venue for self-expression and spiritual development.

"We want to give the youth a positive spiritual outlook in which to serve God,'' said youth leader Pauletta Francis of Adventist Youth Services.

Every Friday the group holds the open meetings in the church hall of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Southampton.

From 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. young people aged 13 to 35 -- and some who are just young at heart -- sing songs, perform skits, hold talent shows, or open discussions about issues affecting young adults.

Since beginning in January turnout has steadily increased and now averages roughly 100 young people every week.

"I go because I want to get more spiritual development and by going to AYS it helps me to get more in tune with God,'' said 14-year-old Brendal Simons.

"We're learning more about the Bible in a youthful way.'' And Sasha Crockwell, also 14, added: "I like the skits that they have. They act out Bible stories in a modern way.'' Like many other participants, the teens said the gathering provided a exciting alternative to any other Friday night activities.

Sixteen-year-old Temika Mallory serves as a youth representative for the AYS council which includes teachers and church members.

As the council's only teen member, Temika is responsible for ascertaining youth concerns and passing those issues on to the older members.

"I ask the youth what they would like to talk about and then take it from there,'' said Temika.

She also has the daunting task of recruiting willing -- and sometimes not so willing -- performers for each week.

"I go around asking. If I get many `no's', I don't accept them,'' she explained.

So far the event attracts mostly Bermuda Institute students, many of whom go directly from choir practice.

And although its popularity is growing through word of mouth, the participants are eager for young people from throughout Bermuda's schools and churches to come out.

"We'll probably have to start advertising. That's what we have to do right now to get more people involved,'' said Temika.

Brendal and Sasha agreed.

"It would be nice if more people came and learned more about God,'' said Brendal.

"It's really fun and we would like the youth to come out because this is a programme for them.''