Unexpected Series, Week 1

 Week 1 of UNEXPECTED is officially in the books — and wow… God showed up. 🙌

This series is already reminding us that God’s greatest gifts rarely arrive the way we expect.

Just like Joseph and Mary, and even like Kate in Home Alone getting help from an unexpected friend, God knows how to step into our stories right when we need Him… and often in ways we never saw coming.

This week, we talked about:

🎁 The gifts we think we deserve

🎁 The grace God gives that we could never earn

🎁 How God still whispers, “Don’t be afraid… I have a plan,” even when life feels complicated

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why would God be this good to me?” — you’re not alone.

The answer is simple: His grace is the greatest, most unexpected gift of all.

Can’t wait for Week 2. God is just getting started. ✨

Turkey Olympics

TURKEY OLYMPICS: LEVEL 100 CHAOS EDITION 🦃🔥

Last week at Elevate had everything:

🍕 Thanksgiving Pizza (aka NORMAL pizza, calm down)

🎳 Turkey Bowling with some questionable bowling techniques

🎯 Bullseye the Bird — where velcro balls exposed who actually has aim

🫘 The Poultry Pitch — bean bags flying like someone owed them money

🏅 Golden Gobbler Awards — the moment we were all bestowed honorary golden turkey medallions. 

And then — plot twist — Pastor Shawn RETURNED from medical leave like a final-boss entrance to finish the AFTER YOU series with a fire word about serving others. 🔥🙌

It was chaotic. It was hilarious. It was peak Elevate.

Would 10/10 do again.

See you next week, fam. 💥

Speed Stacks + Streamer Madness

Speed stacks. Streamer challenges. Big smiles.

Same goal every week: creating a place where you can belong and burn bright. ⚡️🔥 #ElevateAGen #MyDestinyFam

Thankful for Our Volunteer Team

While Pastor Shawn is recovering from his Achilles heel surgery, Elevate keeps burning bright 🔥. Huge thanks to our amazing volunteers who keep the fun, worship, and ministry flowing week after week! 💪

Special shoutout to Leonne — long-time youth leader, worship team member, and Destiny Council member — for bringing a powerful message last week! 👏🙌

So thankful for this faithful crew who love our students so well. 💛

#ElevateAGen #MyDestinyFam #BelieveBelongBurnBright

Nerd Night

 🎮 Nerd Night Recap – Laughs, Games, and God Moments

Our last Wednesday gathering was one for the books! Our Nerd Night brought out every flavor of fun—from epic Nerd Night challenges to the High-Pants Dance, brainy trivia, and full-on nerdy costumes that would make Comic-Con proud.

Students filled the room for a night filled with energy, laughter, and connection. From the moment doors opened, the vibe was electric—retro video games lit up the hang space, friendly rivalries formed over ping-pong and foosball, and the snack table became the unofficial hangout zone.

When it was time for our Rally Service, things took a meaningful turn. Worship filled the room, and as we wrapped up our Even Still series, we were reminded that even when life feels chaotic or uncertain, God remains faithful, steady, and near.

It was more than just a fun night—it was another moment where students got to believe in Jesus, belong in community, and burn bright in their world.

Scroll down to check out some highlight videos and relive the best moments of the night! 👇

🎥 Nerd Night Highlights: