Young Adults Gather at Skycroft for Worship, Rest and Renewal
By Sharon Mager
MIDDLETOWN, Md. — Following the success of the “ABA Big Event” youth gathering earlier this year, Arundel Baptist Association (ABA) pastors hosted a young adult retreat at Skycroft Conference Center on Oct. 31–Nov. 2. About 70 young adults in their 20s and early 30s, representing eight churches, came ready to worship, grow and experience God on South Mountain. The Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) partnered with ABA to provide resources.
The organizers from several ABA churches were thrilled to see the event come to life. Matt Gardner, youth pastor of The Church at Severn Run, said, “We began meeting and praying about this event so long ago. Seeing God provide and bring it all together is a huge blessing. We saw God move through the teaching and worship, the community building, and the answered prayers.”
The idea emerged after the spring’s Big Event for youth. Gardner, seeking to build his church’s young adult ministry, gathered associational pastors to discuss, pray and plan a retreat. Martin “Marty” Bennett, pastor of Life Connection Church in Severn, was among them. “We decided, let’s go forward and see what happens,” Bennett said. Reflecting on the weekend, he commented, “God really blessed it. It was good — just really good.”
The retreat’s theme, “Saved to Serve,” was woven through both teaching and worship. BCM/D Director of Formation and Health Dan Hyun taught from the book of Daniel, challenging attendees to live counterculturally in today’s world, and led prayer for those walking through difficult seasons. The worship team built on that theme through songs and reflection. The schedule included four plenary sessions and three breakout electives focused on relationships, apologetics and authenticity.
Worship was led by Michael Murchison, former music minister at Life Connection Church, joined by several other musicians. Bennett said organizers intentionally left free time for rest and connection. Some participants played basketball, hiked or played board games, while others simply relaxed and enjoyed the crisp fall air.
The weekend also featured a Friday night bonfire — complete with s’mores. “It was windy when we got up there Friday night,” Bennett laughed. “They said, ‘We’ll see how it goes,’ but they did it.”
Gardner said, “I was very impressed by the heart and attitude of the group. Everyone was very engaged and friendly. We definitely saw connections being made between different churches. Skycroft is a beautiful host location for a fall retreat. We loved being there.”
The success of the weekend has already sparked talk of future gatherings.