Hi everyone!

I hope you're all having a wonderful summer! Welcome to all of our rising middle schoolers! We are so excited for you to be joining us!

For those I haven't had the chance to meet yet, my name is Abby Glass and I'm the Children, Youth, and Family Minister at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and St. Philip's Episcopal Church. I also help lead CrossTown, our interdenominational youth ministry made up of youth from Good Shepherd, St. Philip's, Brevard First United Methodist, Bethel A. Baptist, and the larger Brevard community.

Throughout the year, I'll send a weekly email with upcoming events, reminders, and important information, so be sure to keep an eye on your inbox. If you ever have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!

As we look ahead to the new school year, here are a few updates and dates to add to your calendar.

This year, the first Sunday of each month will be Basecamp Sunday. On these evenings, youth can choose to attend either United Methodist Youth Fellowship at Brevard First United Methodist Church or CrossTown at the church listed on the attached calendar. During the other three Sundays each month, everyone will gather together for CrossTown. Unless otherwise noted, all Basecamp and CrossTown gatherings will meet from 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Please see the attached flyers for our Sunday gatherings, Middle School Meetups, Middle School After School Club, High School Suppers, and other special events happening this fall.

Our official CrossTown Kickoff will be on September 13, but we have a lot of opportunities to get together before then! In August we'll have two Middle School Meetups, two High School Suppers, and our first Basecamp gathering.

August 2 – Middle School Meetup
Join us for a picnic and outdoor games by the creek at Brevard College! We'll meet near the soccer field from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Dinner will be Jersey Mike's sandwiches. Please sign up here so we know how many to order for.

August 9 – High School Supper
We'll head to Sol y Luna in Hendersonville for dinner. Meet at Brevard First at 5:30 p.m., and we'll ride the church bus together. Please sign up here so we can make sure we have enough bus seats available.

August 16 – Middle School Meetup
We're taking a trip to Fox & Otter in Hendersonville for an escape room! Meet at 3:45 p.m. to ride the church bus together. The cost is $5 per person to help cover the activity, and scholarships are always available. Please sign up here if you plan to attend.

August 23 – High School Supper
We'll gather at Brevard College at 6:00 p.m. for a potluck and volleyball. Fried chicken and drinks will be provided. Youth are encouraged to bring a side dish to share.

August 30 – Basecamp Sunday
Our first Basecamp gathering of the year! Youth are invited to attend either CrossTown at St. Philip's or United Methodist Youth Fellowship at Brevard First. Both groups will meet from 5:00–7:00 p.m.

We have so many exciting things planned for this year, and we can't wait to welcome both new and returning youth. It's going to be a wonderful year of growing together!

Peace,

Abby (she/her)