Arundel Association Youth Partner for “The Big Serve”
By Sharon Mager
SEVERN, Md. — Earlier this year, students from several Arundel Baptist Association churches gathered for The Big Event at Wonderfly Arena—an energetic night filled with games, pizza, worship, connection, and a clear gospel presentation. Teens made new friends and worshiped alongside youth from other congregations.
In November, that momentum took a new turn—toward serving others.
Matt Gardner gives directions at the Love Wins food pantry at The Church at Severn Run. (Photo courtesy of The Church at Severn Run)
Five churches—Elvaton Baptist, Millersville, Severna Park Baptist, South Shore Church, Crownsville, Weems Creek Church, Annapolis and The Church at Severn Run—worked together for The Big Serve, a local missions initiative designed to move students from fellowship into hands-on ministry.
“It was great!” said Matt Gardner, NextGen Pastor at The Church at Severn Run. He estimated that about 100 people participated—approximately 80 students and 20 adults. “I wondered how many kids would come to this because it’s not like Wonderfly Arena,” he said with a chuckle. “But having 150 at The Big Event in April and a hundred at this one was really encouraging!”
After gathering for fellowship, participants divided into teams. Seventh- and eighth-graders partnered with “HOPE for All” in Glen Burnie, a Christian nonprofit that provides clothing and household essentials to families in crisis. They helped sort and organize donations throughout the afternoon.
Two teams volunteered at The Church at Severn Run. High school students helped at the church’s Love Wins food pantry, which has seen a sharp increase in need and recently distributed food to over 2,000 families. Students packaged meals, cleaned and organized storage areas, compiled inventories, and assisted with preparations for distribution.
Fifth- and sixth-grade students assembled “Happy Birthday Jesus” kits—cake mix, candles, balloons, and devotional materials for families. Gardner said the project was especially meaningful because the kits will be distributed during the pantry’s December outreach.
After serving, everyone reconvened for pizza and sharing time.
Gardner was encouraged by the day. He noted that students were intentionally grouped by grade level rather than by church so they could connect with peers from other congregations. “That way, they were from different youth groups, but the same age,” he explained. “They could meet other people who are at a similar stage of life.”
Eve Rice, who led a team from Elvaton Church, said, “I was blessed to see so many youth serving. My youth said they really enjoyed the time and would like to do it again. They also talked about how nice it was to see all the other youth.”
Gardner was also pleased at how the youth worked together. “One of our ambitions in doing these events is to create unity and help the youth capture sight of the kingdom at large and not just in our own towns.”
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Feature Photo: Arundel Baptist Association students clean refrigerators at Love Wins food pantry. (Photo courtesy of The Church at Severn Run)
Sharon Mager serves as BCM/D content and stories editor