The third International Praise Festival at the Virginia Korean United Methodist Church is coming this weekend.

The event, which this year will bring together traditionally Filipino, Hispanic, Vietnamese, Korean, black and white congregations, begins at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow at the church, 5701 Lee Farm Lane.

The Rev. Chul Ki Kim, pastor of Virginia Korean United Methodist Church, said his church organizes and hosts the event to reach out to the community and stress that each church is only a small part of the kingdom of God.

“Even though we are a church here and we have to have our own identity, I think we have to have a vision of realizing the kingdom of God,” Kim said. “Each church is a branch of the body of Christ.”

Each choir or praise team will sing two songs. Refreshments after the program will include Korean food prepared by the host church, as well as traditional dishes provided by each of the guests. Some of the groups will be dressed in traditional clothing.

Kim said the event also aims to reach out to the community and other churches. The guest churches hail from all over Hampton Roads.

“Koreans tend to be a little bit isolated or separated from the community, sometimes, I feel,” Kim said. “I want the community to know that we are a part of the community. We are the neighbor of the community.”

Kim said he is looking forward to the festival.

“We will be praising together and sharing love in Christ,” he said. “Even though we host this event, we want many people to come and join and share.”