Pastor Kirk Hatherly
For another summer, members of First Hayesville United Methodist Church’s youth group traveled to Wilkes County to take part in Cross Connection Camp, a week dedicated to serving others, strengthening faith and building lifelong friendships.
Cross Connection is a nonprofit Christian organization that has been serving communities across North Carolina and Virginia for decades. Each summer, youth groups from churches throughout the region gather to volunteer in local communities while growing in their faith through worship, fellowship and service. Through this unique ministry, young people learn that faith is not only something to be spoken about on Sundays, but something to be lived out each day through acts of love, compassion and service to others.
The group attended the Cross Connection camp based in Wilkes County, where volunteers stayed at a local middle school while completing projects throughout five surrounding counties: Wilkes, Alexander, Ashe, Alleghany and Watauga.
Throughout the week, campers worked side by side helping homeowners with a variety of much-needed projects. Their efforts included building wheelchair ramps, porches and stairs, painting the exteriors of homes, mowing yards, weed eating, trimming bushes and trees and completing other home repairs that allow residents to remain safely in their homes. While the work was often physically demanding, every project was completed with a servant's heart and the shared goal of making a meaningful difference in someone's life.
Beyond the work projects, camp provided opportunities for worship services, small group Bible studies, games, and team-building activities, all centered around Christian values and serving others with compassion. These moments allowed campers to strengthen their relationships with God while creating friendships that often last long after camp comes to an end.
Representing First Hayesville United Methodist Church this year were Pastor Kirk Hatherly, Polly Jones, Eli Danico, Maggie McClure and Lillie McClure.
Many of the camp’s leaders are college students who spend their summers serving as staff members. Interestingly, many of them first attended Cross Connection as middle and high school campers before returning to mentor the next generation of volunteers. Their dedication is a testament to the lasting impact the ministry has on those who experience it.
This year’s camp also marked a special milestone as Hatherly prepares for retirement. Hatherly has been part of the Cross Connection family for more than three decades, impacting countless young people through his leadership and dedication to Christian service. Since becoming pastor of First Hayesville United Methodist Church in 2005, he has faithfully led generations of youth, encouraging them to put their faith into action through service. Those who know him describe him as humble, quick to share a laugh and someone with an unwavering heart for young people. Whether leading worship, working alongside students on a construction project or simply offering words of encouragement, Hatherly has always demonstrated that ministry is best lived through kindness, compassion and a servant's heart.
In recognition of his years of commitment, Cross Connection shared a heartfelt tribute on its Facebook page, writing:
"Since 1992, Kirk has been an incredible CC camper. As pastor of Hayesville First UMC, he has brought hundreds of students, served many a CC communion, built tons of ramps — and probably some wild roof or flooring projects back in the day — encouraged students to join staff — even his own children — and been a model CC adult camper all along the way. We are incredibly grateful for all of the support, love and pastoral guidance Kirk has provided our staff, campers, and neighbors. While he has decided it’s time for retirement, he will always be a part of the CC family and we will certainly still ask for his help on a worksite."
The tribute reflects the lasting impact Hatherly has made over more than 30 years of ministry with Cross Connection. His leadership has inspired hundreds of young people to put their faith into action by serving their neighbors with humility, kindness and compassion — a legacy that will continue through the lives of those he has mentored. While his retirement marks the end of one chapter, the countless lives he has touched through Cross Connection and Hayesville First United Methodist Church will continue to reflect his example for years to come.
For the youth group, the annual trip is about far more than completing construction projects or checking items off a work list. It is an opportunity to step away from the distractions of everyday life and experience the joy that comes from putting faith into action. Throughout the week, students grow spiritually, develop practical skills, form friendships with fellow Christians from across the region and discover the difference that even a simple act of kindness can make in someone's life.
For many homeowners, the volunteers' work provides more than just a repaired porch, a freshly painted home, or a safe wheelchair ramp. It offers hope, encouragement, and the reminder that they are not alone — that there are people who genuinely care about their well-being. The smiles, hugs, prayers and heartfelt conversations shared throughout the week often leave just as lasting an impression as the physical improvements made to each home.
As another summer of Cross Connection comes to a close, the members of Hayesville First United Methodist Church return home carrying more than memories. They bring back renewed faith, grateful hearts and a deeper understanding of Christ's call to love one another through service. The annual mission trip has become a cherished tradition for the church, reminding everyone involved that some of life's greatest blessings are found not in what we receive, but in what we freely give. Through Cross Connection, lives are changed — not only for the homeowners who receive assistance, but also for the students who return home inspired to continue serving their communities with faith, humility and love.