Week 1: Union Baptist Church, Griffin, GA
Union Baptist kicked off Week 1 of Summer Ministry at Glory Ridge with a group full of energy, curiosity, and hearts ready to serve. From the first day at Walnut Community Center, the campers were eager to begin, with one team tackling the demolition of a ramp while another cleared and painted a wall. Watching them problem-solve and figure out how to lift the corner posts set the tone for a week of hard work, joy, and the discovery that God often meets us in the work of our hands. Chairs were removed and given a new home at Woodson Branch Nature School for an upcoming graduation, serving as a tangible reminder that even simple acts of service can become part of something much bigger than ourselves.
Throughout the week, that spirit of service carried on to the homes of community members. At Ms. Hazel’s, campers worked on clearing her house and yard—but the heart of the week was the time spent connecting with her. On Wednesday, the whole group gathered near her porch to sing for her, filling the afternoon with music, laughter, and a glimpse of the joy that comes when people simply show up for one another. Many of the students were eager to sit and chat with Ms. Hazel, listening, learning, and forming connections so strong they couldn’t wait to return the next day. In those conversations, they discovered that serving others is often less about what we do and more about being fully present.
At Ms. Kittie’s house, the group carefully sorted through crates in her shed, some of which hadn’t been opened in 25 years. As she went through the contents of the boxes, she shared memories connected to each item, giving us a glimpse into her past and the stories that have shaped her life. Outside, crews helped with her backyard, shed, and home. Together, campers learned that every person carries a story worth hearing and that God's faithfulness can often be traced through the memories we share.
Evenings brought moments of laughter and connection. Dutch Blitz became a nightly highlight, with staffers teaching campers the game and bonding over fast-paced fun and friendly competition. On the last night, what began as a joking encore for worship music turned into an impromptu dance party to “Take Me to the River (I Will Swim),” a perfect capstone to a week of building relationships, serving others, and celebrating the joy of being together. It was one of those moments that no one planned, but everyone will remember.
From tearing down ramps to sorting decades-old crates, from porch singing to Dutch Blitz marathons, Week 1 with Union Baptist was a shining start to the summer. New friendships were formed, hearts were opened, and seeds of faith were planted in ways both seen and unseen. The light this group brought made it clear that this summer was off to a joyful and unforgettable start, and that God was already at work in the people, places, and moments that made the week so special.