Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC

Summer is a time when teenagers typically have the chance to enjoy the sun, catch up on sleep, hang out with friends, and relax. But for one week out of the summer, a number of our teenaged parishioners put those things aside to focus on their spiritual growth during the annual mission trip. In the past, we have gone to Appalachia, South Dakota, Mexico, Vancouver and Wyoming. This year, our students will be taking an urban trip - we are going to Chicago, Illinois.

Mission trips provide the teens and the adult chaperones the chance to direct their attention to service and spiritual growth. As this year's trip is an urban one, our focus will likely be on homelessness and poverty. Our teens will have the opportunity to work with other teens from across the country to serve in homeless shelters and to work with organizations that provide services to children. It is not easy to be out of one's comfort zone, but every year our teens rise to the occasion and work hard.

But it is not only about service. Each evening, the students gather to discuss the meaning of the work they are doing. Often, being in a new environment brings about many questions, and through discussion, the students are able to learn more about the Episcopal Church as well as their own belief system.

It is not all work and no play, however. Our teens get plenty of opportunities to get to know each other better. There are planned activities that we all get to participate in every night. The outings are different with every trip and highlight the area we are serving. In the past, we have gone on a hike, gone swimming in a hot spring, attended a street church, picnicked in a park and enjoyed a cookout dinner with a Native American family.

This is a wonderful experience for our teens. However, it is an expensive experience.Our congregation has given its generous support each year, and the students who have gained from that support are truly grateful. Over the next several weeks the students will sponsor fund-raising events to offset the cost of their trip. We hope that one or more of these activities will be of interest to you. Thank you for your continued investment in the spiritual life of our young people.

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The deadline is the first Thursday of the preceeding month.