By Greg Ellison

(Aug. 27, 2020) Looking to provide family-friendly entertainment options during the covid-19 pandemic, the Community Church at Ocean Pines has launched “Outdoor Movie Nights” on Fridays through the end of September.

Senior Pastor Rev. Dale Brown said after an earlier trial run the Community Church, at 11227 Racetrack Rd., presented “Toy Story” for a small group of socially distanced families last Friday.

“It’s just a way for us to say thank you and offering something fun for families to do,” he said. “There’s never any charge attached [but] if someone wanted to give something that’s fine.”

Movies are projected on a large screen situated on the back end of the church next to the playground area beginning at 8 p.m.

“We’re going to go through the end of September with the exception of Labor Day Weekend because there’s a lot of stuff going on,” he said.

The next cinematic selection is “The Polar Express” on Aug. 28, with additional films including “Courageous” on Sept. 11 and “Facing the Giants” on Sept. 18.

One more movie date is set for Sept. 25, although the screening selection has yet to be announced.

“We have to figure out a movie for that last week,” he said. “We’re hoping if the weather stays nice we can run into October.”

The no-cost event is open to the public with ample space outside on the lawn for social distancing.

Attendees are invited to bring chair, blankets, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

“It’s gone well. We wish obviously more people were there, but it’s really just a way for us of saying this is a gift to the community,” he said. “Just a word of thanks and an expression of our appreciation for the support from everybody.”