Hey Ridgecrest Families! Falltime is officially here!
October is already off to a great start, and there’s a lot ahead for our students. In this email, I want to celebrate a couple of really meaningful nights from the past few weeks, give you the key reminders you need for Fall Retreat, introduce our Fall Festival serve night, and help you save a few important upcoming dates.
September 30 | Small Group Night
Our Small Group Night on September 30 was one of my favorite nights of the semester so far because each of our four groups got to spend the evening in a way that really fit the personality of their small group.
Our high school guys played kickball outside, our middle school guys had a Nerf war and played 9 Square, our middle school girls spent the night doing crafts, Bible chains, prayer boards, candy salad, and more, and our high school girls had a night that included self-defense, bookmarks, and notes of encouragement.
While these 4 activities were very different from the others, I think it was a perfect representation of the distinct characteristics that make each group unique. They all have their own strengths, personalities and needs, and our small group leaders were so intentional to listen for those needs and meet their group in a way that was unique and meaningful to them.
Our small group leaders are a HUGE piece of our ministry, and I am so thankful to serve alongside Godly men and women like them as we work together to point your students to the Lord.
October 7 | Night of Worship
We also had an incredible Night of Worship this week.
We gathered 196 students and leaders from more than 10 churches from around our area for a night centered on Jesus. Wildfire led us in worship, and Jeff Moody brought a message from Exodus 14 about what it looks like to spiritually “press pause” and make space to recognize what God is doing.
It was really special to see so many churches come together in one room to worship, open God’s Word, and encourage students in their faith. It’s a testimony to the unity in Christ, and a reminder that the God we serve is bigger than just our youth group, or Ridgecrest Baptist Church. God has a heart for our city, and I am encouraged by the partnership we have with other believers around us to praise him!
Fall Retreat | October 16–18
Fall Retreat is next weekend, and I’m really excited for the time we’re going to have together at Merriwood Christian Camp.
Josh Hendley will be leading worship, Deed Murphy will be teaching, and throughout the weekend students will spend time in small groups, personal quiet time, games, team-building, camp activities, and a lot of time simply being together.
My prayer is that students come home with a deeper relationship with Jesus and stronger friendships within our ministry.
A few important reminders:
Students need to arrive at Ridgecrest at 5:00 PM sharp on Friday, October 16.
Please make sure your student eats dinner before arriving.
If you still have an outstanding waiver, form, or balance, please take care of that before the trip.
Students should plan for a no-phone weekend so they can be fully present with God, their leaders, and one another.
We expect to return to Ridgecrest at approximately 11:30 AM on Sunday, October 18.
I’ll send a separate final Fall Retreat email early next week with the full packing list, medication instructions, final reminders, and everything else you’ll need before Friday.
Would you also begin praying with us now? Pray that students will come ready to listen, ask questions, build meaningful friendships, and respond to what God wants to do in their lives. Please also pray for wisdom, energy, and patience for our leaders throughout the weekend.
Fall Festival Serve Night | October 28
On Wednesday, October 28, Ridgecrest Students will be doing something a little different for Midweek. Instead of our normal gathering, our students will help serve at Ridgecrest’s annual Fall Festival.
Students will primarily help with the inflatables and other needs throughout the night as we serve families from our church and community. It’s a great opportunity for our students to be participants, not spectators, and serve together.
All student volunteers should plan to arrive by 6:00 PM. We’ll divide students into rotations and send out their specific assignments and final details beforehand.
Students can sign up to serve here:
Fall Festival Student Volunteer Sign-Up
Coming Up
October 14 — Midweek
October 16–18 — Fall Retreat
October 21 — Midweek
October 28 — Fall Festival Serve Night
November 22 — Turkey Bowl — Save the Date
We’ll send Turkey Bowl registration and full details once those are finalized.
Realm App
Please use the link below to learn more about the Realm App, which makes registering your teen easier than ever!
Thanks for the way you continue to support, encourage, and pray for Ridgecrest Students. I’m grateful to partner with you and excited for everything God is doing in our students this fall.
Your friend,
Ian Turner