In his letter to the Hebrews, the apostle Paul spoke of running “with patience the race set before us.”

On Sunday, some members of Community Missionary Baptist Church will cap weeks of patient creativity with a grand prix derby race.

The race is part of the church’s Awana program. Church members have built seven-inch-long wooden model cars and will race their creations during the grand prix.

On hand will be Steve Schenk, the lead-development missionary for Awana of Ohio. Schenk will bring a computerized scoreboard and other equipment that makes the race “first class,” Community Missionary Baptist Church pastor, the Rev. David Lambert said.

“This is a time of joy, of celebration and fellowship together,” Lambert said. “There is joy in being with one another. Some of the (most fun) people I know, I go to church with them.”

More than 70 cars, made by both young people and adults, have been entered in the race.

Lambert said while the goal of Sunday’s event is friendly competition and winning the derby race, the larger purpose of the derby is to remind young people to keep their eyes fixed on a more heavenly goal.

“In life the finish line is when we meet Jesus,” Lambert said. “But while we’re here, we get to have fun, even if the race is a play race.”

Schenk will speak during the church’s morning worship service that will be followed by lunch and then the derby from 1-4 p.m.

The church is 4.5 miles outside of Coal Grove on State Route 243 at Deering.

Guests are welcome to attend.