Bringing the Church to the Community

First Coventry Tailgate Party

Just before the 25-26 school year started, I had the joy of helping lead a new event we called Community Tailgate, and it was something truly special. It all started from conversations I had with Coach K, the new head football coach at Coventry. As our friendship grew, we started dreaming about ways to better serve the community—and the tailgate was one of those dreams that came to life.

We noticed there aren’t many opportunities for schools, churches, and local groups to come together just to enjoy each other and collaborate. So, we hosted the tailgate as a way to build community—good food, fun games, and a lot of great people. Movement Church joined us with popsicles, the football team and the band showed up, and youth sports teams from all over Coventry came out. There were inflatables, corn hole, basketball, and a playground full of laughter.

But it wasn’t just about fun. We collected school supplies through our “Stuff the Bus” campaign and hygiene items through the “Soap Game” scrimmage. The goal was to meet real needs in our area—while also creating a space where people could feel connected, supported, and loved

After the tailgate, Coach K invited me to pray with the team before the game. To my surprise, every coach and player from all three teams—Coventry, Rootstown, and Akron North—joined me at the 50-yard line. It was such a powerful, unplanned moment that reminded me why we’re here: to make Jesus known and reflect His love in tangible ways. I can’t wait to see what God does next.

Joseph Furno
Students Pastor