Missouri Church Gives Away Plane Rides, Ice Cream, and Oil Changes

The event, known as the "Angel Fly-In," was held at Clay County Regional Airport. It attracted a variety of small airplanes, including bush planes used for mission works, antique models still in use, experimental planes and private small planes.

Liberty Covenant gave more than 300 free airplane rides. People made donations to pay for gas. Radio remote control planes were also available for people to see. Eight bands, including the church's own worship band, provided entertainment. A kid's park with a moonwalk, petting zoo, and crafts, was a big hit.

Ed Pilewski, the chair of the church, owns a small aircraft company in Kansas City. He approached the Friends of Clay County Airport about helping host Liberty Covenant's "Angel Fly-In" and the county helped oversee the event and did publicity. The local Lion's Club hosted a breakfast at the airport. A lunch was provided by a couple of area businessmen who run "Two Guys and a Grill," a barbecue catering enterprise.

"It was a total blast," said pastor Glen Smith, who started the church in April 2001 after working more than two decades as an attorney. "We had two local television stations on site. And everything we asked for, people would say yes to. Whether or not it turns out to be an evangelistic tool remains to be seen. But it was a great bridge building tool and we've got hundreds of names that we can follow up on."

Liberty Springs Covenant Church, located 14 miles from Kansas City, has an average worship attendance of 114, said Smith. Its innovative methods have helped the congregation establish a positive rapport with Liberty residents. The congregation hosted a free oil change for single moms in July and a month earlier Liberty Covenant rented a van and distributed free ice cream. The church also tried an off-site vacation Bible school (VBS) program, traveling into various neighborhoods for sessions instead of hosting VBS at the church.

The church has also given ongoing practical assistance by using their gifts. A contingent of parishioners with construction skills is known as "The Home Team." They often are seen at area homes making simple repairs for those in need. The team is currently doing repairs for an African Methodist Episcopal congregation.

For more information about the church, call Smith at 816-415-4240 or email him at glensmith@libertysprings.org. The church website is www.libertysprings.org.

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