ALL THE PRAISE. Five area churches take part in weekly outdoor worship event at Phoenix Park, a program that began seven years ago.

Seven years ago, Contemporary Worship Coordinator Jim Seipel and the congregation at Eau Claire’s Spirit Lutheran Church created a weekly summer outreach program for the community to enjoy Christian music, inspirational messages, and more. Now, several churches and hundreds of community members take part in Praise in the Park.

Good Shepherd, Immanuel, Trinity, and University Lutheran churches have joined the Praise in the Park effort and event, with all five churches rotating as host of the casual hour-long worship and music event on the Labyrinth at Phoenix Park. 

These free services draw 200-400 people every Sunday. And each week, freewill donations from attendees benefit a different Chippewa Valley nonprofit.

Seipel still works with Praise in the Park and said he most enjoys the camaraderie at the long-running event: “Seeing people of all ages and backgrounds enjoying beautiful Wisconsin mornings, meeting new acquaintances, and catching up with old friends is quite uplifting."

Praise in the Park is held at 10am every Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day at the Phoenix Park Labyrinth. Everyone is welcome to attend – and encouraged to sing along (song sheets are provided!). The Brewing Projekt (1807 N. Oxford Ave.) serves as the alternate location in case of rain.

Follow and find updates on Praise in the Park on Facebook, held in Phoenix Park’s labyrinth (330 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire).