When guests arrive Friday at Jesus Prom 2011, they’ll see limousines, lights, decorations, photographers, food and more. But amid all the glitz and glam, organizers hope they see something else, too.

“I really hope they just see Jesus,” said Chase Goff, senior high pastor at Hillvue Heights Church and one of the event planners.

The Jesus Prom, which will be at 6 p.m. Friday at Hillvue Heights and is free and open to the public, is no ordinary high school dance. The evening is for physically and/or mentally challenged individuals ages 16 and older. Goff said a church in Lexington hosts a similar event each year.

“We thought it was a great idea,” Goff said.

As organizers began to plan the Jesus Prom, Goff said they reflected on the Gospel of Luke, in which Jesus talks about planning a banquet and suggests inviting more than just friends and relatives who will return the favor. Instead, Jesus said to invite those who might be unable reciprocate, but will be blessed by the invitation.

The theme of the prom is “Welcome to the Kingdom,” and Goff said the goal is for guests to feel like princes and princesses. Arriving guests will take a ride in a limo, walk the red carpet and have their pictures snapped by paparazzi. After checking in, guests can have their hair and makeup done and their shoes shined. Guests are invited to dress as formally as they can and the church will have some dresses and suits to give away to those who need them.

Dinner will be provided and there will be music and dancing. Each guest will be paired with a volunteer escort who will spend the evening with the prom goer.

“I think it will be a really cool night,” Goff said.

— To learn more about Jesus Prom and to register to attend or to volunteer, visit www.hillvue.com/jesusprom or call the church at 842-0012.