Put on by the Ministry of Youth Development of the New Hope Baptist Church in conjunction with Rutgers University and the Newark Organization of Black Faculty, the “Big Show” will be an amateur talent show where individuals and groups will come together to perform their unique abilities.
The event will be held at Rutgers’ Paul Robeson Campus Center and is inviting area performers, singers, dancers and poets to try their best and see if they can become “the Best of the Big Show.”
The talent show is just one of the main outreaches put on by the youth group, led by Pastor Joe A. Carter, and hopes to provide a solid foundation for the community.
“The New Hope Baptist Church has, by far, the most active youth ministry around!” explained the church’s website. “The Ministry of Youth Development, hearing the call of Reverend Joe A. Carter, was developed to establish a support mechanism for the youth of the church and surrounding community.”
Through the “Big Show,” New Hope organizers are hoping to provide a positive atmosphere for everyone in the region as well as hopefully bring in some new faces to church. In addition, it can use the talent contest as a way to introduce the crowd to other ministry events in the near future.
The biggest affairs include a Baccalaureate ceremony on June 10, a Father’s Day Baskets gathering on June 16, a major youth retreat running from June 22-24, and a “Back to School Jam” on Aug. 24 in addition to the daily after school programs that offer tutorial services to struggling students.
“Of all we offer, the greatest gift we can give our children is the Gift of Jesus Christ,” added the website, “and with weekly children's church services and youth church activities – we do just that!”
The ministry directors are expecting an exciting show, considering the talent that has come out of the Newark area. Former residents include actors Ray Liotta, Jerry Lewis, and Joe Pesci and entertainers Sarah Vaughan, Dionne Warwick, and Whitney Houston.
“[O]h, the fun we will have,” encouraged promoters. “Bring your family and friends and come out to cheer on your favorites.”
Christian comedian Jeffrey Ricks is also invited to perform his clean stand-up comedy during the night.
