This past weekend, the male students of Living Education-Charlotte, joined by Mr. Jonathan McNair, set out on an exciting adventure in the mountains of North Carolina. The picturesque views of Linville Gorge set a beautiful background for our annual men’s backpacking trip. The purpose of these trips is to help our male students draw closer together as men, spend time in the great outdoors, and learn essential survival skills.
Setting out from the dorms, the intrepid crew of adventurers ascended a steep uphill trail, took a pre-packed lunch overlooking the scenic views of the gorge near the top of the ridge, and ultimately descended toward a clearing where we camped for the night. After an eight-mile day, we were glad for an early dinner and the chance to enjoy the evening before heading to bed. The next day, despite blustery winds, the sun came out, setting a warm tone for the day as we retraced our steps and ultimately made our way back to the cars—and civilization! This year’s trip helped our male students build basic camping skills, gave them the chance to grow closer together as brothers, and provided lasting, enjoyable memories in the great outdoors.
David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.
Author: Katelyn Wissinger| Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2025-26
Where & What: A Student’s Perspective
From March 20 to March 23, the ladies of Living Education went on a trip to Charleston, SC, to reflect on what they learned this year, build stronger bonds with each other, and learn about the history and culture of a new place. Mrs. Weston and Mrs. McNair came on the trip, which provided a wonderful opportunity for us to build friendships with women of varying ages.
From March 20 to March 23, the ladies of Living Education went on a trip to Charleston, SC, to reflect on what they learned this year, build stronger bonds with each other, and learn about the history and culture of a new place. Mrs. Weston and Mrs. McNair came on the trip, which provided a wonderful opportunity for us to build friendships with women of varying ages.
Our trip included traveling to a range of different places and exploring the Charleston, SC area. On the Sabbath, we joined the Walterboro, SC, congregation for services, fellowship, and a scrumptious potluck meal afterwards. That evening back at our rental house, we engaged in a team-building activity, assembling three different themed charcuterie boards. With our creative hats on, each team carefully built the boards; it was hard not to eat half the ingredients while we made them!
On Sunday, all of us got dropped off at the bottom of the city of Charleston for an exciting scavenger hunt. The students were divided into two teams and had an hour to try to find as many things on a list that included major tourist attractions and historical sites around the city.
Finally, on Monday, as we returned to Charlotte, we stopped at an old plantation, Middleton Place, to wander through the beautiful gardens, with bush after bush of blooming azaleas.
We all enjoyed spending more time getting to know each other and developing lasting memories on this year’s ladies’ trip to Charleston, SC.
The Purpose of Ladies Trips
Author: Sabrielle McNair| Living Education Program Assistant
Why Bother?
The question is begged, “Why a ladies’ trip?” Most activities at Living Education throughout the year involve our male and female students together. However, God created men and women differently. What women are called to do within the church body differs from what men are called to do. Biblically, women build up their homes with tireless hands, Proverbs 14:1, “The wise woman builds her house,” (NKJV). She would dedicate herself to the family with all her thoughts, time, and actions. So, with the acknowledgement that men and women are different, the question is, “What key element is critical in the support for women today?”
In a word, connection. What can help prepare and support women’s roles in the church is connection. Female friendships and deep bonding are a rare commodity. In a barrage of media and online “connections,” the loneliness epidemic is rampant. And with isolation growing daily, how much more precious are those connections in our lives? The probability is that there are ladies in our church today, struggling to build connections of true meaning and support. So what can we do?
It may seem excessive, but how about a ladies’ trip or get-together? A group of women sets aside time to focus on one another and grow in understanding. If it’s a three-day weekend? Great! An evening after church? Perfect! Whatever time there is to be given to one another, the benefits are endless.
How is this different from fellowship at church? In many aspects, it isn’t. There is talking and perhaps food, the same as at church services. The differences are in the intentionality and focus. When women, just women, come together, there is a different atmosphere than when it’s a mixed group. Topics can be more personal and women-specific challenges that cannot typically be discussed at church, purely for propriety’s sake, can be examined and considered. There’s no hedging about what it is you’re going through. And another woman may be able to relate to your struggle. Still, that kind of trust takes time to develop. And with effort put in outside of church fellowship, that trust is more likely to develop.
What about the age difference? Isn’t it normal to have friends mostly your age? Friendships have come in all shapes, sizes, and ages through history. In your local congregation, there may only be one or two other individuals, even roughly close to your age. But plenty of women, older or younger than you, can serve by developing a friendship. We’re taught to develop these cross-generational relationships in the Bible (Titus 2:3-5, NKJV). Do we take that admonition seriously, and do our actions and time spent reflect that mindset?
How To?
What elements could specifically help facilitate female connection in your area? Consider a Ladies’ Trip. Maybe you’re already doing one—fantastic! Or perhaps you have tried organizing something for your area, only to find you lack the people interested or the time to do it. What factors can be considered when planning a ladies’ trip in your area?
First, the people. What is the demographic in your area? Younger ladies, older women, busy moms? Figure out who you are serving first and foremost. What can they do and afford, and how can you plan for the highest possible participation?
Second, the activity. For some areas, an active ladies’ weekend of touring a city may be the way to go. For others, an evening of getting together and developing a new skill, such as crafts or cooking, might work better. Whatever you plan, work to serve and include as many as you can, and change it up from time to time. There’s more than one way to make it happen.
Lastly, the focus. Let people know why you want them to come. Be open and honest, saying that it’s not about the thing you’re doing; it never is. Yes, it may be fun to see new places, eat good food, and perhaps crafting is your personal favorite. However, the primary goal of a women-only event like this is to develop connections. Letting people know you value the opportunity to grow in your relationship with them can show outgoing concern.
Why Ladies’ Trips? Because we need it. Women are different than men; the kind of emotional support required is different because it builds community within our church in ways no other activity can. And because connection, deep, meaningful, loyal, honest, connection is a precious commodity. It’s just one more way to promote it and strengthen the bonds of the God-given family of the church.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_7390.jpg11251500Katelyn Wissingerhttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngKatelyn Wissinger2026-03-30 12:13:102026-04-20 09:00:00Ladies Trip to Charleston, SC
This past Thursday, the Living Education-Charlotte students, along with the McNair and Johnson families, made a trip to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC. With the weather getting warmer and hints of spring beginning to appear, this was a welcome opportunity to get outside, spend time together, and enjoy seeing some of God’s creation.
After arriving at the zoo, Mr. McNair tasked our intrepid group of wildlife adventurers with a challenge—throughout the zoo visit, the students would be participating in a scavenger hunt. Divided into teams headed up by our second-year student leaders, each team had to find certain animals or landmarks scattered throughout the zoo and take a group selfie—and for bonus points, they had to find the McNairs too! Splitting up, each group spent time scouting out their targets while also enjoying the exhibits and scenery—and of course, all the animals. To see some of their successful selfies, just scroll below this post!
At noon, the group gathered back together to enjoy a pre-packed sandwich lunch before spending another hour and a half enjoying the rest of the zoo—and before long, it was time to head home. While the fun was over for now, there were plenty of photos and memories to enjoy of another LivingEd-Charlotte outing in the great outdoors.
David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_4319-X4.jpg11251500David Markopouloshttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngDavid Markopoulos2026-03-16 14:13:192026-03-16 14:13:22A Trip to the North Carolina Zoo
This past Tuesday, the Living Education-Charlotte students, accompanied by faculty, the Johnson family, and Mr. Adam West, visited the JAARS facility in Waxhaw, North Carolina. JAARS—which stands for Jungle Aviation And Relay Service—is a Christian organization that facilitates large-scale translation efforts of the Bible into many endangered languages.
Arriving in the morning, the group received an introductory talk by JAARS employees on the history of the organization, its formation and early development, and what they do now. Splitting into two groups, they toured part of the grounds. The facilities house aircraft in hangars, boats, dirt bikes, and other transports used in various regions.
JAARS not only sponsors translation of the Bible into indigenous languages, but also helps train translators and volunteers to learn these languages, as well as providing resources and bringing Bibles to locations around the world. Their efforts to help spread God’s word over the years have resulted in many people around the world being able to read the Bible in their own language. After a pre-packed lunch, the students regrouped and headed back to the office, having learned more not only about local history but also a broader view of what is occurring in the Christian world today.
David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_7340-X4.jpg15001125David Markopouloshttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngDavid Markopoulos2026-03-16 14:08:462026-03-16 14:13:30A Visit to JAARS
This previous Sunday, the Living Education-Charlotte students hosted the annual Ladies’ Bingo Brunch activity at the LivingEd women’s dorm. The purpose of the activity was to provide an exciting and inclusive activity for the local ladies, and to allow the students to get to know them better.
This year introduced a new theme: 1970s Neon Disco. True to the theme, the students spent weeks preparing a menu plan, decorations, invitations, and, of course, their costumes. The night before the activity was spent in busy preparation transforming the downstairs area of the house into a real 1970s disco club. From preparing food and drinks to bedazzled neon outfits to the bright lights and the disco ball in the living room, the students worked hard to give the ladies a positive and enjoyable experience.
The morning of the activity saw final preparations completed, and as the guests arrived in costumes of their own, the atmosphere was full of energy and enthusiasm. The brunch table was filled with delicious food, and a disco-themed “bar” offered homemade drinks. After the meal, the ladies and students participated together in several lively rounds of bingo played with coffee beans. Several prizes neatly placed in unique coffee mugs were won by each team, and prizes were even given out by Mr. McNair for “most creative costume.”
As the morning passed and the activity concluded, the students and ladies fellowshipped for a time before departing. After a successful activity, the students turned around and set to work taking down the decorations and wrapping up a substantial cleaning effort. This year’s Bingo Brunch activity was a success straight out of the 70s!
David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.
The Spring semester is now in full swing, and this year’s Living Education-Charlotte students are hard at work with their studies. This semester began with a special kick-off weekend in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. After regrouping from winter break, the students, accompanied by director Jonathan McNair, his family, and other staff, traveled to a beautifully-situated rental home in the Smoky Mountains.
Lasting from Thursday to Sunday, the itinerary included a pleasant balance between fun activities and relaxation time. On Friday morning, the students enjoyed snow tubing for several hours before returning to the house just in time for a lively game of Bible Jeopardy. As we entered the Sabbath, we enjoyed a Sabbath brunch before Mr. Jonathan McNair led the students in a Bible Study. After sunset, the students were divided into two teams captained by the men’s and women’s RAs. Their objective: work together to create honey taffy. While messes were made, each team enjoyed the delicious fruits of their work, and as we headed for home on Sunday morning, the students were rejuvenated, enthusiastic, and ready to take on the remainder of this new semester.
David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.
Author: Katelyn Wissinger| Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2025-26
On December 7, the Living Education students toured the NASCAR Hall of Fame museum in Charlotte, NC, where they learned more about racing cars and enjoyed time together. The exhibits they walked through explained the history of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing from its inception to its current state. Life-sized models of the cars and samples of the track surfaces were on display. A racing simulator and pit stop simulator provided an opportunity for friendly competition, as the students got a feel for what stock car racing involves. All the attendees came back from the trip having learned something and made new memories.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_4059-e1765988341381.jpg9901500Katelyn Wissingerhttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngKatelyn Wissinger2025-12-26 15:54:182025-12-26 15:54:21Field Trip: NASCAR Hall of Fame
Author: Katelyn Wissinger| Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2025-26
The Living Education students hosted a disc golf activity at the Church picnic on a mild Sunday morning in early November to serve the local Charlotte congregation. Church members who wanted to participate were split into groups and led around the disc golf course by students at the park where the picnic was being held. Both families, young adults and older members, joined in. There were participants of many different skill levels; however, everyone enjoyed themselves, and all were rewarded at the end with homemade chocolate chip cookies made by students. Hosting a disc golf activity at the picnic is just one way that students of Living Education can get involved in the local area and get to know their brethren better.
Author: Katelyn Wissinger| Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2025-26
This past Sunday, we traveled to Sunset Beach, NC, for a relaxing afternoon and a welcome reprieve from the past week. While a trip to the beach is quite dependent on the weather, and ours was cut short because of the unwelcome rain, we enjoyed it nonetheless and got our fair share of the sun.
Around 8 am, we packed up the vans and headed off on the road, full of anticipation for what lay ahead. At about 12.30 am, we arrived at the beach, and thankfully, there was little trouble in finding a close parking space that made our walk to the sand a whole lot shorter. Once on the beach, students and faculty set about putting up the gazebos and setting up the camping chairs. Scarcely were we there for more than a few minutes before students eagerly dashed towards the beckoning blue expanse in front of them. Others, a little famished, stayed back and dived into the prepared pasta salad bowls for lunch. The sun was at its full height as it shone strongly on all the beachgoers. Some of the students took the opportunity to rest under the gazebos on the warm sands, but most eventually made it into the waves and enjoyed rolling and jumping into them. As expected, some got to experience the taste of the delightfully briny water a little too much. As the afternoon rolled on, the ominous grey clouds in the distance and the echoes of thunder drew closer and closer. Students and faculty prepared themselves, repacking our belongings as we closely watched the droplets of precipitation getting ever closer. The downpour eventually hit our location, and we all made a mad dash for the vans.
While the beach trip may have been cut short due to the gloomy weather, the time we did enjoy on the coast made memories and allowed us to appreciate God’s creation. For some, it was their first time they were able to go so far out into the water to jump waves, and for others, it reminded them why the beach is such a beautiful place.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_3479.jpg11251500Katelyn Wissingerhttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngKatelyn Wissinger2025-09-12 17:00:002025-09-18 14:37:49A Beautiful But Brief Beach Trip
Author: Katelyn Wissinger| Student, Living Education – Charlotte, 2025-26
At Living Education, one of the courses we take is Life Roles. When we look at the world around us, there is so much confusion about what it means to be a man or a woman, or even about the differences between them. Mr. McNair addressed this in the introduction to the class.
To provide context for the reason for the course, Mr. McNair examined both masculinity and femininity. The world sees men as toxic, useless, and irrelevant. It sees women as oppressed and in the bonds of patriarchy. Yet God’s word challenges us to view men and women differently and to accept that they have complimentary – roles and responsibilities – a fact society around us wants to ignore. Godly masculinity is defined by the characteristics described as relating to a man in the Bible – not society. And godly femininity is likewise defined by the characteristics described as associated with a woman in God’s word.
The men’s and women’s life roles classes this year will teach skills and provide knowledge so that we can fulfill the roles God has designed for us in life. I, for one, am excited for women’s life roles where we’ll learn things like how to provide a healthy and nutritious diet for ourselves and our family, how to beautify and improve our life and life for those around us, how to care for ourselves, our husband and our family, and how to serve our church and our community. A number of ladies from the Charlotte congregation provide expertise in a wide range of topics, bringing their knowledge and experience to bear – and also building bonds of friendship with our Living Education women.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSC2960.jpg10001500Katelyn Wissingerhttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngKatelyn Wissinger2025-08-29 17:00:002025-09-05 09:24:57Why A Life Roles Class?
