Centenary UMC Youth at Resurrection and the Holston Foundation
Each year, the Apple Festival in Erwin, TN, serves as the cornerstone fundraiser for the youth group at Centenary UMC. By managing the church’s parking lots, the group raises funds for their trip to Resurrection and supports mission projects throughout the year. The festival is also a time for outreach, as the church shares free water, invites attendees to worship, and highlights ministries like their community garden.
But this year, everything changed.
A Storm of Challenges
Just one week before the festival, Hurricane Helene tore through the region, leaving devastation in its wake. “The flood wiped out the fundraiser and our opportunity to make a way to Resurrection,” shared Jessica Crasey, Centenary UMC’s youth director and administrative assistant.
Instead of bustling festival crowds, the church’s parking lots became a hub for relief efforts. The congregation sprang into action, coordinating supplies and recovery initiatives. Partnering with the Salvation Army, they provided hot meals and essential needs for weeks on end. The youth, whose school was closed for nearly a month, stepped up in extraordinary ways.
“Our youth group members sorted supplies, delivered food, and went into the community to disperse aid. They were working double and triple time, serving far more work than if they were in school,” Jessica said.
As they served, the students gained a new understanding of their community. “Our students saw a side of our community that they hadn’t realized before. It changed their perspective—not just on this crisis, but on everyday needs that exist around them.”
A Path Forward
As the reality set in that their trip to Resurrection might not happen, the church explored alternatives. Leaders considered hosting a virtual watch party, but they knew that after the trauma of the flood, the youth needed the full experience—community, worship, and renewal.
“We were going to try to make it work, but we would miss the feeling and shared worship that is the most powerful,” Jessica explained.
That’s when the Holston Foundation stepped in.
By reaching out to the Three Rivers District, Centenary UMC was connected with the Holston Foundation and shared their story. The Holston Foundation immediately responded with an offer to fund the youth group’s trip to Resurrection, recognizing the unique need and the hardship they had endured.
A Time of Renewal
With the Foundation’s support, Centenary UMC took 12 students—including six first-time attendees—and three chaperones to Resurrection. Jessica, her husband and co-leader Alvin, and Cynthia Sparks accompanied the youth to this transformative event.
The group stayed together in a cabin, building relationships and reflecting on their experiences. The theme of the weekend, “Simply Jesus,” resonated deeply.
“It reminded us that you don’t have to use big words when you pray. Finding a relationship with God isn’t complicated—He’s everywhere, and His love is everywhere,” Jessica said.
Moving Forward in Service
Now, with renewed spirits, the youth are seeking even more ways to serve. They are organizing Easter baskets for residents of a local income-based nursing home and exploring other opportunities to support ongoing recovery efforts in their community.
“This experience opened our students’ eyes to what we can do to help our neighbors. They now understand that not everyone in our community has their needs met each day, and they want to be part of the solution.”
Thanks to the generosity of the Holston Foundation through the Hurricane Helene emergency response grants, a trip that once seemed impossible became a journey of healing, faith, and inspiration. The students of Centenary UMC returned from Resurrection as disciples eager to continue serving.