Two Fridays a month, area teenagers descend on the youth center at Midland Valley First Church of the Nazarene for fun, games and fellowship.
Fuse Friday is a lock-in-style party for teens, normally on the first and third Fridays each month. The mission is to provide students with a safe place to spend time with friends and to teach them about God.
From 8:30 until 11 p.m., more than 100 teenagers, fewer than half of whom are members of the church in Clearwater, play table tennis, Dance Dance Revolution, Wii or flag football, or just hang out.
"Youth ministry is relational," said youth pastor Mike O'Hair. He said Fuse Friday gives First Church of the Nazarene an opportunity to build relationships with teens so they will know where to come to feel secure.
"As a church, we want them to know they can come to us for a safe haven," he said.
About 10 p.m., teens gather in the youth center for "half time," a short Bible-study lesson, before they are free to mingle or play games again.
Or they can shop at the newest addition to Fuse Friday, Fuse Outfitters.
"It's almost just a teenage thrift shop," said Patty Bryan, who came up with the concept after noticing how quickly her two daughters outgrew their clothes.
Teens donate clothing and accessories they no longer use, and they are sold at a reduced price. A program is also in place for students who need the clothing but can't afford to pay for it.
Students who came Friday night said they enjoy having a safe place to hang out with friends.
"It's an awesome idea," said 18-year-old Cory Morris. "It's safe (and it) keeps them away from the bad stuff."
Reach Lisa Kaylor at lisa.kaylor@northaugustatoday.com.
