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There were high-fives, touchdown dances and celebratory cheers.
And, like many gatherings in America on Sunday afternoon, the fellowship hall at New Life Baptist Church was filled with its share of New England Patriots fans and New York Giants supporters – and a whole bunch of other people who didn’t fall into either camp.
“My Cowboys aren’t in there, so it doesn’t really matter,” Bishop A.R. Obey said with a chuckle.
About 60 people attended New Life’s Super Sunday Fellowship, a free event that was all about football, food, family and fun.
“When God brings a lot of Christians together, that’s part of following his word,” said Anthony McNeal, 29, of Olympia.
Organizers were careful not to associate the event with the words “Super Bowl,” saying that they had heard church viewing parties were somewhat controversial. Five years ago, an Indianapolis church canceled its Super Bowl Party after being told it was in violation of league copyright rules for charging admission to watch the game on a big screen TV and eat snacks.
“I guess they got in some type of legal situation,” associate pastor Craig Brown said. “We just want to make sure we’re on the right path.”
NFL officials have since clarified what churches need to do to stay within the law. According to Christian legal experts, churches have been advised not to charge admission; however, they can pass a donation plate around to collect money to help with costs. They’ve also been asked to use only projection equipment that they use the rest of the year and avoid the words “Super Bowl” and “NFL” when marketing their events.
And so, at New Life’s Super Sunday Fellowship, folks laughed at commercials, competed in a halftime touchdown dance contest and traded some good-hearted smack talk with each other. People wore jerseys from their favorite teams, even if those teams weren’t part of the big game.
“I’m not a football fan, but just to come out with my church family makes it exciting,” said Flossie Hollie, 60, of Olympia.
“I’m into the commercials – that’s the part I look forward to,” added her daughter Savannah Hollie, 25.
In addition to fun, the community event is one of several that the church hosts throughout the year in hopes of attracting new people to New Life, Brown said.
“It’s kind of a way to get them in the door,” he added. “They’re welcome to come here and celebrate with us. We just want them to know we’re here to help and support.”
Lisa Pemberton: 360-754-5433
lpemberton@theolympian.com
