In this week’s Pastoral Notes, I asked Pastor Ben Griffith to give us an update on the youth group’s recent trip.
Dear Cornerstone family,
Last week, our senior high students had the privilege of attending the RYM (Reformed Youth Ministries) Summer Conference in Panama City, Florida. You could probably tell who attended by noticing who was sunburned and peeling last Sunday! Our 14 students and three leaders enjoyed a week with youth groups from all over the Southeast, the majority of them coming from PCA churches. Rev. John Stone was our main speaker Many of you may know John from his years as the RUF campus minister at UT Knoxville. He spoke on the topic of unity in a divided world (a timely subject), and how the message of the Gospel equips and empowers God's people to be agents of reconciliation and peace in the fractured world into which God calls us. Our students spent every morning in different elective seminar classes taught by various PCA pastors, and we spent the afternoons playing volleyball, getting stung by jellyfish, and apparently not applying enough sunscreen.
Here are some reflections on the week from a few of our students:
“RYM taught me that we should be the ones pursuing peace and spreading the word in such a divided and difficult world. It was such a fun week, and I feel like I really connected and made relationships throughout the trip.” -Eva Brooks
“I would recommend going to RYM because you don’t only grow spiritually but also socially. I learned how to be more outgoing due to the activities and games we did. RYM was a unique and fun experience where I got to learn how to deal with problems going on in the world and back them up with Scripture."”-Katie Shurden
“RYM was a life-changing week for me, and I grew in every way. At RYM, not only did I get closer to God, but I also made friends and memories."”- Natalie Bordulis
We would like to express our deep gratitude to everyone who helped us get to RYM! So many of you gave online during our fundraising week in June and gave above and beyond at the women's Bible studies on Tuesday nights. Thank you for your generosity! You eased the financial burden on families and provided scholarships allowing students to attend who might not have otherwise. We’re deeply grateful.
