Cornerstone Baptist to host Oct. 26 youth rally

In an effort to bring young children and teens together the Unashamed Youth Ministry of the Cornerstone Baptist Church will be hosting the Weird Youth Rally at the Putnam County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 5-11 p.m.

In its third year, the program once again maintains the same goal of bringing together the Putnam County youth, no matter what faith they may be.

This year, the youth ministry spoke at the county FCAs as well as area churches in hopes of spreading the word. It is expected that 200-300 people will be in attendance.

"It's open to all students grades six through 12," Cornerstone pastor Dave Neeley said. "All churches, youth groups, anybody is welcome. It's totally free."

With the theme this year being "Weird -- cause normal just ain't workin'," aims to inform youth that they are not alone, no matter how different they may feel.

"It's kind of emphasizing what society calls normal," Neeley said. "Unfortunately for teenagers, today that includes things such as cutting and depression."

The rally will focus not only on some of the struggles such as drug use, drinking and teen pregnancy, but it will also hone in on the fact that one can be "weird" in a good way. Informing them that they can stand against the negative influences that may surround them.

"Our goal is to try to encourage the kids that they can rise above normal," Neeley said. "They don't have to settle for normal."

The goal of the program will be encouraging the participants that may be struggling with some of those things that they are not alone.

This year, the rally will also have several colleges in attendance, an idea that has been in the planning stages for more than a year.

"We contacted about 20 colleges," Neeley said. "Quite a few have sent give-away items, T-shirts, hats as well as material from their schools."

Among the colleges that will actually be in attendance are Judson University, Taylor University, Cornerstone University and Youth With a Mission -- Louisville.

"This year we have some seniors that just graduated and some juniors that are getting ready to graduate," Neeley explained. "They've been doing a lot talking about different colleges and that kind of sparked the interest."

Each school will have some time to speak during the event to share some information about themselves such as where they are located, the programs offered and other aspects about their campus.

This year the worship act is Immeasurably More from Judson University. The Unashamed Youth Ministry will also be performing two dramas during the evening.

Pre-registration is not required for the free rally. There will also be door prizes given away during the event, which include an electric guitar and amp, Blu-Ray player, as well as several gift cards.

For more information call the Cornerstone Baptist Church at 655-1017 or visit their Facebook page, Weird Youth Rally.