GROVES — With fireworks, families and all-American food, the scene at The Fourth could resemble a Norman Rockwell painting.

Someone attending patriotic festivities at Abundant Life Sanctuary could actually take home a couple scenes the nostalgic painter created. Church seniors are still deciding if two plates depicting “Freedom to Worship” and “Freedom of Speech” should go in the silent auction or door prize lots.

Freedom lovers of all ages are invited to The Fourth” at the church, 2301 W. Parkway in Groves. The community affair from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 4, will feature fireworks from Texas Lite and Pyro of Houston. Sonny Schambeau and a guest artist will perform in concert. The event will include a moon walk, silent auction, games and food vendors.

“We went all out last year,” J.W. Freeman of Groves, 75, said.

While the church formed 50 years ago, Groves United Pentecostal got a new name and new digs along Texas 73. Members are still showing off — and paying for — the new building with a highly visible white dome.

Attendance at The Fourth is free, but proceeds from vendors and silent auction items will help pay for the building fund, Sandra Myer, minister of music, said. Her husband, David, is pastor of the church.

Senior Harleen Keel of Port Arthur, 67, showed candles and other donations filling a red, white and blue draped auction table in one of the building’s meeting rooms.

Winnie Garcia of Groves, 75, mentioned activities for seniors at the church, such as the Evening Stars group. Members make cards to cheer the sick, she said.

She also added that Abundant Life has a senior choir, but she’s hasn’t added her voice to it.

“I haven’t agreed to be a senior yet,” she joked.

For information on The Fourth, call 962-1056.

Contact this reporter at ddoiron@panews.com.