Showing they care (From Penarth Times)

Showing they care

A PENARTH church youth group took to the streets last week to help out their local community.

The Tabernacle Baptist Church has a strong following of teenagers.

On Thursday, June 6, 25 of them went out to clean Windsor Road of litter and discarded chewing gum.

Associate Pastor at Tabernacle Rev Roger Grafton told the Times: "The young people wanted to show their concern for the town and share their belief that God loves Penarth." It was raining, but people stopped to talk to the group as they worked.

Rev Grafton added: "They spent the afternoon giving out free videos in Penarth about the faith before going back to Tabernacle for a video and popcorn evening. Then on Friday, they started again."

The clean-up effort moved to the footpath from the Esplanade to Marine Parade. Eight bags of rubbish were collected and the brambles were cut back.

They spent the afternoon handing out free invitations to a Barn Dance organised by 16-year-old Rachel Bourne.

Saturday was sunny, and the young people met for prayer before handing out leaflets explaining why they had been working for the last two days.

The leaflet said: "It may seem undignified to get down on your hands and knees to scrape up chewing gum, but we believe we have something to say that's more important than our dignity."

Youth Leader Sara Lewis said: "It was good to see young people who would normally be walking the street coming in and spending the evening with us."

Rev Grafton added: "The three days ended in a barbecue at Cosmeston and a game of football involving church members and young people. We are grateful to the Vale Highways department and police."

For more information contact Tabernacle Baptist Church on 029 2070 2690.