Southern City AME Zion opens regular bible study to area youth

Published 12:00 am Saturday, August 5, 2017

By Shavonne Walker
shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

EAST SPENCER — Southern City AME Zion Church will continue to open its regular Saturday Bible study to area youth, church officials said, this at a time where they want to be able to make an impact early in their lives. The bi-weekly Bible study has been a regular fixture at the church since the early part of the year.

The youth-empowered Bible study will take place today from noon to 1 p.m. and is as it has been since the beginning, in memory of A’yanna Allen. Allen, 7, was killed in December while she slept at her grandmother’s house in the Fairview Heights neighborhood.

The Rev. Michael Mitchell, who is an associate minister at the church, grew up with Allen’s maternal grandmother, April Woodberry. He said although Allen was not apart of violence, she was the victim of violence.

“The goal is to get to elementary and middle school kids before they get into violence,” Mitchell said.

He said they are targeting the Bible study toward younger children, but said teens can attend as well. Unfortunately, in a lot of cases, the teens and young adults have already been wrapped up in violence in their communities.

“For some, it’s already too late,” Mitchell said.

During each Bible study, the ministers tackle different topics such as violence or have guest speakers and, most of the time, have refreshments. There will be pizza served at the Bible study.

Southern City AME Zion Church is located at 940 N. Long Street, East Spencer.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.