The youth were eager to volunteer with the Sierra Service Project again this year. They traveled to an American Native reservation in Oregon where they repaired and built things the residents couldn't afford or did not have the skills to do.

One of the youth said "the last time they did this (2018) it was a life changing experience". Another youth liked that she got out of her comfort zone and tried new things such as taking apart a fence and rebuilding it. And one of the most important experiences was the awareness that ALL the kids were connected to each other - no cliques, no one left out, they didn't feel trapped in one group - they all "had a place at the table". 

When not working, they played lots of cards, games, danced, and sang. A Spirit Walk activity led them to learn more about theirselves. A paper plate was taped to each of their backs and as they walked around, the kids would write on the plates what they liked about them. 

A lasting comment from one of the youth impacted all the church audience as they shared their experience. "God is most present in our relationships with people. When we lay down our guard, we see who we really are. Love is the idea that Christ lived and died for us. This week God brought love to all the us."

For 2018 Summer Missions, the youth group worked with Paint Tacoma plus the Summer Lunch Program!

The week was a full one for sure! Along with Pastor Katie, boundless energized Tina Anton and super painter Steve Lien, the youth group painted a house for Paint Tacoma from Associated Ministries. The house was a single story house in Tacoma for a single mother and her children. It was fulfilling work and challenging with 90 degree heat at times. Every Day when we return from the worksite, enjoy a popsicle and share about the day's progress.  

On Tuesday and Thursday of that same week the youth made, packed and served lunches for the summer lunch program. Afterwards they picked up their brushes again and returned to painting. 

It was a very full and productive week.

Mission trips are one of the most memorable experiences for our growing youth. The youth take responsibility every step of the way - from fund raising, planning and organizing the trip, working the mission, sharing with the congregation the impact it had on their lives and even writing thank you notes to fund contributors.

This trip started in September 2016 when the youth group held a fundraiser at the Annual All Church Picnic. That fundraiser allowed them to reserve their spots for 2017. Later in 2017, Sharon Meeds made and donated for auction a beautiful quilt. The winning bid was $325. Many people in the congregation made personal donations as well.

Dylan Smith, Brett Anton, Madilyn Murphey and Jonathan Giese along with chaperones Heidi Smith and Tina Anton worked for a week at the Sierra Service Project in Spokane, Wa. The Sierra Service Project works with Native American Reservations to help restore houses: painting, building decks or wheel chair ramps, repair roofs, laying linoleum and putting up dry wall. They also got an opportunity to grow in their Christian faith and learn more about Native American history and culture.