Week 9: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Kinston, NC

Week 9 welcomed the youth and leaders of St. Mary’s in Kinston to Glory Ridge, and while the group was small, they quickly proved that small can be mighty. From the beginning, there was a relaxed, welcoming spirit that carried throughout the week. They were a tight-knit group who made room for staff and new faces, worked hard, laughed often, and approached each day with willing hearts.

Worship was one of the sweetest parts of the week and gave us five simple words to carry with us: come, follow, trust, serve, rest. Each morning, one of St. Mary’s youth brought a peaceful, thoughtful devotion into the circle at the top of the ridge. Jayden’s morning devotion was a special reminder of how God speaks through young people. Worship under the stars was the perfect end to each day, with lively music and sacred moments of sharing what was stirring in our hearts.

Those five worship words began to show up beyond the worship circle, too.

On Monday and Tuesday, Steve Neas, Glory Ridge board member and project leader, drove all the way from Lexington, Virginia, to lead the youth in building a deck for our neighbor Kittie. Steve made sure every camper had a chance to participate, teaching new skills and trusting them with meaningful parts of the project. The youth learned to follow instructions, trust one another, and serve with their hands. By the end, they could stand back proudly and see what they had accomplished together. Once Kittie’s deck was complete, the group finished their week of service by volunteering at the Madison County Animal Shelter.

Another crew, affectionately known as Two Snakes, had the opportunity to work with Frank, Construction Project Manager with Community Housing Coalition, building a very large deck for our neighbor Renee. His leadership and encouragement made the project another chance to learn, serve, and build relationships. The group also found a way to keep everyone laughing, giving their worksite report with a dramatically prolonged “sssss” sound in every word containing the letter s.

Then came the storm.

On Tuesday night, a massive storm rolled in with torrential rain and heavy winds. Huge limbs came crashing down onto the tin roof of the dining pavilion, while rain soaked sleeping bags and hammocks in the worship pavilion. When the power went out, everyone calmly gathered in the kitchen by candlelight to seek shelter. The next morning, breakfast was served without power, and the group handled the unexpected with flexibility and plenty of good humor. It was a pretty good lesson in trust—and in making do with what you have.

Soon afterward, they were back to adventure, heading out for whitewater rafting, including the unforgettable Glory Girls crew. After the storm, the river provided plenty of laughter and excitement. Wednesday evening brought back another annual tradition: the talent show! Jude’s fiddle playing was a favorite, especially his lively performance of Orange Blossom Special. The evening was full of laughter, encouragement, and some genuine talent.

Food was another highlight of the week. Fresh meat and produce, homemade bread, and meals prepared with plenty of TLC brought everyone together around the table. Renee, Rebecca, Rochelle, and Mark outdid themselves with every meal they served. Thursday night took that hospitality to another level with a beautiful communion service followed by an elegant candlelight banquet celebrating the work and love shared throughout the week. Baked salmon and tiramisu made the evening especially memorable, while the Golden Plunger and Golden Nugget awards—artfully designed by Jessica—brought plenty of laughter. After days of work and service, there was something holy about simply gathering at the table to rest and enjoy one another.

The Secret Saints were another meaningful part of the week. The youth embraced the opportunity to creatively express love and friendship, making thoughtful handmade gifts and praying for one another throughout the week. Those small, often unseen acts of kindness became another way of serving one another and strengthening the community they had built.

Father Tom Warren’s loving, gentle leadership helped set the tone for the week, while Mark’s humor kept everyone laughing. Steve and Frank created worksites where youth felt trusted and valued. The Tanners brought joy and immense heart to each day, and the campers themselves brought the willingness, flexibility, and joy that made the week what it was.

Looking back, Week 9 cannot be measured only by the decks that were built or the neighbors who were served. It lives in candlelight during a storm, laughter at the talent show, proud smiles at the worksites, Secret Saint gifts, fiddle music, peaceful worship, and meals shared around the table.

And maybe those five words from worship tell the story best:

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.

Week 9 may have been small, but it was mighty in all the ways that mattered. Decks were built, neighbors were served, friendships grew deeper, and a small group of young people reminded us once again what can happen when we come together and say yes to following Jesus.