Portia Williams | Daily Times

Youth enjoy “Fall into Autumn” Fall Festival event on the lawn of Living Faith Temple church.

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Portia Williams

PDT Staff Writer

The church youth group of Living Faith Temple ushered in the season with their first “Fall into Autumn” Festival Saturday.

Seventy-five smiling faces of young people came out to participate in the “Fall into Autumn” event held Saturday at Living Faith Temple in Portsmouth.

Sack races, bobbing for apples, pumpkin-painting and or decorating, snow cones, popcorn, a variety of baked goods and food to eat were the features on location.

Contemporary Gospel music was also provided by Jim Stanley, a local disk jockey, who also serves as deacon at Living Faith Temple.

“Fall into Autumn” event is a continuation of host of events that are focused on engaging the youth population at Living Faith Temple.

Maja Kennedy, First Lady and President of the youth department of Living Faith Temple, said “Fall into Autumn” was their first event of this kind, but is a continuation of the celebration of the seasons.

“We started off with a summer of service, so we just want to continue to the next season with a celebration of Fall, so that we be blessing to others”, Kennedy said. “In today’s society, we are so busy, and focused on ourselves with our cellular phones and electronic devices, and serving, ‘Me, me, me.’”

Kennedy said that their goal was to redirect the selfish mindsets and to teach the youth at their church to emulate Jesus Christ.

“This past summer we did a series of projects to help out in the community, such as volunteering for the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity, as well as a food drive, and clothing give-away,” Kennedy said.

According to Kennedy, the Living Faith Temple Youth Department is composed of 23 children who participate and a committee of two other adults who assist.

Jennifer Miller oversees the theatrical events, such as dramatic skits, mimes, and praise-dancing while Jerrold Gordon is the coordinator of the youth choir.

Kennedy said the committee has planned a “Lock-in” at the church, set for Friday, Oct. 12, for children grades 7-12.

“We are going to have games, karaoke, movie-night. The kids are really excited about this event. There will be plenty of food and fun of course,” Kennedy said.

Portia Williams may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 234 or portiawilliams@heartlandpublications.com