Mission Trip vs Service Trip

I want to make a distinction between Mission Trips and Service Trips. The concept of service implies the giving of something to someone... taking away any agency of the one who is the recepient of service. I like to focus on Mission, God's Mission, and our participation in making real the Dream of God. Mission Trips tend to be more reciprocal... in face, in my experience, I receive far more than I give.

This video provides a glimpse at the type of learning and growing which can happen when a youth group partners with another community for their Mission Trip.

Faith Assets to Nurture Youth of Vital Faith

Using information from a study of exemplary youth ministry in seven denominations (Roman Catholic, Lutheran/ELCA, United Methodist, Presbyterian USA, Evangelical Covenant Church, Assemblies of God, and Southern Baptist), the Center for Ministry Development has developed a tool to help congregations recognize their "faith assets" in order to create and sustain vital faith.

Cyberbully

No Safe Haven for Bullies by Kevin Cullen (Boston Globe, February 2, 2010)

Bostonians have been reflecting on the issue of Cyber bullying as a result of an apparent suicide of a South Hadley freshman, Phoebe Prince, after persistent bullying. This is one of the many cyber issues parents and churches need to address as we guide young people into adulthood.

Talking ABout Race - VISION GUIDELINES

NAECED - National Association of Episcopal Christian Education Directors