Mission trips are a powerful way for youth to grow closer to one another and to God as they serve others. It is also a great opportunity to experience a different culture that may have been just around the corner. Through our Chili Cook Off and More and Sweetheart Dinner and Dance, the youth work hard to raise funds for these trips.
Over spring break, our current 6th-8th graders traveled to DOOR (Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection) in San Antonio. DOOR is a faith based network of urban service-learning programs that expose, educate, challenge, and motivate participants to respond to the issues and concerns facing an increasingly urban world. By experiencing God's love and shalom in ever-expanding new ways we can share and demonstrate God's alternatives to the evils of racism, poverty and violence that tear down our communities and lives.
We served with Mission Road Developmental Center (a center that offers residential and day services for developmentally challenged youth and adults), the San Antonio Food Bank (the second largest food bank in the US), St. Vincent DePaul (a ministry that offers meals), Presa Community Center, and Haven for Hope (a retirement community for underserved persons).
Nashville is known across the nation as the place where many aspiring musicians hope to make a name for themselves. Home to the Grand Ole Opry and the second largest city in Tennessee, Nashville conjures up images of country simplicity amidst urban success! Yet in the midst of entertainment and fame, the city struggles with very real problems of poverty, homelessness and racial tensions.
This summer, our 9th-12th graders will be serving with Youth Works in Nashville. We’ll be partnering with other United Methodists from around the country to serve at existing local ministries that work with children, the elderly and the homeless. Possible service opportunities include facilitating children’s day camps, exterior home painting and light construction, and cooking and serving meals at a homeless shelter.