HANDS-ON HELP: YOUTH: BURGER AND BOWLING FORMAL

Group, May/Jun 2004 by Surdacki, Walter

For a fun night out any time of the year or as an annual alternative to prom, try this mix of silliness and formality.

Have kids pull out their old formals and those suits they never wear, and have them dress up for a night on the town. Meet at church and begin the festivities by taking lots of photos-make sure to have a group picture, as well as all-girls and all-guys photos. Have dinner at a local burger joint, and after dinner, head to the bowling alley.

At the end of the evening, when everyone arrives back at church, have the guys go into the building first. As the girls enter, have the guys serenade the girls with songs such as "We Love You With the Love of the Lord" and "Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me," and present each girl with a rose.

Close with a time of prayer. Have the guys pray over the girls for Christ to be the source of their inner beauty. Then have the girls pray that the guys will be men of God who are fearless in showing their faith.

WALTER SURDACKI Campbell, California