A series for youth at Cedar Grove M.B. Church is extending beyond the traditional meal, songs and a devotional to offer more specific demonstrations and activities.

Friday’s program, for example, featured Vicksburg police officers who let the 13- to 19-year-olds see what it’s like to be drunk and lose physical abilities.

“It takes a 21st-century mind,” the Rev. Antione Eakins said of the program’s rationale. “It takes one who accepts that things have changed, accepts that these are our problems and is not blind to what’s going on, one who is ready to do what’s necessary to make changes and to make things better.”

Eakins, 22, is pastor of the church at 3300 Grange Hall Road and is studying psychology and social work at Alcorn State University in Lorman.

Before last week, “Teen Summit” topics had been: