As you read through this Summer Recap, we believe that you will find all of the ministries of Exodus Church fulfilling this mission. We are excited to share some highlights that describe what the Lord has accomplished through the people of Exodus during the summer of 2024 and look ahead to the rest of the year.

We hope you are encouraged by this Summer Recap!

Mission Trips

Between July 27 and August 4, 33 students were sent out on mission trips. The goal of these trips was to work alongside three of Exodus’ church partners: Epiphany Church in Gloucester City, NJ, Strong Tower Church in Montgomery, AL, and Reconcile Church in Greenville, SC. In their time on these trips, students served in a variety of ways, spanning from painting to running a VBS to door-to-door evangelism. Students were greatly impacted by their time serving and came home with a renewed sense of calling to live out the Great Commission where they are.

We are also excited to begin planning a Fall Family Picnic/Hike on Saturday, November 2.

Graduate Recognition

In May, Exodus Students celebrated the graduation of seven students: Brennan Painter, Elea Lowe, Grady Peeler, Kate Hoersch, Macie Jones, Sarah Brown and Violet Tarbutton. They enjoyed a nice dinner and had a special time to honor them and send them out. Leaders prayed over the graduates as they celebrated the end of one season and the beginning of a new one.

Summer Camp

In June, 54 students and 20 leaders spent four days at Camp Awanita to explore what it means to “Run on Joy”. Students spent the week growing in their faith together through worship, the hearing of the word preached and their conversations in small groups. The week was filled with fun games, intentional worship and quality time together.

Fall Kickoff

Exodus Students kicked off for the fall on Wednesday, August 14, with a new layout for their Wednesday night gatherings. All Students begin the night together with a game and worship through song before middle schoolers head to small groups and high schoolers hear a sermon. After this, the students switch spaces as high schoolers head to small groups and middle schoolers listen to the sermon. The school year began with the start of a four-week sermon series titled “On The Run,” which focuses on the life of Jonah. This school year promises to be full of opportunities for Students to grow in their faith.

This fall, Exodus Students will host The WKND, an in-house weekend event designed for students to deepen their walk with Christ while enjoying loads of fun with friends. Students won’t want to miss out on this enriching and thrilling weekend experience!

Our second Serve Sunday happened on August 11 and was a great way for the people of Exodus to connect with serve teams and find their part to play. We had over a dozen serve teams represented at the event, and lots of people from the congregation took advantage of this opportunity to learn more about ways to serve. If you happened to miss the event and want to learn more about serving at Exodus, simply email serve@theexoduschurch.org and someone will help you find your part to play!

In June, our staff, their families, the lay elders, and interns were invited to spend an afternoon at the Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park in Belmont. Their time was spent hanging out and playing cornhole while eating sub sandwiches and watermelon. The venue was a blessing to all as the kids had access to the playground next to the picnic shelter.

In July, we welcomed Andrea Noles as our new Mobilization Coordinator and Cassie Taylor as our Kids Director. In August, we welcomed Amy Alley on staff as the new Connections Coordinator. These ladies have already been a huge blessing to our staff and congregation.

We recently celebrated several staff anniversaries: Lauren Harris – 2 years, Tyler Boyette, and Josh Grotke – 3 years. We continue to be thankful for a gifted staff of servants who love Jesus and His church.

Spencer and Nicole Fretwell will also be joining Citizens Church! They will be working on fundraising and many of the initial tasks needed to plant a church. Pray for them as well!

Our goal is for Exodus to train, develop, and launch pastors and planters to lead faithful and fruitful churches. By God’s grace, we have done that, Exodus. All of us play a part in The Orchard Initiative. Whether you are giving faithfully, serving as a mentor for one of the residents, or simply being a fellow brother or sister to them, you are part of what God is doing in their lives. So, thank you!

And we are not finished! We will begin looking for our next round of residents in October. Our hope is to select these men by February 2025 for a July start date. Please be praying. God knows the men he would have Exodus train, develop, and launch.

We are celebrating God’s faithfulness to provide through the dedication and generosity of His people at Exodus Church.

Many of our Community Groups slowed down over the summer and primarily connected through informal social gatherings. In August, our groups kicked off the rhythm of regular gatherings again with cookouts.

We have 19 Community Groups that meet throughout the week around Gaston County. If you are still looking for your place to belong here at Exodus, we would love to help you find a group. For more information, visit our groups page or email groups@theexoduschurch.org.

September 21 – Exodus Men Tailgate Social
September 28 – Mill Work Day
October 18-19 – A Praying Church Seminar with Paul Miller
November 2 – Exodus Family Fall Hike
November 8-9 – Exodus Students The WKND
November 16 – Mill Work Day
November 24 – Deck The Mill
December 1 – Advent Beings
December 7 – Exodus Women Cookie Exchange
December 8 – Members Meeting
December 23-24 – Christmas Eve Candlelight Services