Evangelism can be ugly and tasty, just ask the parishioners at St. John’s Dallas. The church has been attracting new visitors from the neighborhood with its quarterly party of painting, wine and appetizers for an event called Tasty Wine and Ugly Art. The art part comes from participants creating a picture with acrylic paints, which are provided for a $10 fee for adults and $5 for children. The eating includes appetizers, wine, beer, sodas and potluck dishes brought by parishioners.

Everyone in the diocese is invited, and they should bring their unchurched friends, said Jim Stacy, who founded the event founder, with support from the Rector, the Rev. David Houk. “It’s very social and everyone has a good time,” Stacy said. 

An artist will be on hand to explain and inspire those in the creative mode, and the party concludes with a contest for first and second place. Sometimes, the really good artwork is auctioned to raise money for the youth program. The event usually attracts around 60 or 70 people and has been a good way for church members to reach out beyond the parish walls.   

The church has been asking its parishioners to reach out on the mobile app, Nextdoor, as a way to invite people from the neighborhood and to adjoining neighborhoods. “It has been a great outreach,” Stacy said. “We are getting people that normally wouldn’t come over.” 

To ensure the word gets out, Stacy has also canvassed the neighborhood with door-hangers about the event and hung posters at the local Starbucks and other area businesses.  “We just want to get them in the door, show them how friendly we are and love on them,” Stacy said. “Then we personally reach out and invite them back.” 

The next installment of the Tasty Wine and Ugly Art party is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., April 7 at St. John’s, 848 Harter Road in Dallas. For more information call 214-321-6451, or email Jim Stacy.