Service Week in Chicago

At the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit, our youth heard how they can make a difference in our world.  They did not wait until their return to Woodbury and Cottage Grove to act on the call for justice.  Instead, they stopped in Chicago to participate in a Youth Works service camp in the Humbolt Park/Hermosa neighborhoods. (The stop was a planned part of the trip.)  With thirty other youth, they served at neighborhood childcare centers, food shelves and clothing distribution sites. They lived out what they had heard in Detroit.

Enjoying a selfie in Chicago

Nick H, a participant, reflected, "This mission trip showed me that having a community of friends in faith is the best way to grow your relationship with God."

One evening the group took the train to downtown
Chicago to see Millennium Park

Leslee Donovan, one of the chaperons, wrote this about the week, "Grateful to help be apart of the work that connects teenagers to God, each other and to communities through a life-changing Christ-centered mission trip. It's been a privilege to come work and travel with these awesome people!! I see God working in them and in me!! I am just so thankful to be able to join them on this trip."

Our youth return on Friday, tired and yet transformed by the power of God.