By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL / Staff Writer

Spring is in the air, and as temperatures warm for the approaching season, plans for outdoor activities are marking Chilton County calendars.

Scheduled for the first week of spring is New Life Community Church’s “Sunday at the Big Top” carnival event, set for March 18 at the church.

Activities include inflatables, carnival-themed games, prizes, candy, a petting zoo and carnival snacks such as popcorn and cotton candy. Water will also be provided.

“It’s basically a regular service, but it’s a way for us to be able to reach out to the community and offer something a little more — a little fun day for the family,” Keri Stallings of New Life said. “But at the same time, it’s them being able to receive the word of God.”

Service times are 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Services will explore “Famous Last Words,” which is the church’s current sermon series on Jesus Christ’s last words on the cross.

Admission is free but requires wristbands for access to events. Wristbands can be acquired by attending the service.

Children can attend New Life Kids children’s church.

“During each service, we will have a one-family giveaway, so that’s going to be exciting and fun, and it’s going to be well worth attending that day,” Stallings said.

The giveaway is a family fun pack, Stallings said. The surprise location will be announced during the service.

“We would just like to encourage the community… to continue to reach out to those who are broken, who are lost, those who feel like there’s a little something more out there — they just haven’t found it yet — and to those who need a fresh start,” Stallings said.

“We’re here for anybody who wants to walk in our doors, and it doesn’t matter your background, where you came from or where you are currently,” she said. “We’re open, and we welcome you here.”

New Life Community Church is currently located at 1618 Seventh St. N. in Clanton.

For more information, call the church office at (205) 755-6485 or check out the New Life Community Church Facebook page.