Solid Rock Youth Ministries will hold its annual banquet on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5 to 8:15 p.m. at The Barn of Nottingham, 101 Ponds Edge Drive, Nottingham.

The event will feature a faithful message, dinner, fellowship and an opportunity to contribute to Solid Rock's mission of helping youths and families thrive through Gospel-centered ministries. Reynolds and Shivery Funeral Home is the primary sponsor of the event.

Rick Rhodes is the keynote guest speaker. Rhodes has served in the areas of student ministry, pastoral leadership, Christian education and global leadership for more than three decades. During that time, he has served with Lebanon Valley Youth for Christ, LCBC Manheim, Calvary Bible Church and Lancaster Bible College.

Rhodes' message will center around the banquet theme of "He Is Faithful," which ties into the ministry's upcoming 30th anniversary next year.

"One of the reasons why I picked Rick is that he has such a heart for the Lord," said Raeanne Nixon, executive director at Solid Rock Youth Ministries. "He was a professor of mine at Lancaster Bible College, and he is the president now at BCM (International). ... He is just a man who loves the Lord, and his testimony and his life really speaks into the Lord being faithful in so many ways."

There is a cost to register for the event, which must be done by Thursday, Oct. 8. Tickets can be paid for by credit card or via mail to P.O. Box 682, Quarryville. Individual and table tickets are available until the limit of around 275 attendees is reached.

The event will begin with appetizers and a time of fellowship before a short message from Solid Rock Youth Ministries. Guests will then be invited to the dinner line before Rhodes' message. Following his message, the ministry will deliver a presentation regarding its school year programming and what the funds raised will be used for.

The meal, served around 6 p.m., will be fresh fruit and chicken skewers for appetizers; roast beef, lasagna, glazed meatballs, parmesan potatoes, green beans, spring mix salad and a buttered roll for the main course; and assorted cupcakes for dessert.

The ministry is still searching for general sponsors for the event. More information about sponsorships can be found at http://www.solidrockquarryville.com. Those who cannot attend the event are also welcome to donate via mail or online at http://www.solidrockquarryville.com/banquet, which is also where the registration link can be found.

Solid Rock is on the tail end of a major relocation and renovation project for its primary space at 104 E. State St., Quarryville, which will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m.

The ministry hopes to raise $66,000 from the banquet, which will be used for its school year programming rather than the capital campaign for renovations.

Solid Rock's free programming, which serves more than 400 students throughout the school year, includes off-site after-school elementary programs and youth group-esque middle and high school programs in the evenings. Solid Rock also runs programming for homeschooled youths on Mondays.

"I love that we are able to be a space for students to come, that they can build relationships with other students, with volunteers, and learn about Jesus," Nixon said. "I love that Solid Rock is able to be a safe space for families."

The ministry is searching for volunteers who are interested in assisting with fall programming. Those interested should contact Josh Rotz at josh@solidrockquarryville.com.