Hi Parents,

We’ve had a full and encouraging month in Student Ministry, and I want to share a quick recap as well as some exciting things coming up!

Looking Back:

Serve Saturday at Discovery Charter


Our students and leaders rolled up their sleeves to serve Discovery Charter by helping clear their walking trail and even building a bridge together on back to back Saturdays. This is a great reminder for us that the church was not meant just for ourselves– being a light means being involved in our community and serving them as Jesus did. Our students and leaders really stepped up to the plate and made a huge impact through these projects, and we had a great time through the sweat and hard work!

Worship Night

This past Wednesday, we set aside our normal schedule for a night of worship and prayer. The room was filled with donuts, laughter, voices lifted in song, and intentional times of prayer—both individually and in small groups. It was a powerful reminder that our students love to worship God when given space to slow down and focus on Him.

Fall Series: Living Mirrors


We’ve been walking through a series called Living Mirrors, where we’ve looked at passages such as Genesis 1:26–27, Exodus 3:14, and Exodus 34:6-7. Each week has reminded us that our identity is rooted in being made in the image of God, designed to reflect Him to the world around us. It’s been both challenging and encouraging for our students to consider what it looks like to live as God’s image-bearers in their everyday lives.

Duke vs. NC State Game


Our youth group had such a great time at the Duke vs. NC State football game! The energy in the stadium was incredible, and it was so much fun cheering together in the crowd. Best of all, Duke pulled off the win — making the night even more memorable!

Looking Ahead:

October Guest Speakers — Wednesday Nights


This month, I’m thrilled to welcome a lineup of guest speakers:

    • Jason Palmer – a longtime pastor and encourager, passionate about helping students connect their faith to everyday life.

    • Byambison Pierre – a missionary-minded leader with a heart for sharing the gospel through discipleship pathways.

    • Jeffrey Cagle – beloved worship leader and student ministry volunteer. He has a passionate heart for prayer and is a great teacher of students.

    • Deed Murphy – my good friend, a devoted Duke fan with a legendary beard, who communicates with humor and honesty. A NC Native, Deed has extensive experience in camp ministry and youth ministry.

Homecoming — Sunday, October 12th, 10 a.m.


We’d love for your whole family to join us for Ridgecrest’s Homecoming service at 10 a.m., followed by lunch together. This is a wonderful opportunity to worship as a church family and share a meal. We have very limited space available, so please be sure to sign up now so we can plan accordingly!

Fall Festival — Wednesday, October 29th, 6-8 p.m.


At the end of the month, our students will get to serve at the church-wide Fall Festival. This is always a highlight—fun for the whole family and a great chance for our students to give back by serving our church and community. More details will be shared later this month.

Thank you for continuing to encourage your students and partner with us in ministry. God is at work in big ways, and I’m grateful we get to walk alongside your family in this season!

Your friend,
Ian Turner
Student Ministry Director