Back to School Bash
August 14, 2024, was an evening of sunshine, splash zones, and spiritual encouragement as the youth of Encounter Church gathered for a Back to School Pool Party—hosted generously by the Coleman and Jordan families.
This wasn’t your average backyard hangout. With a 125-foot water slide with a gallon of Dawn Dish soap, an above-ground pool, and a steady supply of hot dogs and hamburgers, it was the kind of send-off summer deserved and the kind of welcome the new school year needed.
From the moment students arrived, there was excitement in the air. Laughter echoed across the yard as teens zipped down the massive water slide, cannonballed into the pool, and filled their plates with classic cookout favorites. Whether it was a returning student or a first-time guest, everyone felt welcomed, known, and included—a reflection of the heart of our youth ministry.
Before the evening ended, Shelby Coleman gathered the group for a brief but powerful devotional. She shared a timely reminder from Philippians 4:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
—Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
With school just days away, Shelby encouraged the youth to let go of anxiety—about classes, friendships, sports, or expectations—and instead bring their worries to God. She reminded them that He’s already in their classrooms, their hallways, and their daily struggles. They don’t walk into this school year alone. She passed out note cards and asked the youth to write down any worries or fears that they were carrying on the note card. When a basket was passed around to collect the cards, she told the kids to imagine when placing these notecards in the basket as placing their cares into the hands of Jesus to carry moving forward.
This night was about more than fun (though there was plenty of that!). It was about setting the tone for the year ahead—a year marked by faith, friendship, and courage. It was about reminding our youth that they are surrounded by a church family that loves them, supports them, and believes in who they’re becoming.
