Family and Intergenerational Mission Trip Opportunity!
A Vacation with Significance!

July 10-15, 2005

Can you imagine it...a mission trip experience for our entire congregation, young and old alike, entire families, and individuals!
 
Where?
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation near the Black Hills in the southwestern corner of South Dakota.  The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is home to the Oglala Sioux Tribe and is bordered by the stark beauty of the Badlands and the sacred Black Hills.  The reservation is home to 20,000 people who are living in what has become the poorest county in the United States.  Decent housing is in short supply.  With 85% unemployment, jobs are hard to come by.  Yet there is deep cultural pride and strong family ties in this place of rich history.
 
Why?
Among many other reasons you will:

• Grow deeper connections with  people of different generations, cultures, and experiences by spending a week of service together.
• Grow a heart for missions in the lives of each of your family members.
• Grow a desire to continue serving in our own community when you return home with new eyes for service.
• Grow a deeper and stronger faith by doing ministry, not only talking about it.

These are only some of the reasons to participate, but certainly there are more. It will also bring our congregation together in a way that hasn't happened before.
 
What will we do?
The trip is designed with people of all ages in mind.  A typical day will begin with breakfast, packing lunch for the day, and morning devotions.  Service projects will begin mid-morning and might include activities such as home renovation, visiting senior citizens, serving at a soup kitchen, sorting clothes at a thrift store, and/or leading Kids Club (similar to VBS).  After showers and a group-prepared supper, you'll venture out for an evening activity which might include a cultural event, fun activity, and/or some sight seeing.  The evening will conclude with some worship and sharing of the day's mission adventures.

Who can go? 
Anyone 1st grade (6 years old) and up.  Entire families are encouraged from grandchildren to grandparents.  Working together as a family in service to Christ, could surely be a family vacation unlike any other and one none of you will soon forget.
 
How do I sign up? 
There will be an informational meeting on Sunday, November 14th, at 11:30am to find out more.  Sign up will begin that day.  A $50 non-refundable deposit will be required per person at sign up.  The total expense of the trip is yet to be determined but will not exceed $400 for adults or $300 for children (17 and under).  Fundraising will be done and scholarships will be available if needed.  The cost should not deter anyone who wants to from participating in this experience.  Please talk to Pastor Dale if financial assistance will be needed.
 
When? 
July 10-15, 2004