Important Mission Trip/Training Retreat Documents:

• Missed School Letter: For April 24th since students will be meeting at the church at 9:15 am - click here

• The weather real feel temperatures for this weekend are: Friday—sunny, high of 60, low of 42. Saturday—partyly cloudy, high of 70, low of 41. Sunday—cloudy with some showers, high of 62, low of 47.
• Bagged lunch for the bus on Friday
• Students will have a mattress with no bedding. Be sure to pack either: a sleeping bag & a pillow OR sheets, blankets, & a pillow.
• Stuff to shower: Flip flops, soap, shampoo, towel, deodorant, etc.
• Toothbrush/toiletries
• Old clothes (you may get dirty)
• T-Shirt, long-sleeve shirt, shorts, jeans, sweatpants, etc.
• Warm sweatshirt & jacket
• Two pairs of sneakers
• Bible & pen
• Rain poncho/gear (It may rain) 

• Electronics: iPads, laptops, video games etc. 
• Weapons
• Alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, etc.

A letter from Pastor Manny
Dear Parents and Students,

As I am sure you are aware, the 2026 Mandatory Missions Team Building Training Retreat is coming SOON! We are excited to have you on the team this year! This letter is to give you a bit of information as you prepare for it. First of all, please remember to meet here at church on Friday, April 24, at 9:15 am, and be sure to PACK A LUNCH for our trip. We will be eating dinner at the retreat center, and it's included at no additional cost to you. As noted in the information packet, which you received at the mission reveal and info night, attending this retreat is of supreme importance and goes a long way in building team unity, as well as growing in your relationship with Christ. That is one of the reasons why we make this retreat mandatory for our Missions Team members. 

As always, we will NOT be allowing the use of electronic devices during this weekend, as it really does distract and take away from the focus of the trip.  I ask you to partner with me in making sure your son/daughter does not bring iPads, laptops, video games, etc. These electronics will be taken away if your student is found with one. Believe it or not, most students find a welcome break from technology by the end of the weekend. 

Bringing cell phones is optional. Note that we will be participating in rope courses, ziplining, etc., where phones may be lost or damaged. If you are uncomfortable with this, you may be better off keeping your child's phone with you at home. If your student does bring a cell phone, we highly recommend that they leave it in their room during the day. Additionally, if they are caught on their phones outside of free time (during a message, worship, team-building activities etc.) it will be taken away for the rest of the trip. 

Please see the packing list above for what to and what not to bring.  Remember to come with an open and positive attitude, because when you do, you allow God to work in you and others.  Get ready to be CHALLENGED!  Also, be sure to get a decent night’s sleep Thursday night since you will be tired by the end of the weekend. I can’t wait to see you on Friday at 9:15 am here at the church.

Parents, please be praying for us over the weekend. Pray for great weather, safety, for team unity, your teen’s spiritual growth, and for our leadership team. We will be staying at Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center in Stevens, PA. Their phone number is (888) 353-1490, and Pastor Manny's cell number is (516) 592-8193 (for emergencies only during the trip).

If you have any questions or would like to share something with me, feel free to contact me. 

God bless,
Manny Fernandez, Student Ministry Pastor