. show April 29 is $7 in advance or $9 at the door. Children younger than 3 are admitted free with a paying adult. All shows will be at the church, 1526 Skeet Club Road, High Point. For more information or to buy tickets, call the church office at 841-3242 or email Tonja