Veritas Church on Lea Hill is preparing for its annual Easter Scramble set for 1-3 p.m. March 21 at Rainier Middle School, located at 30620 116th Ave. SE, Auburn.

The free scramble is open to anyone 18 and younger. In addition to the traditional egg hunt, the event will include food, prizes, face painting, games, raffle and another activities.

“We are a young church in Auburn and we strive to provide community-oriented activities in the area,” said Pastor Bob Purvis. “The Easter Egg Scramble provides a way for us to give back while getting to know our neighbors.

“This year, the event has grown even larger and many local businesses and volunteers are helping support us.”

Beginning Monday, 16 students from the University of Mississippi and Southwest Community College in Summit, Miss., are making a trip to Auburn in support of the event. They will be personally inviting residents in the Lea Hill area and help with event coordination.

“The college students are a vital part of yearly success of this event and we appreciate all of the hard work they put into this,” Purvis said.

Veritas officially launched its church with an Easter event in 2008.

“Seven of us moved here from Mississippi and North Carolina to start a new family-based, community church,” Purvis said. “We identified Auburn as a growing city with only a handful of churches in the area. Our goal is to share God’s love with others and help support the community we serve.

“As a new church we are mobile. Until we find a permanent home we transport our equipment and hold service in the Rainier Middle School auditorium,” Purvis added. “It’s a great central location and has worked well for us as we continue to grow.”

To learn more about the Easter Scramble and Veritas Church, visit www.seektheveritas.com or attend a 10 a.m. service at the school.