Event will seek deep look at faith

Several top performers will highlight a weeklong event that aims to challenge young people to take a deeper look at their faith.

"We hope that those attending will be challenged to go deeper in their faith," said Clay Miller, youth pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church. "The theme for the week is 'Wide Open.' We hope that people will be stirred to begin living their lives wide open for Christ."

The event, dubbed Xtreme Week, begins Wednesday and runs through Saturday. Wesley is the sole host of the event, although youth groups from other churches in the county will attend. In its fifth year, Xtreme Week will feature By the Tree. By The Tree has recorded several albums and is recipient of two 2002 Dove Awards. The band will perform Thursday and Saturday.

Eddie Taylor, founder of Family Discipleship Ministries, which plays host to youth and young adult camps, will be this year's guest speaker.

"Eddie Taylor is a great and challenging speaker with many years of youth ministry experience," Miller said. "He has been both a senior pastor and a youth pastor."

Guest comedians for Saturday will be Bean and Bailey. Events, which include skits, videos and more, are slated from 7 to 10 p.m. nightly at the church, with The Wesley Fishnet Youth Band performing Wednesday. All rallies are free, although an offering will be taken. For more details, call 869-0888, ext. 213, or visit www.Youth-Xtreme.net.