Week 7: Holy Trinity and St. David’s Episcopal Churches
Holy Trinity and St. David’s Episcopal Churches joined us for Week 7 of Summer Ministry at Glory Ridge. This was Holy Trinity’s 39th summer on the Ridge and St. David’s first, but the blend of the two groups felt seamless. Youth ministers who had worked together in the past brought their groups into something that quickly felt like family.
We had several work crews out in the community this week, each diving into projects that ranged from construction to restoration. One crew spent their days at a restaurant in Hot Springs, making both structural and aesthetic improvements. They installed a vapor barrier underneath the building, hung and painted drywall inside, painted the patio, and even built a raised platform for the AC unit. What stood out wasn’t just the quality of the work but the gratitude we received. Keith, one of the restaurant owners, bought pizza for the crew, and Gentry’s Hardware—though technically still closed—welcomed us in with open arms. The support from the community made it clear that the help we were offering truly mattered.
At Andrea’s house, two other crews worked on the shed roof, power washed the home, replaced the front and back decks, and started a bathroom remodel. Andrea and her husband John even joined us for worship twice during the week, expressing how much it meant to them to feel seen and cared for.
Another crew assisted Brandy by clearing and underpinning the space beneath her home. Over at Brittney’s house, a group laid down a vapor barrier, fixed interior doors, and installed a new storm door. It was patient work, full of laughter and heart.
Speaking of under the house, those who spent long hours crawling beneath homes and buildings became affectionately known as “the mole men.” Whether under the restaurant or Brittney’s house, stories quickly spread of the mole men singing and cracking jokes from beneath the floorboards. You could hear them before you ever saw them—and their joy was contagious. Their humor and camaraderie became legendary by week’s end.
One of the most memorable parts of the week was the way the two groups bonded, not just through service but through spontaneous dancing—at worship, on the Ridge, and even at work sites. Each evening worship offered something unique, from prayer and storytelling to song. A highlight was the “sharing tokens,” small items placed in communal jars each night, later taken home as a physical reminder of the week’s reflections. It was a simple but beautiful way to carry the spirit of the Ridge beyond the mountain.
One evening, the dining pavilion erupted in laughter as a few of the guys got buzz cuts from staffer Robert Hart. It was one of those classic Ridge moments—unexpected, silly, and absolutely unforgettable.
From mole men and buzz cuts to dancing, singing, and quiet moments of shared faith, it was a week full of joy, hard work, and deep connection. To Holy Trinity, St. David’s, and all who supported us in Week 7—thank you for helping co-create something truly special.
Written by Peyton Wojtek
