Over the past year, one theme has come up again and again as I’ve spent more time with our youth: retreats matter.
For many of our youth, retreat is where friendships deepen, faith becomes more personal, and they have the opportunity to step away from the busyness of life to focus on God. Jesus understood the importance of this kind of rest and renewal when he said,
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Mark 6:31
Our youth spend so much of the year pouring into the life of our church. They faithfully serve on Sunday mornings, love our neighbors well at All Angels’ Church and the Frederick Douglass Houses, and this summer they were instrumental in the incredible success of Rainforest Falls VBS. They give generously of their time and energy to serve others. One meaningful way we can encourage and give back to these youth is by volunteering with our Fall Retreat.
This September 25-27, students in grades 6-12 will head to Lake Champion for a weekend of worship, community, small groups, and time in God’s Word. We are praying they return home encouraged, strengthened in their faith, and more deeply connected to Christ and one another.
Retreat depends on adults who are willing to invest in the next generation. We are looking for Cabin Leaders and Work Crew volunteers to help make the weekend possible. Whether you feel called to mentor students directly or serve in a supportive role, your willingness to give one weekend can have an eternal impact. If you’re unable to join us in person, we would love for you to partner with us in prayer. Please pray that God would use this weekend to deepen students’ faith, strengthen lasting friendships, and remind every young person that they are deeply loved by him and by their church family.
To learn more, register a student, or volunteer, please click here.
Grace and Peace,
Laura
Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27
Lake Champion Fall Retreat
Autumn is just around the corner, and so is the much-anticipated Fall Retreat at Lake Champion! We can’t wait to spend an unforgettable weekend with our middle school and high school students.
To our youth who want to invite a friend, our Buddy Pass is back. If your friend is not currently part of Redeemer West Side (has never attended the retreat or doesn’t regularly participate on Friday nights), they can join for free by completing a Buddy Pass form.
Work Crew volunteers are invited to join us at no cost! Help with meals and activities while enjoying a fun-filled weekend in beautiful upstate New York alongside parents and our partners from Redeemer Downtown and Redeemer East Side.
Click here to learn more or register.
Upcoming
- Aug 8 | RWS Dashers Running Club
- Aug 9 | All Angels’ Community Meal Volunteering
- Aug 13 | Food Distribution at the Frederick Douglass Houses
- Aug 13 | Riverside Chapel Service
- Aug 16 | Mandarin Speaking Community Group
- Aug 20 | Grief & Loss Support Group
- Aug 30 | Student Meal
- Sep 11 | West Side Youth Kickoff
- Sep 15 | Men’s Bible Study
- Sep 16 & 17 | Moms Groups
- Sep 22 | Vocation Groups Launch Night
- Sep 25 to 27 | Lake Champion Fall Retreat
- Sep 27 | New at RWS
Get Involved
| RWS Job Opening: Director of Youth Ministry RWS Job Opening: Youth Ministry High School Manager RWS Job Opening: Worship Associate Volunteer with WS Youth on Friday nights this fall. Apply to serve with West Side Kids! Listen to sermons on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Subscribe to our Neighborhood Engagement Newsletter. HFNY: Join HFNY on 8/20 at a social for young professionals! Meet the HFNY Rising Leaders Board and connect with Christian young professionals who care about loving and serving our city together. |
