Since 1889, St. John Baptist Church has figured prominently in the spiritual and cultural life of the community. That work continued Saturday, as the church opened its doors and its arms to all everyone for a 127^th anniversary celebration.

While “Bible Fest” featured games, food and an opportunity to meet one’s neighbors, it had a deeper purpose rooted in faith, Christian values and reaching out to help others, according to Vee Norfleet, who helped organize the event.

“We wanted to do something as outreach. We have a lot of economically disadvantaged members in our church, so we are familiar with the issues,” Norfleet said.

The issues and how to help are ongoing conversation within the church — a conversation led by the Rev. William Whitehead Sr., she said.

“He talks to us a lot about how we impact our world,” Norfleet said. “With everything that’s going on these days, instead of us feeling angry and feeling useless, we wanted to figure out how we could help in our community.”

One way to help was to bring people together. As the church’s 127^th anniversary approached, organizers such as Shirley Singleton, Gladys Clark and Norfleet began planning Bible Fest, then issuing an open invitation to the event. They also made a point of inviting Washington Police and Fire Services personnel to the event, who arrived with ambulance and fire truck for touring, to forge a more personal, positive connection with first responders. Norfleet said that black churches historically have played an important role in times of unrest, and it is that model that St. John Missionary Baptist Church is looking to when reaching out to the larger community.

“We want them to know that even though there are bad things happening, that it’s not representative of everyone,” Norfleet said.

One of those enjoying Bible Fest was Quayvon Ebron, who at 14 years old is a minister at St. John. For Quayvon, the event was about fellowship.

“It’s getting to know each other — people we didn’t know; churches coming out in the community,” Ebron said. “And it’s lots of fun for the kids.”

With games such as “Duck the Devil” and “Feeding Noah’s Animals,” children had the chance to win St. John “dollars” to buy prizes at the prize table. By far, the most popular game came in the form of a costumed Roman soldier randomly imprisoning children in a cardboard cutout jail, Norfleet said. To get out of jail, captives either needed to pay a forfeit in St. John currency or recite a Bible verse.

“You can have fun in the Lord,” Norfleet said.

Norfleet said the fun and games also were educational, as children collecting St. John dollars had to count their money and make decisions about what prizes to purchase. If they came up short with their prize money, they were instructed to go out and earn more.

“That’s real-world right there,” she laughed.

Norfleet said Bible Fest organizers were overwhelmed by the support from the business community, and the success of the first year brings hopes of having a Bible Fest on future anniversaries.

“It’s all about Christian values in the real world,” she said.