Victory Life Center has come up with a way to make new friends and ease some of the pain at the pump at the same time.

Next Saturday afternoon, from 2:30 to 4:30, the church will host a “gas buy-down.” All customers will be offered 20 cents off every gallon of gas they buy at the Chevron station at Central Avenue and James Street in Kent.

The offer will be limited to 20 gallons per vehicle, church officials said, and it will end promptly at 4:30.

“It is our way of introducing ourselves to the community and providing some token relief to our high gasoline costs,” said Rich Dover, Victory Life Center’s outreach pastor. “We want to get to know folks around here, and this is a good way to do it.”

Victory relocated to Kent from Kirkland in March. The congregation hopes to make a positive impact in the Kent area, including Covington, said senior pastor Robert Wallace.

The Victory congregation members are “from various races and socioeconomic backgrounds,” Wallace said, adding the “wide diversity” in the area surrounding its new home is a good fit.

“Our church vision is to reach individuals from all walks of life and let them know they can live a victorious life,” he said.

Wallace said the “gas buy-down is just one of many events we will be having this year.” They will include a July 4 “family event” at the church, and “yet-to-be scheduled” summer activities for children.

“It’s time to go outside of the church walls and make a positive impact in the local community,” he said.

The church can be reached at www.vlifecenter.org and (253) 867-0852.