Church Starts Friday Night

Sat., Aug. 29, 1998

Nina Culver Correspondent

Pastor Thad Huff of Valley Assembly of God Church fairly bubbles with enthusiasm when he talks about his new Friday Night Live program for youth.

“Basically what we’re doing is providing a place to hang out on the second Friday of every month,” says Huff.

The program, which will run from 7 to 11 p.m. starting Sept. 11, will feature games of all sorts, including basketball, a ramp for skateboarders and rollerbladers, and “Nintendo 64s galore.” A cafe will offer everything from pop to pizza to nachos.

Another feature will be various inflatable games, such as gladiator jousting.

“They’ll probably be the main attraction once people figure out what they are,” says Huff.

The goal of the program, open to kids in junior and senior high, is to provide a safe place to have fun, but each evening will include a short “halftime” presentation on the gospel. “It’ll be like a 15-minute thing and they we’ll go back to playing,” says Huff.

Area businesses have provided donations, including free equipment rentals. “Tons of people have just gotten behind us,” says Huff. The games will all be new, says Huff. “We’re going to give them the best.”

Huff plans to add more activities to the schedule, including laser tag. “I want to improve on the event monthly, offer something new and exciting.”

There are a few conditions to having fun. Those attending will be required to sign a form promising to follow a detailed list of rules. Other than the usual restrictions - no drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, weapons, swearing or fighting - youths will also be required to stay in designated areas of the building and show respect to the volunteer chaperones. They will also be required to wear bracelets while on site so staff can easily spot people who don’t belong.

Failure to follow the rules will result in expulsion. But that isn’t as harsh as it sounds. Anyone who is thrown out will get a second chance, says Huff. His favored method is to take the youth out for a latte and find out what made them break the rules. An understanding is usually reached after the informal meeting. Huff doesn’t expect the rules to be a problem. “I really believe that students beg for discipline.”

Huff expects about 200 youth to show up for the first session. That includes most of the 130 church youth group members and a few of their friends.

Admission to Friday Night Live is $4 and all are welcome. The church is located at 15618 E. Broadway.

Fountain Ministries women’s brunch

Fountain Ministries, 11305 E. Trent, will host a Women’s Ministries brunch at 10 a.m. Friday to introduce the group’s Bible Study classes. The classes will be offered twice a month.

Friday’s topic is “Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts.”

Advance reservations are requested. To make a reservation or for more information, call the church office at 926-8490.

Garage sale at Christ Lutheran

Christ Lutheran Church, 13009 E. Broadway, is hosting a garage sale today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the church’s Child Center.

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