Week 4: Homecoming with Christ Church Charlotte
Homecoming Week at Glory Ridge was a joyful celebration of community, service, and God's faithfulness. Whether returning for another summer or visiting for the first time, everyone embraced opportunities to grow in faith, build relationships, and love their neighbors through service.
Our first day began by helping a neighbor clean out a storage shed. Although a full dumpster prevented the project from being finished that day, the team made tremendous progress before spending the afternoon installing house number signs at homes throughout Madison County to improve emergency response and navigation.
Another team spent part of the week at the home of our neighbor Mary, installing new flooring in her bedroom. Like many projects, it came with a few unexpected adventures. Hoping to protect the beautiful new floor while moving furniture back into place, the team created what quickly became known as the "Cardboard Gate" by placing cardboard beneath the dresser. Unfortunately, the cardboard had other plans. It tore at just the wrong moment, leaving behind an unexpected scratch on the brand-new floor. The good-natured search for the "guilty party" became a running joke for the rest of the week, with team members happily blaming one another whenever the story resurfaced. In the end, everyone shared the blame, everyone learned a lesson, and everyone laughed. More importantly, the finished room looked beautiful, and Mary's grateful tears reminded us that ministry has never been about flawless workmanship. It is about showing up with willing hands, humble hearts, and love that leaves a far deeper mark than any scratch ever could.
Service continued throughout the week in partnership with the local animal shelter, where volunteers cared for both animals and the people who love them. Teams assembled pet carriers and animal houses, walked sweet dogs, played with curious kittens, and assisted with the free Madison County vaccine clinic. These simple acts became meaningful reminders that God's love is often shared through everyday acts of compassion.
Later in the week, we partnered with The Lord's Harvest, a ministry working to address food insecurity among children, senior adults, veterans, and homebound individuals in Madison County. Together, we planted thousands of potatoes in one of their garden fields in Mars Hill, living out Christ's call in Matthew 25 to feed the hungry.
Between projects, we also made time simply to enjoy the beauty of the place God has entrusted to us. Creativity became another expression of worship. Campers built terrariums in repurposed pickle jars using moss, rocks, ferns, and other treasures gathered from around Glory Ridge. We cooled off with trips to the creek, gathered at the overlook to watch whitewater rafters paddle down the French Broad River, and laughed together while learning a proper Appalachian catcall whistle. Some caught on more quickly than others, but everyone joined in the fun. These unhurried moments reminded us that Christian community is built not only through serving side by side, but also through sharing wonder, laughter, and the simple joy of being fully present with one another.
Worship remained at the heart of the week, inviting us to slow down, become fully present with God, and listen for His still, small voice. Rather than filling every moment with words, we embraced practices of quiet reflection, allowing space to encounter God through creation, silence, music, and one another. Thoughtfully led by several of our young people, prayers of Examen became a meaningful rhythm each evening as we reflected on where we had experienced God's presence throughout the day. We also spent time sitting in silence, engaging all of our senses as we listened to birdsong, felt the evening breeze, watched the changing colors of the sky, and became more aware of God's presence surrounding us.
One evening everyone wandered quietly through camp, choosing something in nature that reminded them of God and spending time simply observing His handiwork. In the stillness, we were reminded that God's voice is often heard not in the noise, but in the quiet places where we make room to listen.
As the sun slipped behind the mountains each evening, worship was enriched by the extraordinary gift of music. Peter, a concert violinist, shared his remarkable talent by playing during our outdoor worship services. As his violin echoed across the ridge beneath the colors of the setting sky, many of us experienced what could only be described as a holy moment. His beautiful melodies drew our hearts toward God in a way that words alone never could. Peter also shared the story behind his remarkable instrument. Campers gathered around as he introduced them to his centuries-old violin, explaining its rich history and craftsmanship. He spoke about the horsehair bow, the delicate balance of string quality, tension, and humidity, and how each element shapes the instrument's voice. More than a lesson about music, it became a glimpse into the beauty of careful craftsmanship and a reminder that God often reveals Himself through the gifts, talents, and passions He places within His people.
Evening conversations became another treasured rhythm as campers, families, and staff shared where they had encountered God throughout the day. Stories of service, laughter, unexpected conversations, quiet moments of grace, and the gentle whisper of God's presence reminded us that He is continually at work in both the extraordinary and the ordinary.
Part of the group visited our new friend and neighbor Hazel before rejoining the others in the potato field. During the visit, Peter brought along his violin and lovingly serenaded Hazel with several of her favorite old hymns. As familiar melodies filled her home, smiles, memories, and deep gratitude filled the room, reminding us that some of the most meaningful acts of ministry require no tools at all. It was another beautiful reminder that ministry is found not only in the work we accomplish, but also in the relationships we nurture and the moments we simply share with one another.
While the days were filled with meaningful work, some of the sweetest moments came each evening around the bonfire. Over s'mores and laughter, stories were shared, memories were rekindled, and new friendships took root. These unhurried moments reminded us that God often meets us not only in the work of our hands, but also in the fellowship we share.
As Homecoming Week ended, everyone reflected on the many ways God had been present throughout the week. From caring for animals and serving neighbors to planting potatoes, building terrariums, worshiping in creation, making music, and simply spending time together, every experience pointed back to His faithfulness. Homecoming Week once again reminded us that Glory Ridge is more than a place. It is a community where people are welcomed, friendships are renewed, lives are shaped through service, and God's love continues to be experienced together, year after year.