There’s a saying we repeat often at Glory Ridge: God will send whoever is meant to be here, exactly when they are meant to be here. As Grace Church Cathedral of Charleston arrived for Week 10, our final week of Summer Ministry, I found myself believing those words all over again.

Come. Follow. Trust. Serve. Rest.

Come and be part of the community. Follow where Christ leads. Trust God and one another. Serve the person in front of you. And when the work is done, rest together in the goodness of what God has given.

❤️ Put a Little Love in Your Heart — read the story of Week 8 at Glory Ridge.

The ministry at Glory Ridge isn't really about construction. It's about paying attention. Campers from Holy Trinity and St. Davids learned to notice neighbors, beauty, silence, laughter, God's presence, one another, and even themselves.

Week 6 at Glory Ridge was a joyful celebration of faith, service, and Christian community as our friends from Forsyth Methodist in Georgia embraced every opportunity to love their neighbors and encourage one another.

The week’s theme, “Called to Serve,” invited everyone to reflect on the gifts God has given them to serve others. Leaders shared how meaningful it was to watch students grow in confidence, try new things, and build skills on the worksites and in worship.

From caring for animals and neighbors to planting potatoes, building terrariums, worshipping in creation, making music, and simply spending time together, every experience pointed back to His faithfulness.

From painting steps and laying flooring to planting native species and serving at the animal shelter, Christ Church Raleigh's week was marked by hard work, genuine relationships, and joyful service. Week 3 was a beautiful reminder that when we make room for Christ to lead, even ordinary acts of kindness become holy work, revealing God's love through willing hands, open hearts, and a community gathered in His name.

Throughout scripture, we are reminded that God often works through ordinary acts of love, service, and presence. Week 2 was a beautiful example of that truth. As Pleasant Hill served neighbors, shared meals, offered encouragement, and embraced every opportunity to help, they became living reminders of Christ’s love in our community. What follows is the story of a week marked by joyful service, growing friendships, and countless glimpses of God at work in both expected and unexpected ways.

Union Baptist kicked off Week 1 of Summer Ministry at Glory Ridge with a group full of energy, curiosity, and hearts ready to serve.

In the final week of summer, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church helped us close the season not with an ending, but with a revelation. Through shared meals, steady work, quiet worship, and joyful friendship, God reminded us once again that His presence is found in the bonds we share and the love we give.

Youth and adults from three churches came together as one community during Week 8 at Glory Ridge. Through worship, hard work, music, and shared stories, they not only served others — they were transformed themselves.

From “mole men” singing under the floorboards to spontaneous dancing on the Ridge, Week 7 with Holy Trinity and St. David’s was full of joy, laughter, and deep connection. What began as two separate churches quickly became one community, united in service, worship, and unforgettable moments.

In their 28th summer at Glory Ridge, Forsyth Methodist Church brought laughter, compassion, and a spirit of service that touched every corner of camp. From planting gardens with “the littles” to deepening friendships through worship and work, their week was a beautiful witness to faith lived out loud.

For the final week of the first half of summer, Center Grove Church from Greenwood, Indiana brought servant hearts, deep faith, and a spirit of true discipleship to the Ridge. From porch conversations with Ms. Vickie to evening devotions that felt like advanced Bible study, their presence was a powerful reminder of what it looks like to live out the Word.

“This week was so full of love, joy, and patience.” From the quiet faith of neighbors to the laughter of children chasing fireflies, Week 4 with St. James Episcopal Church was a calm and spirit-filled reminder of what makes Glory Ridge so special.

We prayed. We worshiped. We sang. We served. Lives were touched and forever changed. Christ nodded in approval, blessing the people, the work, and the worship. Rain did not dampen our spirit — we let our light shine.

From mulberry jam to kennel builds, and worship under the stars to unexpected tent troubles—Family and Friends Week at Glory Ridge was a heartfelt blend of service, laughter, and quiet transformation. Read how 14 souls came together to create lasting change for others—and themselves.

In the quiet beauty of the North Carolina mountains, Union Baptist Church brought more than hammers and nails—they brought hope. From rebuilding porches to restoring spirits, their week at Glory Ridge was a moving reminder that love in action can transform not only homes, but hearts.

"We’ve been preparing our hearts and minds for this season of ministry—cooking and sharing meals, learning about one another, and lifting our voices together in worship. These simple moments remind us why we’re here: to love well and serve joyfully. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Glory Ridge."
— Deb Shoemake