Grace Lutheran Church will host an Old Tyme Hymn Sing on Sunday night — an hour-long worship event to which the public is invited.

Featuring a multidenominational song selection, the sing-along starts at 5 p.m., according to Ben Kifer, pastor at Grace Lutheran. Last year, the church hosted the inaugural event to provide a different kind of activity for the church community, and bring those people together as one, Kifer said.

“It’s really to invite the community to share the gift of music, especially Christian music,” Kifer said. “It brings denominations together and focuses on the things we share in common. In the Christian community, it’s too easy to focus on differences in how we worship or little things we believe. The fact is, we’re all worshipping and praising God and his son Jesus. (The event) is about taking the barriers away between Christian believers and say, ‘Let’s focus on what we share in common.’”

Kifer said Annette Sipe, the church’s choir director, will lead the service and give a bit of history about the hymns, including their origins and how the songs relate to faith and scripture. The back-stories to the hymns are something the church feels will help attendees not only relate to each song but also share the inspiration behind each, Kifer said.

“We found through some research, knowing the story behind (a song) adds a whole layer of connection to the faith behind the words,” Kifer said.

But music will not be the only thing to unite attendees. Following the hymn sing, the church will host a picnic of hot dogs and ice cream. A variety of games will also be available, mostly for children.

“Anybody of any age is welcome to attend,” Kifer said. “We invite our community of Christian believers to come be with us and share this time in unity. Just come enjoy the singing, food and fellowship.”

Grace Lutheran Church is located at 1776 N. Market St. in Washington. The hymn sing will be held in the church’s fellowship hall at 5 p.m.