Pastor’s Corner — From the Mountains
Greetings from Lake Junaluska!
Right now, I’m writing to you from a picnic table overlooking the water, with the mountains rising like a cathedral all around us. It’s peaceful. It’s holy. And it’s loud—because we brought 13 teenagers.
This week, our youth are experiencing M28 Camp, and I want you to know: it’s more than just camp. It’s discipleship in action. It’s laughter in worship. It’s quiet moments with God under the stars. It’s courage on the ropes course and teamwork in a whitewater raft. It’s asking big questions, singing even bigger praises, and growing in faith together.
We are incredibly grateful for the generous financial support that made this trip possible. Because of the kindness and investment of our church family, we were able to reduce the cost from $600 to $250 per student. That’s not just a savings—it’s a wide-open door for ministry. You’ve helped make this possible, and we thank you.
As we raft through rapids and climb through ropes (and maybe wrestle with a little homesickness and some serious snack cravings), we ask for your prayers. The M28 Church Prayer Guide reminds us that God’s Word will not return void. So pray Isaiah 55:11 over our group. Pray for bold faith. Pray for real transformation. Pray for safety, joy, and new beginnings.
We’re here to have fun, yes. But we’re also here to encounter Jesus. In worship. In each other. In the beauty of creation.
Keep us in your prayers this week—and maybe keep your phones on. We might just send you a picture of a soggy group hug after rafting.
With joy and gratitude,
Rev. Stephanie Smith