NATCHEZ — Miss-Lou youth can spiritually prepare for the school year by attending Pilgrim Baptist Church’s Back-to-School Youth PowerHouse Explosion.

The second annual community-wide service will be 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church.

Youth Ministry Chairperson Terri McGruder said the event is about gearing students up for a great school year.

“The vision is to assemble the youth of our community so we can transfer positive thoughts, actions and reactions to the minds of our youth,” McGruder said. “We hope to get them something powerful to not only start the school year in a positive direction, but throughout the rest of the school year too.”

McGruder said that last year, she expected approximately 1,000 youth to attend the event. She was amazed when 3,000 showed up.

“I told God thank you,” McGruder said. “You know what this community needs.”

The service will feature the Anointed Family of Mimes from Jackson, the PowerHouse Choir under the direction of Alderman Tony Fields and minister of music Alvin Shelby, and messages from community leaders.

McGruder said the Rev. Melvin White has also called upon the ministers of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Association to come and support the vision.

“This explosion is community oriented,” McGruder said. “So community leaders can come forth and give words of encouragement, inspiration motivation and lead by example. We want to send the message that you are either part of the problem or part of the solution.”

McGruder said the PowerHouse Choir will rehearse at 5 tonight and Monday, so any youth who would like to sing can join — just come to rehearsal.

McGruder said the service is open to everyone, and young people of all ages are welcome to join the choir.

“We have children as young as preschool participating in the PowerHouse Choir,” she said. “Preschool and up.”

For more information, call McGruder at 601-445-0445 or leave a message at the church at 601-442-8217.

The church is located at 117 Pilgrim Blvd. in Natchez.