What are we doing and why?

As a bible-based church, we believe in putting our faith into action and we'll be doing this by serving at the United Methodist Children's Services.  To learn more you can check out their website at www.umcs-wi.org.   United Methodist Children's Services was organized in 1962 and has been serving women, children and families in the Milwaukee area for 45 years.  They have three main areas of emphasis. The Growing Tree Children's Center, the Transitional Living Program, and the Family Resource Center.  Our work while we are there will most likely be with the Family Resource Center as part of the emergency food pantry and clothing distribution, however we may be asked to help clean or paint one of their transitional homes as well.  It all depends where their greatest area of need is on the days we are there.  In the past we re-painted and cleaned an entire two bedroom apartment to ready it for a mother and her children to move in later that week, painted shelves for food storage, sorted and washed donated clothing and organized a storage area.

 

Not only is this weekend a time for the students to grow deeper in their faith, but also to deepen our friendships with each other.

 

Who can go?

Youth 7^th grade and older, as well as adults are encouraged to participate.  The Confirmation Class is expected to come as going in mission is an integral part of learning about our faith. 

 

When is it?

Friday, January 20th  – Saturday, January 21st 

 

When do we leave and return?

Meet at New Hope at 7:15 a.m. on Friday morning. 

We will return to New Hope on Saturday mid afternoon.

 

Where will we be staying?

We will be sleeping at a church in the Milwaukee area 

 

What is the cost?

Cost of the trip is $75.  This covers transportation, meals and lodging for the weekend.  Make your check out to New Hope Church and mark the memo line with Milwaukee Mission Trip. 

 

Will there be other expenses?

We will be asking everyone to bring a sack lunch for Friday and snacks/breakfast foods to share.  The students may want to bring a little spending money ($10?) in case something comes up.

 

What about training before we leave?   

Training for the trip will be on Sunday, January 15^th at 10:30 during the regular Confirmation class.  We'll be discussing what it means to go in mission and why we do it.  We'll also cover the "what to pack and what will I need" list.  Parents are encouraged to attend.

 

Is there something we can give to the center?

Yes!  We are asking you to bring (and collect from others if possible) the following items to take as a gift for UMCS:

            Diapers

            Baby Wipes

             

What should I bring along?

Sleeping bag and pillow

Bath towel and wash cloth

Older clothes and comfortable, closed-toe shoes (you work in, you may get dirty)

Casual weather appropriate clothes for Friday evening

Swimsuits/work out clothes for fun at the YMCA (bring your pass if you are a member)

Personal toiletries

Bibles, notebook and pen/pencil

Cameras

Sack lunches (see above)

Gift for UMCS (see above)

Permission slip – signed and completed

 

Will I have fun?

Absolutely!