Week 9: St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Kinston, NC
Our last week of summer at Glory Ridge, spent with our dear friends from St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Kinston, was more than just a closing chapter—it was a holy unveiling. The theme for the week, Apocalypse, reminded us that the word means "something revealed," not "the end of times." And throughout the week, God revealed so much to us—through friendship, service, laughter, worship, and the daily rhythm of camp life on the Ridge.
The week was filled with the smells of nourishing food—fresh sourdough bread, vibrant vegetables, and meals that satisfied both body and soul. We even enjoyed a full Meatless Monday, proof that vegetables, in the right hands, can truly be a feast. After dinner, the adults often gathered around fresh brewed French press coffee, planning the next day’s work as the mountain sky faded into starlight.
Each morning began with youth-led devotions on top of the Ridge, with a view that stretched toward eternity. Youth from St. Mary’s were joined by new friends from Elizabeth City and New York City, reminding us of the wide, welcoming family of God.
At the worksites, our hands were busy and our hearts were full. We painted a bedroom and built a deck for our neighbor Vickie, who gifted us with warm buttermilk biscuits topped with our homemade jam. We returned to Laddie and Phil’s to dig trenches, install siding, add underpinning, and paint. At Sandra’s, we repaired fascia boards. At Barbara’s, we replaced carpet with vinyl plank flooring. At Nadine’s, we stained decks—popping a truck tire along the way but thankfully rescued by friends from CHC.
One of the most inspiring moments of the week came from a camper who had recently broken her ankle. Watching her move through the week with perseverance, determination, and joy—even in a cast—was a living example of courage and the strength of community.
Evening worships were rich with spirit, music, and reflection. Each night we asked, “What might God be revealing to us?” and found answers taking quiet shape. Wednesday night brought laughter and light as we held our talent show with friends Adam and Jennifer—everyone participated in some way, sharing skits, songs, card tricks, sheet-folding, dancing, and joy.
Prayer surrounded our week. Members of St. Mary’s had lovingly knitted prayer shawls for every neighbor we served, and each one became a visible reminder of God’s presence and care.
Throughout the week, Secret Saints quietly prayed over one another, leaving handmade surprises—painted rocks, twig crosses from the big oak, flower bouquets, baked treats—that culminated in a joyful gift exchange on our final night.
And what a final night it was. The dining pavilion was transformed into what we called “Glory Ridge Elegant,” with fresh flowers, cloth napkins, candlelight, and a scribble-covered table runner. Friends Caleb, Madison, and baby Milo joined us for a feast of salmon, cheesy mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, and tiramisu. We handed out chore-time awards—golden toilet plungers and gold steel wool lanyards—to honor the most dedicated helpers.
In the end, it wasn’t just that we loved having St. Mary’s with us. It was that they loved the Ridge, our neighbors, and this mission just as much as we do. They were kind. They were generous. They were thoughtful. And in this final week, they helped reveal what God had been showing us all summer: that His presence is found in service, in laughter, in worship, and in the bonds we share.
Written by Deb Shoemake