For the first time ever, the young people of the area can end the old year on a positive note with the first annual Holiday Jam for Jesus.

This is an area wise Christian music festival that includes praise groups, individual performers, dance ministries and drill teams.

All area youth leaders and groups, individuals are invited to participate or come as a spectator.

To be a part of the program, just call a coordinator to schedule your spot in the program.

The event kicks off at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 30 at the Call to Life Church at 201 Glendale Ave.

The building will open at 4:30 for participant setup.

There is no admission for the program.

According to Doyle Sasser, who is one of the people organizing the event, they chose Thursday because of its significance to New Year’s Eve.

&uot;On New Year’s Eve, everyone is thinking about going out and partying and drinking and this gives people a positive, family event to attend,&uot; he said.

&uot;This is also an attempt to get our children in off the streets and to give them something positive in their lives.&uot;

Sasser said the idea came into being after discussing it with his wife Shirley Sasser and his sister.

One thing you may notice about this event is that is not one denomination only and it is also an interracial event.

&uot;We try to break down the walls between the denominations and churches,&uot; he said.

&uot;While we may all have different beliefs in our churches, we have one common denominator and that is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.&uot;

Sasser said the groups and soloists will be assigned time slots and they will also provide an open mike for those who just want to step into the program and do something.

There will also be people from the tri-county area.

&uot;We have about 40 young people from Georgiana planning on being there,&uot; he said.

&uot;We also have several predominant African-American churches who are promoting the event to their congregations.

The whole thing is quite exciting because we’re not sure what’s going to happen. It’s kind of like broadcasting it out there and not being sure what response we’ll get.&uot;

He said the event begins at 6 p.m. and will run until everyone who wants to participate gets to do so.

Also, they will give away door prizes including a color television. Refreshments will follow the program.

One person likely to perform is Aaron Matthes, 19, who is Sasser’s grandson.

He is part of a group called Sure Fire Knights based in Virginia Beach, Va.

&uot;We are primarily a rock band that has played all over the country from churches to bars,&uot; he said.

&uot;We focus on reaching people by being examples of Christ by not where we play, but how we live.&uot;

For more information on the event, call the Rev. Allen Stephenson at 382-7528; Evangelist Carolyn Griffin at 383-9732; Lay Minister Faye Cummings at 227-4794 or Drama Director Shirley Sasser at 227-4370.