Semi-formal event honors passage into adulthood, and the memory of Trayvon Martin, who was 17.
SPRINGFIELD –The Canaan Baptist Church of Christ is planning "An Elegant Youth Affair" to honor the passage into adulthood of Christian youth 16 to 18 years of age.
“We felt this is a way adults in our church and community and area churches can be as one with our young people, and affirm them and make a statement of support and community backing,” said the Rev. W.C. Watson Jr., senior pastor at Canaan Baptist Church of Christ.
“The event will allow them to shine and be featured and present themselves in the best light.”
The semi-formal dinner dance also celebrates the memory of Trayvon Martin, the 17-year-old African-American shot and killed last year in Florida, and youth who died in violent circumstances.
“So many in our nation are aware of the travesty around the death of Trayvon Martin” and the “unfortunate” not-guilty finding of George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer who fatally shot Martin, an unarmed black teenager, sparking a national debate on racial profiling and civil rights, Watson said.
He said church members talked with young people “about the whole affair,” and that the hospitality ministry “wanted to do something affirmative”,
“It’s not just a dress-up affair. It’s a way of doing something more upbeat and inspirational,” Watson said.
The program will take place at Chez Josef, 176 Shoemaker Lane, in Agawam, on Oct. 26, beginning with a social hour at 5 p.m. After the official program, there will be a chaperoned dance for all youth attendees.
The dinner donation is $40 for an entree selection of chicken Francaise, prime rib of beef or Boston baked scrod.
Organizers expect 30 to 40 youth to participate in the program.
Youth from other churches may participate.
“We hope others see the value of this sort of (event) on behalf of young people…and see it as a worthwhile cause and hope others identify with it, and want to join with us in celebrating our young people," Watson said.
To take part, a participant must:
Be a Christian young lady or young man, 16 to 18 years old (sign up by Sept. 20);
Agree to participate with an assigned Christian youth escort (they may assist in choosing the escort);
Be sponsored and supported by parent(s), church leaders, family friends, or business and community leaders;
Be presented at the program by a sponsoring individual or couple;
Submit a biography, photo and "Statement of My Cause" for the program booklet, which should be at least three sentences but no more than 100 words;
Attend one or two instructional sessions hosted by the hospitality ministry, along with knowledgeable adult mentors;
Agree to the rules and regulations set by the hospitality ministry of Canaan Baptist Church of Christ.
For more information, call (413) 781-1232.