A Lima church brings children closer to god, through basketball.  Forest Park United Methodist Church had a special service this morning for their kids.

They recognized those involved with their Upward Basketball organization.  Upward Basketball is a national program that invites children to learn about god while playing. 

Participants ran through a tunnel of lights to be greeted by roars of applause from the church. The church pastor says Upward Basketball takes what is good about basketball and mixes it with what is good about Sunday school.

The 43 children having been meeting on Saturdays since January 1.  Sunday morning they were given prizes and awards for their hard work this season.