Week 3: Christ Episcopal Church, Raleigh, NC
Christ Church Raleigh arrived at Glory Ridge for Week 3 of Summer Ministry ready to serve, learn, and build relationships. From the very beginning, the group embraced each opportunity with enthusiasm and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. Whether working on community projects, spending time with neighbors, or sharing meals together, campers and leaders quickly became part of the ministry unfolding throughout the week, discovering that some of God's greatest work happens in ordinary moments shared with others.
One of the group's major projects took place at Walnut Community Center, housed in an old school built in the mid-1950s, where campers helped continue improvements to the facility. Teams painted the back steps and transformed the space into a more welcoming place for the community. Others traveled to the home of Stacy and Junior, brothers who live together and faithfully care for one another. There, campers moved furniture, learned how to lay flooring, and completed a project that required patience, teamwork, and flexibility. While there were plenty of challenges along the way, they embraced the learning process and took pride in seeing what could be accomplished when everyone worked together.
Relationships remained at the heart of the week. Many campers reflected on the kindness and hospitality shown by Stacy and Junior, whose welcoming spirit left a lasting impression. One especially meaningful moment came as project leaders David and E.T. sat and talked with them. Though they came from very different backgrounds and life experiences, Christ's love was evident in their conversation and connection. It was a quiet reminder that ministry is often less about accomplishing tasks and more about being fully present with one another.
Throughout the week, campers served in a variety of ways around Marshall and the surrounding community. One group worked alongside local residents to plant native species along the banks of the French Broad River in downtown Marshall, contributing to the town's continued recovery following the devastation of Hurricane Helene while caring for God's creation. Another day brought a trip to the Madison County Animal Shelter, where campers tackled difficult projects with determination and teamwork. They dug and graveled a pathway from the holding area to the adoption area, cleaned and organized, walked dogs, and cared for the animals. Whatever the task, they approached it with joyful hearts and a willingness to serve wherever they were needed.
Of course, ministry wasn't the only thing that filled the week. Campers found joy in the small moments that quickly became favorite memories. Stops to pet cows along Goldsmith Circle brought plenty of smiles, while three consecutive days of ice cream at Madison Pharmacy became a beloved tradition. Music also became part of the rhythm of the week. From songs filling the dining hall during morning chores to playlists shared while washing dishes, campers discovered friendship in conversations about favorite artists and songs, reminding one another that joy is one of God's sweetest gifts.
The week was also filled with fellowship around the table. Greek dinner, grilled tacos, smash burgers, and other delicious meals became opportunities to laugh, tell stories, and recharge after long days of service. Behind the scenes, campers worked side by side during kitchen chores, discovering that even washing dishes can become an act of love when done for one another.
As the days passed, campers saw firsthand that the work God calls us to is never meant to be done alone. Volunteers, staff, community members, and neighbors each played an important role, weaving together a picture of the Body of Christ at work. It truly takes a village, and together they experienced how God uses many hands and many hearts to accomplish His purposes.
The week concluded with a meaningful evening prayer service and Eucharist, offering time to reflect on all that God had done. As campers looked back on projects completed, friendships formed, and lessons learned, they recognized that Jesus had been present all along—in conversations on front porches, laughter around the dinner table, hands busy with work, and quiet moments of prayer.
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.