There’s a new show in town

Lynbrook PBA Members Chris Foy, left, and Mike Lanaro, right, dropped off the Lynbrook PBA food donation to St. James United Methodist Church, President of the Trustees, Todd Slatter, center, for the church’s “Movie Night,” which was an Island Harvest fundraiser.  

Photos courtesy Brian Paladino/Lynbrook PBA

Movie Night was a big hit at the St. James United Methodist Church in Lynbrook. The young moviegoers stood near the big screen.

Photos courtesy Brian Paladino/Lynbrook PBA

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Have no fear — with the closure of the Lynbrook Movie theater coming soon for its extensive renovation, St. James United Methodist Church has come to the rescue for those who are in need of that movie theater fix.

Last Saturday, the church unveiled its brand new, 236 inch, viewing screen and high tech projector, stationed in the church’s Wesley Hall auditorium, for its first ever “Movie Night.”

The night was a great success, attended by nearly 70 people and highlighted by a large food donation from the Lynbrook PBA as well as $500 in cash donations from those who attended — the proceeds of which have all been donated to Island Harvest, a charity that works to feed Long Island’s hungry.

“Movie Night” was developed by the church’s president of trustees Todd Slattery, and his wife Christine, both very community-minded people who are always brainstorming ideas to improve St. James and the community it serves. The couple met more than 25 years ago when they were both teenaged parishioners of St. James United Methodist Church, which has remained a focal point of their lives. Both have been instrumental in the church’s revival as a flourishing parish with an engaged, community-minded, congregation. “Movie Night” is just another of a long list of community activities that Todd, Christine and the rest of St. James’ congregation have shared with Lynbrook.

The premier of “Movie Night” offered up a holiday classic double feature of “Frosty the Snowman” followed by “Home Alone.” Admission was free of charge, but the congregation did ask for food donations for Island Harvest. Free popcorn, coffee and water were provided, and specialty candy desserts were sold to raise money for the charity.

The Lynbrook PBA showed up with two shopping carts worth of non-perishable food items to add to the drive.

Todd, who was very proud of “Movie Night,” said “Once the movie theater closes, we will have the biggest screen in town — so come on down and enjoy!”

St. James United Methodist Church plans to host a number of movie nights and concerts throughout the year. Information regarding any upcoming events can be found on the church’s website aatwww.saintjamesumclynbrook.org.

Brian Paladino, of the Lynbrook PBA, contributed this story.