From left, Kristen Weidner, childrens director; Chris Marshall, lead pastor; and Karen Schiebel, outreach coordinator at New Life Christian Ministries in Clinton Township show off the space age art of the church's children and youth center.

CLINTON TWP — Visitors to the New Life Christian Ministries, 139 Knoch Road, for its upcoming July 3 fireworks show will notice a little less room to spread a blanket or set up a lawn chair. That's because New Life has added a 22,000-square-foot, three-story children and youth building to the 20-acre property.

Still, said Chris Marshall, the lead pastor at New Life, the church will stage it's third free fireworks show for the community July 3. The grounds open at 8 p.m.

Marshall said, “This is the third year for the show. The first year we had an amazing response, and last year was even bigger.

“And we thought it was something the community really needs and we thought we would do it,” Marshall said.

Marshall said last year, New Life had 1,200 people on site and another estimated 1,800 along roads, at Knoch High School or on neighboring property.

This year, Marshall said, “The program will be choreographed to music presented via the speakers on the property.

“It will be a mixture of contemporary music, oldies and patriotic music,” said Karen Schiebel, the New Life outreach coordinator.

Schiebel added that like last year's fireworks show, the church will provide free popcorn and water and there will be a giveaway for the children.

Marshall said, “The first year we did it as an anniversary celebration for the church and to show our appreciation for what we have as Americans.

“There was nothing like this in the Saxonburg area and the people responded right away,” Marshall said.

“While it is alcohol- and drug-free, we do ask people to bring their blankets and lawn chairs because there is a little less grass to sit on,” he said.

That's because New Life has been constructing its new child and youth center since last fall.

Kristen Weidner, the children's director, said, “It's called The Galaxy. The halls have been painted to look like a spacecraft. There are planets on the wall.“The whole idea is to make children feel safe and loved so they can learn about Jesus and want to come back next week,” said Weidner.The outer space decor serves another purpose she added.“My goal is to attract older boys. If you can attract fifth-grade boys, you can attract all the kids,” Weidner said.Marshall said The Galaxy, due for completion in September, has its own worship center, a nursery, sensory room for special-needs students, youth and children's classrooms, a games room and room to expand.Marshall said, “It will greatly expand our ability to do Christian education for all ages.”Right now, Marshall estimated the church draws between 130 and 140 children a weekend, and the center has the capacity for accommodating many more.But for now, he said, visitors for the July 3 sky show should be a little patient in coming and going from the church property.Also, Marshall said, “We have wonderful neighbors around us. The fireworks will have an impact on them.“We ask that people be considerate of neighbors' property,” Marshall said.Although, Schiebel said, “We have cleanup team and last year the mess was minimal. People took their garbage with them. This is a great community event. “

New Life Ministries childrens director Kristen Weidner, left, and outreach director Karen Schiebel show off some of the characters that will populate The galaxy when the church's new children and youth center is completed later this year.