Steubenville came alive with excitement on Wednesday evening as local children gathered at Mount Zion Baptist Church for a unique youth baking class. Under the expert guidance of chef and baker Alice Swearengen, these young minds embarked on a delicious adventure of baking and decorating cupcakes.

Unlock the Sweet Potential of Youth through Baking

Baking Basics with Alice Swearengen

Chef Alice Swearengen, a local Steubenville talent with a passion for soul food and the aspiration of opening her own catering business and food truck, led the class. She patiently taught more than a dozen children the fundamental steps of baking cupcakes. From measuring ingredients to mixing them just right, each child was engaged and eager to learn. As they worked, the aroma of freshly baked cupcakes filled the air, creating an atmosphere of anticipation.This was not just a baking class; it was an opportunity for these children to explore their creativity. After mastering the basics, they were given the freedom to transform their cupcakes into edible works of art. Symphany Robinson, for instance, held up a cupcake she decorated to look like herself, showcasing the unique flair each child brought to the table.

Learning from the Experts

Assisting in the kitchen was Caitlin Kirkpatrick, who shared the same enthusiasm as her friend Alice. She emphasized the importance of providing activities for the youth, stating, "There's really not much to do around here. And you never know, with children, you could spark a passion really quickly." The children listened intently as they learned tips and tricks from these experienced bakers.By the end of the class, the children were able to recall important lessons. Jamiyah Slappy remembered how to prevent cupcakes from over-baking, while Zyan Poole noted the precise baking time of 18 minutes according to Swearengen's recipe. Karmyn Ross also emphasized the significance of adjusting the mixer's speed.

Gifting and Taking Home Skills

To solidify their newfound skills, Swearengen gifted the children with jars of ready-to-make cookie dough. This allowed them to practice what they had learned at home with their families, continuing the sweet journey beyond the classroom.The youth baking class was just one of the many activities organized by Mount Zion's youth ministry. Every Sunday, during Children's Church, the youth ministry gathers downstairs for engaging activities. And on the third Sunday of each month, they take on the responsibility of leading the entire service, from ushering to preaching.

The Youth Leadership Council

The Youth Leadership Council, which includes members like DaVeena Hendricks (chief financial officer), Synai Robinson (assistant director and overseer of outreach and community development), and Aaron Ashby (assistant director), meets once a month with a comprehensive agenda. Lately, they have been meeting even more frequently, preparing for the ministry's Christmas play set for Dec. 22 at Sycamore Youth Center.The youth choir, which practices once a week, also plays an important role. They sing at Mount Zion and other churches in Steubenville and beyond, spreading joy through their music.Overall, the Mount Zion Baptist Church youth ministry is a vibrant community of 40 sporadic participants and 12 adult leaders. With a focus on letting the youth take charge, the ministry aims to create leaders and develop a strong faith base in its members.

Outreach and Community Involvement

The youth have been actively involved in outreach projects. They visited the Urban Mission Ministries Inc. shelter to provide food and pray with residents. They also cleaned up Seventh Street and ministered to passersby, showing kindness and compassion in their community. Sharing fellowship with other local churches and hosting fundraisers like the recent bake sale are also regular activities.Jeter, the administrator and youth programs director, has been instrumental in shaping the ministry. He has incorporated various elements, such as safety training with local leaders and a focus on critical thinking and organizational skills.The ministry's theme for 2025, "Ignite: Fueling Faith, Love and Action," reflects their ambition to make the upcoming year even more impactful. They plan to involve a media club leader from Steubenville High School to add a business aspect and establish pen pal relationships with Franciscan University of Steubenville students. They are also searching for a dedicated space to host ministry events.Finally, Courtney Robinson, the director of the Little Zion Stars (for children aged 7 and under), emphasized the importance of teaching the basics and giving children a strong foundation of faith through songs and play.