For three years we have journeyed to New Orleans to repair and build hope in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  Each week, in the springtime, our adult workers have spackled, painted, hammered and gutted their hearts out for the people of New Orleans.  In return, we have been rewarded with the generosity of the local people as they have shared their stories, their delicious cooking, their church and their lives with us.  We continue to stay invested in the rebuilding process through the people of Good Shepherd UCC in Metairie, LA. 

In addition, one of our own members, Ellyn Minor, worked as an intern at the UCC Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, MS.  There she responded to the needs of the hurricane-devastated region by coordinating rebuilding efforts and responding to the poverty of the area.

Senior High Mission Trips:

Last summer our high school youth journeyed to Cosby, TN, where they worked to rebuild two houses in the Appalachian Mountains. Their hard work was energized by the faith and hospitality of the residents of the homes where they worked. One resident shared with our group her gifts for writing prayers. They are available to read here

Appalacian Reflections

Our 2009 youth trip to Cuernavaca, Mexico, will be called a “Pilgrimage” rather than a “Mission Trip.” As pilgrims, our goal will be to seek spiritual and community connection as we build relationships with local people. We will stay for 2 nights in an indigenous village, and learn about indigenous spirituality practices. We will hear from locals about the ways that global trade impacts them. To illustrate that reality, we will visit a maquiladore (sweatshop factory), and hear directly from a factory worker about that experience. We will be hosted by the Center for Global Education, and our own church member Julie Rogers, who currently works there. After our week of building relationships, we will have time to enjoy the beauty of the region as we visit ancient ruins as well as one of the beautiful beaches nearby. Participants will need to show involvement in the youth ministry program, as well as participate in monthly meetings and fund-raisers. Dates are August 3-10, 2009.

To watch the video of the 2007 Peru mission trip please click below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8OIzfcgez4

Middle Schoolers in Mission in Montclair: Last year the Middle School Youth were busy with the 3M (Montclair Middle Schoolers in Mission) program. They spent a week doing service to the community and to the church, in bible study and reflection time, and then they served as leaders for the children’s Vacation Bible School.

3M Information

To download the 3M permission form please click below

3M Permission Form