This Sunday, South Luverne Baptist Church will do something they have not done in a while. The church will have a Back-to-School Blast and invite everyone to attend.

Youth Pastor Justin Jacobs said this year’s event will be bigger than the youth rallies of recent history.

“The past couple years, we’ve done something that was a little bit more of a church fellowship, kind of a church picnic with inflatables,” he said. “This year, I wanted it to be turned back to the outreach that it was and to see a lot of the community come to know Christ.”

The event will include a drama from the church’s youth group, a fellowship meal, door prizes, musical guests Of The Tides and a message by Eric Hixon, director of M.U.D. Ministries.

“He was actually my youth pastor. He came to my church back when I was 14 years old,” Jacobs said of Hixon. “I dedicated my life to the ministry and he took me under his wing.”

Jacobs was part of Hixon’s MUD Ministries. MUD is an acronym for “Making U Disciples.” The organization focuses on evangelism, mission work and worldwide discipleship, according to its website, www.mudministries.com.

Of The Tides is a worship band based in Dothan.

“They lead church at Wiregrass Churh in Dothan. They also have done their own CD. Theyre very good,” Jacobs said. “They’re coming to do several songs and lead us in worship.”

Sunday night’s event starts at 5 p.m. and ends with the fellowship meal. Although it is geared towards students heading back to school, Jacobs said everyone is welcome.

“It’s just as important for youths to see adults around them enjoying it and supporting it,” Jacobs said. “We want these kids to see how much we care about them, that we put in the time and investment. And we want to make them feel wanted in the church.”

The SLBC youth group is for grades six to 12. The group meets Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., Sunday nights at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Jacobs at 482-3321.