It has been a very busy but wonderful summer! 

We kicked off the summer with our CrossTown trip to Winston-Salem to participate in SparkDwell, a service-learning program hosted by The Dwelling—a congregation primarily made up of individuals who are currently or have experienced homelessness. Each CrossTown youth was placed in a small group alongside youth from other churches and paired with a counselor who is part of The Dwelling. Each day started with breakfast and worship before heading out for our service or learning opportunities. 



One of the most impactful experiences was our pilgrimage through the margins. Each group was given a real-life task—like picking up a prescription, finding shelter, applying for permanent housing, or retrieving important documents. No group was able to complete their task, which was the point. The experience was meant to help us see the overwhelming obstacles people face to meet even their basic needs.

On the second day,  we participated in service projects around the city—working in community gardens, renovating a house recently given to the Dwelling, and painting a mural designed by one of the counselors. On the third day, we visited the International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro. The visit sparked deep conversations with our youth about the ways our systems often work against so many people in our community. One youth expressed how sad it is that our systems are so broken. A counselor replied, “They’re not broken—they’re working exactly how they were designed to.” That comment invited us to continue to learn about the systems in place in our community and the ways Jesus calls us to love others. 

In the evenings, we relaxed and bonded through karaoke, card games, and lots of laughter before ending the night with worship. Gwen Andrews shared that the pilgrimage was her favorite part of the trip. “I never knew how much work an unsheltered person needs to do just for basic survival,” she said. Gwen also appreciated the friendships formed with youth from other churches through games and conversation, and especially loved the Sunday worship service at The Dwelling, which felt more like a welcoming living room than a traditional sanctuary.

After we returned from Winston-Salem, I went straight into Vacation Bible School. This year, Good Shepherd hosted 23 children from Good Shepherd, St. Philip’s, and the wider Brevard community for a week of fun and faith. Our theme, "Brick by Brick: Building Our Faith," focused on daily messages of being designed with purpose, trusting God’s plan, building community, repairing what’s broken, and building for the future. Each morning began with a youth-led skit before breaking into groups for crafts, games, and discussions tied to the daily theme. Thank you to every adult and youth volunteer - we would not be able to do it without you!

In between trips and VBS, CrossTown has also had a blast at our Wanka Wednesdays, traveling around town in search of the best sweet treats. So far, we’ve visited Pisgah Bakehouse, 99’ Ice Cream Bar, Downtown Chocolates, and Bracken Mountain Bakery. Our final stop will be at Rocky’s on August 20. These weekly meet-ups have been a great way to stay connected, share lots of laughs, and cool off with a delicious treat.

Along with all the activities, I’ve been working with Claire Teuber, Rik Emaus, and Pastor Ken on plans to expand our use of the youth room at Good Shepherd. In addition to our monthly Middle School Art Club, we hope to offer more regular programming this school year to engage an even larger group of youth. I’m excited to see this space come to life in new ways. 

I’ve also had a lot of conversations with families from both churches as we look ahead to Sunday School this fall. I’m so looking forward to having our children and youth gathered again! If you’re interested in helping with children’s Sunday School, please let me know—it’s such an amazing way to be a part of the children’s lives and faith formation. 

In the midst of all the busyness, I was grateful to have two weeks off to rest and renew. I spent time camping in Montreat with family and friends, visited Chattanooga, and enjoyed a silent mini-retreat at home in Brevard. It was a gift to slow down, breathe, and prepare for the school year ahead.

This summer has been a beautiful reminder of how faith is built - through service, community, laughter, and rest. I’m so thankful for the moments we’ve shared and the ways God continues to be at work in our community. As we step into the fall, I look forward to all the ways we will keep growing together. 

Abby Glass

Children, Youth, and Family Minister