When asked what they wanted out of a summer trip, our youth said they want to serve. For them, it’s not about being entertained or seeking spiritual highs, it’s about serving, helping, and doing good.

So on August 15th, five high school youth and four adults will load up in a 15 passenger van and head to Clark County, Wisconsin to spend four days with ONE in Christ Lutheran Parish — a partnership of three small rural congregations in Greenwood, Withee, and Longwood.

This trip isn't a mission trip in the traditional sense — it's an accompaniment visit. The model of accompaniment is central to the ELCA’s missional theology. Faith communities grow strongest not through one-directional charity, but through walking together as equals, sharing life and faith and struggle side by side.

Together with Pastor Elizabeth Bier and Pastor Nancy Amacher, our youth and adult leaders will worship alongside their hosts, learn about the rhythms of Amish life, visit family farms, share stories at local cafes and host homes, and roll up their sleeves for hands-on service where it is asked. Projects will include helping Emmanuel Lutheran clear its lightning-damaged parish hall, participating in a produce auction to support the local food pantry, and standing with neighbors during a food distribution day, where the goal is as much to listen and as it is to help.

You can support by:

Praying Pray for the youth: Connor Hawks, Annabelle Hughes, Nellie Owens, Steig Pearson, and Vega Pearson — along with adult leaders Pastor Jenny McLellan, Hope Hughes, and Jon and Megan Kuneli.

Collect Boxes Pastor Elizabeth requested boxes to help package and store parish hall items (dishes, books, etc.) from Emmanuel during the construction and restoration. Bring broken down boxes to St. James Youth room.

Give You can give a financial donation to support the fire recovery efforts of Emmanual Lutheran Church in Longwood, WI. Donations can be made to St. James with “Fire recovery” in the memo line or online directly to Emmanual by clicking here.