Grace Community Church invites area families to spend Monday evenings playing pickleball and/or learning some country and western line dances.

“It’s every Monday and alternates between pickleball and line dancing,” said Sara Williams at the church. Activities take place from 7-9 p.m. in the church fellowship hall/gym, located at 210 McKinley St. in Great Bend. 

The first and third Mondays of the month are for pickleball, while the second and fourth Mondays are for dancing. Lemonade and water are provided. Participation is not necessary as people are welcome to hang out and watch.

Pickleball, reported to be one of the fastest-growing sports in America, combines the elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. This paddle sport was created for all ages and skill levels. At Grace Community Church, participants play doubles. The equipment is provided and rounds are only 10 minutes long to ensure more rotations. If you’re new to pickleball, the rules are explained before play starts at 7 p.m.

On weeks when there’s dancing, the hour starts with everyone learning a new line dance. There’s no fancy sound system – just a speaker and a playlist – but everyone is invited for fellowship and fun, Williams said.