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Even as the days are just beginning to get noticeably longer, we are already starting to think about the summer! In 2013, we hope it will include a new initiative for St. James: a “mission trip” right here at home! Based on therecent successes of our neighbor, Trinity UCC in Pottstown (along with several partners), we would like to organize a series of work projects aimed at meeting the needs of local families. In collaboration with St. Luke’s UCC in Trappe, participants will have an experience similar to Appalachia Service Project or other week-long mission trips, except we won’t be traveling quite so far! We’ll stay at the church together every night (bring an air mattress), eat meals together, participate in fun and educational activities together, and most importantly, work to repair the homes and properties of friends right here in our own backyard. As in the Pottstown program, we’ll be exploring opportunities with our local YMCA to use the shower facilities. Groups may be hosted at St. James, St. Luke’s, or both.

This year, we’ll start out with just a long weekend, gathering Thursday evening and adjourning on Sunday. We hope this means many adults will be able to participate (not having to take a week off work to join in). Staying close to home helps us keep costs significantly lower; and it also means we can open the program to younger volunteers, beginning with those entering 8th Grade this September. We’ll be looking for projects first among our community of members, friends, and neighbors, so please help us keep an eye out for places where we can lend a hand. Types of work we expect to do include extensive yard work for maintenance; light carpentry; painting; and possibly more complex repairs depending on how well we are able to match requests with expertise.

As you can see, we’re just in the beginning phases of working out the details. If you’d like to get involved, now’s the time! Please contact our missions co-chairs, Phil Levering or Kristen Serina, if you can help with the planning. But most of all, SAVE THE DATE! July 18-21, 2013.