Water’s Edge Church hosts over 100 local youth at fifth quarter

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Oftentimes it is the simplest things in life that have the greatest impact on the masses. One doesn’t have to look any further than Water’s Edge Church to find a perfect example of that right in Henning’s own backyard.

The fifth quarter, or more accurately dubbed the seventh quarter this year, was held on Friday, Sept. 6 with over 110 people attending the night of games, food and relaxing after the football game following Otter Tail Central’s double overtime win against Underwood. This is the third year that the Water’s Edge Church has hosted an after hours gathering for local youth and the activity continues to grow each year.

“The first time was in 2022 and that was right before I got here,” said Water’s Edge Pastor Andrew Lynch. “It was in a period of time where they were brainstorming—we have this desire as a church to be outward focused and do things that the community wants to do.” 

The end result, an after football game gathering for local students to relax and play games in a safe and fun environment. This past year there was nine square, plastic ax throwing and the gym was open. Those who attended also had the opportunity to eat hamburgers, enjoy an ice cream bar and more. 

“It’s a pretty simple concept, but it turns out it was a hit,” said Lynch. “It’s just a fun, safe activity that they would enjoy.”

This past year the church hosted over 100 youth from Henning, Battle Lake and Underwood. Lynch said it was great to see so many local youth gather together for burgers and games following a football game in Henning. He said the event is made possible by all of the volunteers who donate their time to keep the activity free for everyone who wants to attend. The church is so committed to continuing the event, at least once each fall, that Lynch said funding for the fifth quarter is in the Water’s Edge church budget.

“People are surprised about how high of a priority it is for us to feed all these kids and let them have fun,” he said. “It’s in our budget and (some people) were just taken aback by that.”

However, for church members, the event is just another way to serve the greater Henning community for both members and nonmembers alike. The hope is to open the church doors and be of a service to the community. 

“That’s our mission statement is we exist for those who are not here yet,” said Lynch.

The program has been such a hit with the local youth that Lynch said some people have expressed an interest to seeing if similar success can be had after a volleyball or basketball game, for example. Organizers of the fifth quarter are not there yet, but the potential of expanding the program could happen down the road.

“We are wondering if we can replicate the magic,” said Lynch. “There seems to be something about Friday night lights of football (to make the event special).”