Check Out This Year’s Mission Partners: Caldwell Heritage Museum!

Can’t wait for more pictures of the First Church Youth Community in action? Check out the organizations with whom we are working this summer!

On Tuesday evening, we welcomed a special guest from the local historical society, the Caldwell Heritage Museum, to tell us more about the history and culture of the area where we are staying and serving this week. Check out their website at www.caldwellheritage1841.weebly.com to learn more about this museum and the people of the Cherokee National Forest area in northwestern North Carolina.

Work is Done for Day One!

All four teams dived right into their work Monday morning! For some of us, this day brought the first venture into the community… and the first time we were face to face with the needs of those we are serving. Others got to experience some camp life while taking care of our “home” for the night. But all four groups had an amazing time!

Leaving Soon to Spread Some Agape!

Our High School Youth Community Mission Team will be heading to the mountains of Appalachia in northwestern North Carolina to serve the people of the Johns River Valley, in the Cherokee National Forest June 16 through 22.  The team of 30 youth and 8 adults will be staying at a UCC camp in Collettesville, North Carolina, which will be their home base as they go out into the community to help with light construction, providing meals for the needy, and more.  Teams will also help with maintenance at the camp, showing our hosts how much we appreciate their hospitality (and learning how much work it takes to run camp!).  Opportunities for learning about the history of the area and fun camp activities will round out our week of serving and community-building, ensuring that this trip will be the source of memories for years to come.

Above: the team gathers for a blessing from the congregation on Sunday, June 9.