Hey parents!
Before we jump in, here’s a quick snapshot of what’s coming up:
📌 Quick Look:
Apologetics Study (Tuesdays) – Back this week (6:45–8:00 PM)
May 3 – Graduation Sunday registration deadline
May 17 – Graduation Sunday + luncheon
May 27 – High School Led Night
Summer Camp – Only 4 spots left 👀
June – No weekly programming (family rhythm + rest)
🔥 What We’ve Been Seeing (Why It Matters):
🔧 Serve Weekend @ Merriwood
This was a defining weekend for our group.
We partnered with Merriwood Christian Camp (and Bedrock Church from Roanoke, VA) to help prepare their campus for a summer of ministry.
Students jumped in to:
Paint
Pressure wash
Stain decks
Do real, meaningful work
And they did it well.
We also had a lot of fun—archery, late-night games, competitions—but what stood out most was what God did in our students.
We’ve been talking all spring through James about wisdom in action – that our faith is more than what we know, or think, but it’s about how we live.
And this weekend was that in real time.
Students didn’t just hear about serving—they lived it.
And in the process, they experienced something deeper: joy, unity, and purpose.
📖 James: Wisdom in Action
All spring, we’ve been walking through the book of James together.
Not just what we believe—but how it actually plays out in our lives.
Things like:
With wisdom, our words are a blessing to others
Avoiding favoritism by loving others
Good works prove a genuine faith (true faith leads us to action!)
We’ll wrap up this “Wisdom in Action” series this month, and it’s been really encouraging to see students connecting truth to real life.
🌍 World Cup Night (Controlled Chaos 😅)
This night was wild—in the best way.
Each small group represented a country our church partners with on mission and competed through a series of ridiculous, high-energy games.
🏆 HS Boys (Team Belgium) took the win in a landslide!
Yes, there were cheeseballs, pool noodle golf, and carrying heavy things across parking lots… but this night was about way more than games.
It was about:
Teamwork
Encouragement
Shared experiences
Moments like this build unity. These bridge building moments take individuals and connect them to their group. These shared experiences and bonding moments are a lot of fun now, but there’s a deeper connection. Because of these built relationships, connections made carry into future conversations, small groups, and spiritual growth (yes, because of the cheeseballs!).
Also, a big shoutout to Pastors Marc, Jason, and Byambison for jumping in with us. It was a great reminder that our student ministry isn’t a silo—we’re part of the larger church.
Looking Ahead:
🧠 Apologetics Study (Tuesday Nights)
We kicked this off in April with Stuart Corle, and it’s already been such a valuable space for students to wrestle with real questions and grow in confidence in what they believe.
It’s not too late to jump in.
📅 This Tuesday
⏰ 6:45–8:00 PM
📚 Chapters 3–4
Even if your student doesn’t have the book, this is a great environment for them to be equipped to speak truth into the culture around them.
Graduation Sunday - May 17th
If your student is graduating this year, we would love to recognize them on Graduation Sunday.
We’ll be honoring active graduates who have been involved in our student ministry, celebrating their time here and praying for them as they step into their next season.
If your student is graduating and you’d like them to be included, please fill out the form below.
🙌 High School Led Night – May 27
This is one of the most meaningful nights we do all year.
Our high school students lead everything—from the upfront moments to what happens behind the scenes. One of our core beliefs is that we are participants, not spectators, and this is another opportunity for them to take what they’ve been learning, and step up to lead, according to where God has gifted them.
If you’ve got a high schooler, encourage them to ask:
Where has God gifted me?
How can I use that to serve and lead?
Whether it’s on stage, behind the scenes, creatively, relationally—there’s a place for them in this night.
Summer Camp (Almost Full)
July 27–31st
This is a BIG one:
Only 4 spots remaining
Scholarships are available!
Registration is now open for Summer Camp at Whisper Mountain, and we’re excited to be heading back there again this year.
Whisper Mountain has become a favorite for our group because it combines great teaching, intentional small group time, and incredible outdoor activities that help students unplug from distractions and really engage with God and one another.
The setting in the mountains creates a unique environment where students can slow down, build deeper friendships, and focus on their faith in ways that are harder to do in the normal rhythm of life.
Camp is consistently one of the most impactful weeks of the year for our students.
Important: The price increases April 26th, so be sure to register before the early rate ends.
🌞 Looking Ahead:
🎣 Fishing Expo – June 6
Morning event with our outdoor ministry
Fishing, games, and connecting with our community
A simple, meaningful way to serve
🇸🇰 Slovakia Mission Trip – July 6–17
Our team is set—now we pray.
Be praying for our high schoolers as they go to:
Share the gospel
Lead sports camps
Build relationships across cultures
🎉 VBS – July 13–17
One of the best weeks of the summer to serve.
Students can jump in through:
Small groups
Rec, worship, crafts, and more
🌿 June Rhythm
We’ll take a break from weekly programming in June. Our hope is simple: Give space for rest from a busy spring, find family rhythms, and help our leaders reset before a full summer ahead (stay tuned for a full schedule later this month).
Realm App
Please use the link below to learn more about the Realm App, which makes registering your teen easier than ever!
As always, thanks for trusting us with your students. It’s a gift to get to walk alongside them and see God at work in their lives.
Let me know how I can support you or your family.
your friend,
Ian Turner