Dear friends and family,
I have the incredible opportunity this spring to take 8 of my youth from Eliot Church on a mission trip to Appalachia to do home repair with the Appalachian Service Project. Boston and West Virginia are worlds apart, and I am excited that my congregation is supportive of this mission, and the opportunities our youth will have to not only serve God, but to be touched and transformed by the grace of God across economic boundaries and cultures.
We have been working hard to raise funding for this trip, and I have asked each of my youth to reach beyond our little congregation in asking for support for this trip, as an act of faith and courage. We still have $3000 to raise before April 17th. I feel strongly that I also need to do my part in reaching beyond , as well.
So, first, I am asking for your prayers and good energy for all going on this trip from April 17-25. Secondly, I am inviting you to share in this mission vicariously by purchasing stock in our trip! You can purchase stock shares in increments of $100, $50, $25 or any amount you choose!
When you purchase stock, you'll receive an official stock certificate signed by members of the Youth Group. And you will receive an official photograph of the youth at the Appalachian Service Project.
To purchase shares of stock, please complete the information
below and mail it with a check (payable to The Eliot Church of Newton; please write Mission Trip STOCK in memo line of check) to:
The Eliot Church of Newton 474 Centre Street
Newton, MA 02458
Attention: Elizabeth
If you would like to purchase stock as a gift to another person, just include their name and address.
OR, you can donate online with a credit/debit card, please click below. Note that this is a paypal account that is set up to receive donations. You do not need to be a member of paypal to donate-just follow the instructions on the left side of the page.
DONATE ONLINE
Mission Trip FAQ
Who is going on the trip?
Our entire confirmation class plus one more which makes 8 youth. We have two seminary students, a parent, and myself going as the chaperones.
Where are you going?
Lee County, Virginia to participate in the Appalachia Service Project (ASP) during spring vacation week, April 17-24, 2010.
What is ASP, anyway?
Appalachia Service Project (ASP) is a ministry founded by the Methodist church that fosters human development by addressing the housing needs of Central Appalachia. The goal is to improve housing for families in need, while offering transformational experiences for families, volunteers and staff. The repairs made range from the ground up to the roof -- ASP even provides first-time electricity and indoor plumbing for many families
It's a long way from Boston. What will our youth gain from this experience?
*The opportunity for meaningful service to others
*An encounter with a different culture and value system
*A chance to develop work skills
*An experience to enlighten us that our differences are only perceived-deep down we all want to be loved and belong, to create and own something worthwhile-regardless of where we live, our economic status, education, or ethnic identity
And most of all, to do the work of mission and justice as Christ calls us in Matthew 25!
Thank you so much!!! Love, Karla
One of the youth groups I worked with years ago took a service trip to Appalachia every year. It was a huge undertaking but it was also life transforming for the youth. I hope you raise all the funds you need!
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