In a world where real connection can feel rare, a new gathering in Palmyra is offering something simple yet powerful. Crossroads, a new young adult group held at Encounter Church of Palmyra, specifically targets individuals ages 18 to 29 in the local area. The group will meet every Sunday at 7 p.m., starting with a big kick-off on Nov. 24.

Crossroads is led by Daniel and Jennifer Stoner, their daughter Lydia Stoner and a few of her young adult friends. Jennifer Stoner, passionate about supporting young adults, said a key part of the group’s mission is to make everyone feel loved and accepted.

“You don’t have to have it all together to come,” she said. “Just come as you are.”

The family said that while some traditional church services often focus only on preaching the Bible, Crossroads aims to discuss topics relevant to young adults, including friendship, finance, communication and relationship-building. Their goal is to demonstrate how faith can help guide young people through these everyday challenges.

“Faith is about applying what you learn to your life, it is not just a set of rules. It’s a way to live your life and deal with real struggles,” Jennifer Stoner said.

In addition to addressing spiritual growth, the group plans to host social activities, such as watching the Super Bowl, attending local sports events, going on hiking trips and enjoying ice cream nights. The Stoners are even open to the idea of hosting board game nights at their home.

Encounter Church is located near local colleges, including Elizabethtown, Lebanon Valley and Millersville. It is also conveniently close to high schools such as Palmyra, Annville, Hershey and other surrounding areas.

The idea for Crossroads came to the Stoners after a conversation with one of their son’s friends during a Sunday service.

“One of them said, ‘We’ve got to keep in touch,’” Jennifer Stoner said. The idea of starting a youth group was originally a joke, prompting Lydia Stoner to say to her father, “Dad, you should be the pastor for it.”

“I turned back around that morning in church and prayed. A week later, my parents called me and said, ‘We have this great idea,’” Lydia Stoner said.

The name Crossroads symbolizes the challenges young adults face as they navigate the uncertainties of early adulthood, while also referencing the cross in the Christian Bible.

The family has been spreading the word about the group, including by taking part in a podcast with Brock Lawley, a highly involved communications director at Encounter Church. During the podcast, Lawley asked why the 18 to 29-year-old age group is so crucial to recognize in today’s world.

“It’s about figuring out who you are,” Lydia Stoner said, emphasizing the importance of an environment where young people can explore their faith and future without judgment.

As Jennifer Stoner expressed, Crossroads ultimately aims to share the gospel in ways that feel welcoming rather than intimidating, creating a space where young adults can find comfort and support. 

“It’s not about religion itself; it’s about the relationship with Jesus that helps you navigate life,” she said.