LEWISTON — The Jesus Party Urban Youth Outreach announces their 2012 fall observances for the month of October. The ministry of the Jesus Party has been upholding observances that affect the everyday life of children since 1995. The ministry explores, examines and educates children about the origin of special holidays and observances and teaches proper protocol when celebrating or recognizing a special moment.

The Jesus Party is a faith-based, fun-filled fellowship for children 5 years old and up. The gatherings take place every Friday at 6 p.m. at their headquarters, 291 Bates St.

On Oct. 5, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month will be marked. Domestic violence affects every member of the family, including children. Family violence creates a home environment where children live in constant fear. Children who witness family violence are affected in ways similar to children who are physically abused. They are often unable to establish nurturing bonds with either parent. Children are at greater risk for abuse and neglect if they live in a violent home. Statistics show that more than three million children witness violence in their home each year. Those who see and hear violence in the home suffer physically and emotionally. Families under stress produce children under stress. If a spouse is being abused and there are children in the home, the children are affected by the abuse.

On Oct. 12, National Bullying Prevention Month will be observed. All it takes to become a target of bullying is for a student to be perceived as different, offbeat or not conforming to what’s “normal.” When students are bullied, because of legally protected characteristics such as disability, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender or race, the behavior is considered harassment. Students who fall into the roles of bully or target, without intervention are at higher risk for truancy, mental health challenges, drug and alcohol abuse and suicide. In schools where bullying and harassment are tolerated, fear, aggression and violence can become the cultural norm.

On Oct. 19, the Nine Innings of Praise event will celebrate the 108th World Series with an evening filled with fun, food and faith. The ministry will use baseball as the backdrop to teach life lessons taught from the game. Stadium food such as hot dogs, popcorn and Crackerjacks will be served. The children will view the movie “Everyone’s Hero,” about a 10-year-old baseball fanatic who is always the last one to be picked for a sandlot baseball game. Baseball cards will be given out as door prizes.

National Pizza Month will be observed on Oct. 26 at a tasty and fun-filled observance that all can enjoy. The ministry will be having a movie and pizza night. The film that will be shown is “The Penniless Princess,” a story that conveys a lesson in “true worth.” Pizza month was first observed in the United States in 1984.

For more information concerning these and upcoming observances, the ministry can be reached by calling 786-5568.