StoneBridge Men
Men’s Weekend at Camp Rivercrest
A group of men from each StoneBridge campus took some much-needed time to decompress and recharge at Men’s Weekend at Camp Rivercrest in Fremont on September 20-21, 2019. This year’s theme was Cavetime, a curriculum that focuses on helping men to escape life’s daily stresses and pressures and seek out a place of refuge where they can take time to recover spiritually.
“Cavetime hit on themes about showing up, setting time, and helping us create our prayer life,” says four-time attendee and Omaha campus member Lance Eberly.
Attendees participated in devotionals, lessons, prayer, small group discussions, and recreation over the weekend. Some of the activities the men could choose from included rock climbing, zip-lining, playing paintball, target practice at the shooting range, golfing, and other team-building activities.
A program designed to help men recharge
Tim Karges (Small Groups Pastor)
Small Groups Pastor Tim Karges says that, while planning the weekend, the leadership team kept circling back to the idea that many men struggle to regularly connect with God.
“Most men will tell you that they connect with God when they’re in nature somewhere,” Tim says. “He shows up in all those places, but He also shows up in our homes, churches, and regular places where He wants to connect with us--not just when we’re outside.”
The team landed on the Cavetime program because it’s built specifically for men who struggle with even the idea of taking quiet time. It teaches five tenets, or “stones”: showing up, worship, prayer, word, and community.
Cavetime is based on the story of King David, who sought refuge in a cave during times of danger and fear.
“We see David show up in the cave of Adullam when he’s fleeing Saul. He’s lost his job in the royal palace, lost his best friend (Saul’s son), lost his wife (Saul’s daughter)--and he shows up at the cave, where he expectantly waits for God,” Tim says. “David says he won’t leave until he finds out what God is going to do for them.”
Encouraging and lifting one another up through fellowship
Tim says a great group of men showed up for the weekend this year, some of whom had been struggling and needed to disconnect from life’s stresses for the weekend to spend time with other men.
“They were strengthened going forward,” says Tim, “similar to David going into the cave and coming out strengthened and encouraged. They felt a renewed sense of passion and calling.”
“The fellowship is the coolest part about the weekend--and spending time with guys I know, guys I’ve never met before, and having fun growing as brothers in Christ,” Lance says.
Lance Eberly (right)
According to Lance, his most profound moments of growth took place while engaging in conversation with other attendees, listening to one another’s stories, and getting real about what was going on in their lives.
“It was a game-changer for me,” Lance says. “Last year, I was in a great spot, and I was there to be a shield for other people. This year, I was struggling with some things--so just showing up and being around the guys was a big deal for me, spiritually.
“I came out feeling uplifted and even more confident of God’s timing and his plan for my life.”
Nick (right) & Ben (left) Maycock
Men of all ages are welcome
Nick Maycock working on a low ropes course
Men’s Weekend is an experience that’s great for men of any age. Nick Maycock (22) and his brother, Ben (21), both members at the Benson campus, were the youngest attendees this year.
“Sometimes older people can be down on younger guys, but it wasn’t like that at all,” Nick says. “I was a little reluctant to go at first, but it was awesome and I had fun and came away energized. It made me feel much better about myself and where I was at in my life.”
Balanced, relaxed sessions and activities
Nick says the weekend was a great balance between recreation and relaxed sessions with brothers in Christ. Short devotional and group sessions were broken up by recreation time, during which attendees could choose which activities to participate in.
“It’s more fun than it is serious,” Nick says. “It doesn’t feel serious, though; they make it enjoyable.”
If you’d like to attend future Men’s Weekend retreats, we would love for you to join us! Contact Tim Karges to stay in the loop.