Church youth will celebrate Valentines Day with a masquerade party

Members of Glen Alpine United Methodist Church offer items at their annual Valentine sale

By: Tracy Farnham | Morganton News Herald
Published: February 12, 2010

VALDESE --

The year's most romantic holiday, Valentine's Day, will be observed in a number of different ways and through various events sponsored by area churches.
Beginning on Saturday evening, Jethro's Teen Lounge on Church Street in Valdese will host a masquerade formal complete with a nice meal and live music.
Jethro's, which is sponsored by River of Life Baptist Church, provides a facility where teens may spend their Friday nights, complete with pool tables, refreshments and video games. Local Christian bands come once a month to perform for youth in grades seven through 12. Adult supervision is provided.
Normally, Jethro's is open on Friday nights, but this Saturday at 6 p.m. it will open its doors for the Valentine's Day event.
"This is the first time we have had a masquerade theme, but this is our third Valentine's banquet. We will provide masks for everyone who bought a ticket," said Kevin Mace youth minister for Frontline Student Ministries at River of Life Baptist.
The $10 tickets went fast. Mace said the space was limited to 75. (People can call the church at 879-9313 today or Saturday to check whether any tickets have become available due to cancellations.)
"A catered meal will be served and a speaker is coming to speak about love and relationships," he continued.
The guest speaker will be Ken Jenkins, youth pastor of Linwood Church of God in Gastonia.
Local Christian band This Year's Promise will provide music. They perform a mix of Christian and some clean secular music that is popular right now, Mace said.
"They're really a hit with the teenagers," he added.
The supper will be lasagna, Caesar salad, garlic bread and dessert.
Also on Saturday, Glen Alpine United Methodist Church will have its annual Valentine chocolate, book and media sale starting with breakfast from 7 until 10 a.m. The candy, book and media sale also will begin at 7 o'clock and wind up at noon. Proceeds will go towards the church's building fund.
"Sweets for Your Sweet" is the theme Sunday for the Burkemont Baptist Church, youth choir's fund-raising effort between and after worship services. The gym at 4668 Burkemont Road will be set up for a silent auction from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Barbara Conger said, "People can come put a bid on their favorite choices" of baked goods, gourmet dinners, babysitting and pet sitting services, flowers, jewelry, and chocolates.
"All of the proceeds are going to their summer mission trips," she said.
Minister of Music Phillip Long will notify the winning bidders and arrange a pick-up time.
First Presbyterian Church of Morganton, 100 Silver Creek Road, will host a Valentine's Banquet on Sunday evening for women of the church who have lost their husbands.
North Morganton United Methodist Church's young people will host a Senior Adult Valentine's Banquet at noon Sunday at 990 Sanford Drive. Any senior interested in attending can call the church office at 437-3852 to make a reservation.
St. Charles Catholic Church's annual Valentine's Tea will go on from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets will be available at the door, 728 W. Union.