"I am wanting the students to experience God's love," said Landon Ritchie, youth and connections pastor with Lighthouse Assembly of God. "If (students) are facing trauma or hurts from their past that have held them captive, God wants to set them free, which is exciting." Landon explained that the mission of Lighthouse is "for people to come as they are and be changed into who God wants them to be." That mission extends to the Fifth Quarter program. "We love being able to be this place where students can come and be themselves and experience God," he said.

For 2023, Fifth Quarters, which are designed for students in seventh through 12th grades, will be held at the church, 105 Earland Drive, New Holland, following selected Garden Spot High School (GSHS) home football games. Events are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 15, and Friday, Oct. 27, from 9:30 p.m. until midnight. Fifth Quarter offers fun activities for students such as firepits; football; ultimate frisbee; volleyball; wiffle ball, which was especially popular last year; and free refreshments, specifically walking tacos and iced coffee.

In addition, efforts are made to encourage interaction between small groups of students. "Last year, we filled our parking lot spaces with tables so students could sit together, hang out, and talk, and listen during the preaching," said Landon, who will speak at the first event and possibly the second one as well. "We will have adult leaders who will come through to talk to students and play games. It's cool to see," he said.

Landon organizes Fifth Quarters with help from the Youth Alive Club, a Bible club that meets at GSHS, and is led by Abby Moyer. "(The Youth Alive Club) is a safe place for students," said Landon, who noted that the club grew from eight students to 25 during the 2022-23 schoolyear. "We want to see more students involved," noted Landon. "It's an opportunity for students who have questions about their faith and want to learn and grow." He also invited students to visit Lighthouse on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. for youth services.

Landon remembers when Fifth Quarters started in 2016, when his father, Lighthouse pastor Stephen Ritchie, suggested the idea to then-youth pastor Joe Cali. "Joe ran with it," said Landon, who recalled how the events grew to attract hundreds of students. "We took one year off for COVID," stated Landon, adding that last year some events attracted more than 200 students and that over the last two years, Fifth Quarter has borne fruit, inspiring more than 100 students to give their hearts to the Lord.

Readers who would like more information about Fifth Quarter may follow @gshs5Q on Instagram or visit http://www.lighthouseag.com/youth.