Area residents are invited to join together as one community to praise God and share his message as Praisestock returns to Ariel-Foundation Park's Schnormeier Event Center (SEC) on Sunday, Aug. 18. The SEC is located just south of downtown Mount Vernon at 201 S. Norton St. 

Schedule: 

The event begins at 10 a.m. at the Schnormeier Event Center with a Community Worship Service. Several churches have committed to holding their traditional Sunday service together and invite those of all denominations, including those without a home church. 

A love offering will be taken during the service benefitting Food for the Hungry (FFTH) for its 2024 food drive. Austin Swallow, president of Food for the Hungry, will discuss the mission of FFTH and formally introduce the new Executive Director Kathyryn Lake during the service. Contributions will also be accepted to support the ongoing ministry of Praisestock.

From noon to 6 p.m., several of the best faith-based bands and worship teams from Central Ohio will continue the worship event, including Knox County favorite Chestnut Ridge.

Noon: First Church of the Nazarene (Mount Vernon) Worship Team

12:45 p.m.: Set Free Worship Team

1:45 p.m.: Salvation Army Worship Team

2:45 p.m.: Chestnut Ridge

3:45 p.m.: Covenant Christian Church Worship Team

4:45 p.m.: Trinity Church Worship Team

New this year, there will be a grand finale featuring the bands all coming together to sing a song to close the event at 5:45 p.m. “How Great Thou Art (Until That Day)” will be the finale, followed by closing comments. 

Exhibitors at Praisestock

This family-friendly event will include children’s activities and food vendors. Many faith-based local nonprofit organizations and agencies will be present so the community may learn more about their missions and efforts, including (but not limited to) Food for the Hungry of Knox County, WNZR, Mount Vernon Police Chaplains and PAK, Gentiva Hospice, KICKS (Helping Kicks Succeed), The Village Network, The Shane Center, Pelia Equine, Trail Life Boys and American Heritage Girls, Revive Ohio, The Lazarus Life Ministries, MMS Aviation and Bob Campbell, Life Wise Academy, TouchPoint, Place 4 Grace, Starting Point of Knox County, The Salvation Army, The Least of These Ministry, Kingdom Wellness, Foot Prints 4 Jesus and The Escape Zone.

Representatives of these (and other) agencies and ministries will be present to answer questions and may be seeking volunteers. Financial donations for Food for the Hungry of Knox County will be accepted throughout the event.

What is Praisestock?

Praisestock 2024 is directed by a board of directors representing several local sponsoring churches and other faith-based organizations.

"This event began several years ago as a small group discussion focused on the question 'What would it be like if all of God’s people got together to worship at the same time on the same day?'" said 2024 Praisestock Vice Chair Dave Ewart. 

Ewart said the event takes on the feeling of a "family reunion day of worship, music and gratitude."

Praisestock is 501c3 organization. Tax-deductible contributions help continue the Praisestock mission of praising God and supporting those in need. Visit praisestock.org for more information and be certain to follow on Facebook @praisestock.