The enthusiasm of our Senior High Mission Trip participants after their return from South Dakota is inspiring. If you’ve been feeling called to get out into God’s world and offer some of your time – and feel your heart open up just a little wider as a result – here are some upcoming opportunities to plan ahead and do just that:
Close to home – Spend a day or more with Habitat For Humanity on our Interfaith Build (see sign ups at church and info elsewhere in the Open Door); walk with our NAMI Walks team on October 6, 2018; fill an E2F Pan later this fall; plan on participating in the Point in Time homelessness count on January 23, 2019; watch for times to serve meals at the Fox Valley Warming Shelter in 2019 – and more.
Appalachia Service Project – September 22-29, 2018 – Guyan Valley, West Virginia
If you miss out on this trip, watch for another at this same time next year, to one of the sites in Appalachia served by ASP (www.asphome.org). ASP’s mission to make homes “warmer, safer, and drier” means you’ll be directly helping homeowners improve their living conditions. Group leader: Valerie Schultz
Puerto Rico Disaster Recovery – March 9-16, 2019
More information can be found elsewhere in the Open Door. Help to rebuild homes and lives in Puerto Rico. Group leader Deb Burich has extensive experience with mission trips, and especially with disaster relief efforts. The deadline to commit is September 30.
Back Bay Mission – April 7-13, 2019 – Biloxi, Mississippi
Back Bay Mission transitions people from poverty and homelessness to self-sufficiency, by providing home building and repair, day services for the homeless and case management. See www.thebackbaymission.org for more info. Group leader: Ken Jahnke
Re-Member – TBD, typically August – Pine Ridge, South Dakota
Immerse yourself in a history you think you know (but probably don’t). Help to ease hardship in one of the poorest areas in our country. We just sent a truckload of mattresses and supplies thanks to your generosity. It would be even better to send PEOPLE next year. See www.re-member.org or contact group leader Eilene Hoft-March.
Watch for these opportunities and more in upcoming newsletters – or let me know of your interest, and I can help connect you to others who share your passion!
Your friend and fellow servant,
Pastor Kathryn Kuhn
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