Youth rally could draw 300-plus teenagers

Proving churches can unite — regardless of denomination or the racial makeup of the congregation — is the goal of a three day youth rally this weekend in Georgetown.
The Impact Weekend, as it’s being called, will bring youth groups together from many different churches for energized services, a community work day and a block party.
The Georgetown Youth Association is partnering with the city police in organizing the first-of-its-kind event for middle and high schoolers.
“We knew we wanted to do something to connect the churches,” said Steve Mueller, youth pastor of Georgetown’s First Assembly of God. “These kids live in the same community and go to school together but they do not always know who the other Christians are. This will bring an openness.”
He said the goal is for at least 300 teenagers at the rally.
Benji Wham, leader of the Georgetown Community Church youth, said the pastors wanted an event that “focusses on a deeper relationship with God.
“We really want to take things up a level with the students.”
Georgetown Police Chief Paul Gardner said the Impact Weekend is something he has wanted to see for a long time.
“This is important to show churches can unite for common good and it’s also important for an evangelical weekend to have a positive impact on the lives of the young people,” Gardner said.

Friday night kickoff

The first of several events will take place at 7 p.m. Friday in the Georgetown Middle School gym with music from Rendered One Eighty of Florence.
The contemporary Christian group released their first CD in 2008 and lists groups such as Hillsong, 3 Doors Down and artist Jeremy Camp as influences.
The evening’s message will be delivered by Roosevelt Hunter of Sarasota, Fla.
After the rally, there will be smaller events held at different churches.
In some cases the youth will spend the night.

Saturday work and rally

On Saturday morning, the youth will get back together to spend the day performing community service work.
Some youth groups will clean trash from the streets while others will hold a free “no-strings-attached” car wash or help local charities for the day.
On Saturday night at 6 p.m., there will be another service at Georgetown Middle School with a message from Wayne Northup of Answering the Cries ministry.
He currently travels throughout the country holding youth rallies.
Northup said he “has a strong desire to train upcoming evangelists.”
The two services will be high-energy events with the main focus on unity and discipleship, Wham said.

Sunday block party

On Sunday afternoon, there will be a block party at Francis Marion Park on Front Street with free pizza and drinks and ministry from local youth bands and drama teams.
There will also be a final message delivered by Northup.
“We felt it was important to close with a block party to show the community we have a lot of young people who are faith filled,” Gardner said.
Because of the event, the intersection of Front and Broad streets will be blocked to traffic from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Gardner said.


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