Be Still And Know…First Youth Fall Retreat
From November 15–17, 2024, Encounter Church made history with our very first Youth Retreat, held at the beautiful Cabins on the Cumberland in Jamestown, Kentucky. Nestled in the hills and overlooking the water, this weekend became a powerful time of stillness, spiritual renewal, and sacred connection.
The theme for the weekend came straight from Psalm 46:10:
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
In a world filled with noise, pressure, and endless motion—especially for teenagers—God invited us to do something radically different: slow down. Throughout the weekend, our youth were encouraged to pause, listen, and recognize God’s presence in both the quiet and the chaos of their lives.
From worship sessions under twinkling lights to heartfelt devotionals and prayer times, the Spirit of God met us in every space. Students shared openly, prayed for one another, and began to experience what it truly means to rest in God’s love.
Even the stillness—something many found uncomfortable at first—became a place of peace, healing, and trust.
Our teaching sessions helped teens reflect on who God is in the midst of uncertainty, anxiety, and transition. By the end of the weekend, many students had a fresh understanding that God doesn’t just meet us in big, loud moments—He often whispers in the quiet.
Of course, it wasn’t all quiet! The cabins were also full of laughter, games, late-night snacks, tie dying Retreat t-shirts and memories made around the fire. Whether playing late night tag, chilling in the hammocks, or simply sitting side by side, the students formed deeper friendships and a stronger bond as a youth group.
One of the most meaningful takeaways was the sense of belonging—every student knowing they are loved by God and supported by a church family that sees them, believes in them, and is walking with them.
We’re incredibly thankful for every youth, parent, volunteer, and leader who made this retreat possible. And most of all—we’re thankful to God for showing up in the stillness.
Here’s to the first of many retreats to come.
Be still. Know Him. Trust His presence.
