local youth do their part

Seymour First Baptist Church had an idea last year to find ways to help in the community. The idea was so well received they decided to do it again this year. So the week of July 13^th through the 17^th children from the congregation, lead by the Minister of Students Mark MacKay, took to the streets of Seymour to do their part.

The week long project children performed a variety of community outreach project. With the help of parents, other church member and some college students, the children did a assortment of community cleanup and work projects around the area.

"Each day there was a different project that we had," stated MacKay. "One day we did cleanup at Smoky Crossing, down Chapman Hwy. and the 411 area. Another day we took baked goods to homebound people or did yard work for them. On Friday we went to World's Fair Park and we all did ‘Random Acts of Kindness' and gave out flavored ice to people and looked for ways to help."

MacKay says that they have kind of a partnership with a nursing home in Sevierville and they helped many of the seniors there and visit on an on\going basis. "The seniors just love to see the kids when we come. They really appreciate it. And the response from the children was great. Many said that the weeklong project wasn't long enough."

The church's mission is to try to serve people with the project and teach the children a lesson. The kids were rewarded after working during the day by having fun in the afternoon.

Activities included a trip to the National Park, playing in the fountains at World's Fair Park, bowling in Maryville and going to a member's home for a pool party and barbeque

"The last thing we did was to go to a drive-in movie," stated MacKay. "The kids made cars out of cardboard and we had a weenie roast and watched a movie. They had a great time.

The church is always working on various projects including local mission projects, a mission trip to Kentucky, various retreats and their ongoing nursing homes visits. 

"Over 100 people were involved this past week according to MacKay.

"Church members and children all worked together. There were even some moms and students lending a hand and members who took off work for the week to help."

For more information on First Baptist Church of Seymour's projects you can contact the church directly at 865-577-4594.