Hey parents!

November is shaping up to be an exciting month — and one event I really want on your radar is our Turkey Bowl on Sunday, November 23! 🎳
It’s going to be a laid-back, super-fun afternoon of bowling and connection — the kind of event that’s perfect for inviting friends who might not feel comfortable at church yet.
We’ll share more details below, but go ahead and mark your calendars now — this is one your student won’t want to miss!

💭 Looking Back at October

October was such a rich and meaningful month for our student ministry!

Each Wednesday, we had the chance to hear from a variety of guest speakers who brought powerful, personal messages from Scripture. I’m so thankful for each of them and the way they helped our students see that different voices and styles can all point faithfully to Jesus. It’s so valuable for students to experience that — to realize God speaks through all kinds of people! Each one of our leaders have stepped up in a BIG WAY this past month, and it’s a blessing to work on a team that cares so much about your students, and leads so well. As I’ve had to step back for a few weeks to take care of our newborn, our all-star team hasn’t missed a beat on Sundays or on Wednesdays. 

We also joined our whole church family for Homecoming Sunday, which was a beautiful reminder that our students aren’t a separate ministry — they’re a vital part of the larger church body. And that connection continued through Fall Festival, where our students served with joy, energy, and maturity! They helped run inflatables, welcome guests, and care for kids — and they did it all with incredible attitudes. I couldn’t be prouder of how they represented Christ and our student ministry family.

Looking Ahead:

🧽 Serve Saturday

November 15 | 8:30 AM–12 PM

This month, we’re taking that same heart of service and putting it to work right here at Ridgecrest!
We’ll be helping clean and organize the preschool area and storage rooms — a simple but meaningful way to take care of the building God has entrusted to us.
No sign-ups needed; just show up ready to serve and make a difference!

🦃 Theme Night — “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” | November 19th

We’ll have a normal Wednesday night of worship, teaching, and small groups — but with a Charlie Brown twist!
Just like the classic special, we’ll share a feast of snacks together, so have your student bring something to share!
It’ll be a cozy, fun night with a great message and community focus.

🎳 Turkey Bowl — November 23 | 2:30–4:30 PM at Palace Pointe

Here it is — our big event of the month!
We’re heading to Palace Pointe for an afternoon of bowling, laughter, and community.
This is a low-pressure, relational event — a perfect opportunity for students to invite friends who might not normally come to youth group. It’s all about connection, friendship, and showing the love of Jesus in simple ways.

If you don’t want to meet at Palace Pointe, we’ll also be carpooling from the church! To catch a ride, meet at the church by 2:00, and we’ll bring your student back right in time for our Thanksgiving dinner together at 5:00. 

We’ll wrap up the day with dinner together afterward as part of our Thanksgiving celebration!

Sign Up Here

🎄 Looking Ahead: Holiday Schedule

Here’s what’s coming up as we head toward Christmas:

  • Nov 26 – Off for Thanksgiving

  • Dec 3 – Last normal Wednesday night of the year

  • Dec 10 – 🎉 Christmas Party

  • Dec 17 – 🎶 Caroling Night

  • Dec 24 & 31 – Off for Christmas & New Year’s

  • Jan 7 – 🌲 Christmas Tree Bonfire

I’m so thankful for what God is doing in and through our students — the way they’re learning to serve, to grow, and to be part of the church family in meaningful ways. Thank you for the way you encourage them and for partnering with us in helping them grow in their faith and community.

Your friend,
Ian Turner
Student Ministry Director