June 2008 Mission Trip — Amazing Maine
June 16 - 20, 2008

Click here to download a registration form for the 2008 Mission Trip.


Read About Last Year's Trip!
On Sunday, June 17, 2006, 4 high school students and their adult sponsors gathered on the sidewalk at The Brick Church early in the morning. We took cabs to La Guardia Airport, where we boarded a plane to Portland, Maine. There we picked up our rental van and drove to rural Farmington, Maine. After we moved into the dorms at the University of Maine in Farmington, we spent time exploring the small town of Farmington, getting soaked in a rainstorm, and enjoying time together before the work began. We even went for a dip in a very cold mountain lake. In the evening, we started our week-long Bible study on the practical book of James.

Over the next two days, we worked really hard with the East Parish Housing Ministry in Starks, Maine. We were assisting a wonderful family with four children whose 30-year old mother has been diagnosed with lupus. In order to help her get in and out of her house once she is wheelchair-bound, we had to tear out an old deck. Then we were to rebuild a new deck. Another group would follow us by installing a ramp for her.

Each day we worked, the family talked with us, brought us lemonade, and made us a surprise BBQ lunch. The oldest daughter made small presents for all of us and won all our hearts. In the evenings we ate dinner in the university cafeteria, enjoyed our much-needed showers and rest time, and met together to reflect on the day. We also spent solo time each day with a book called “Soul Tending,” which helped us think about God’s presence in our lives and God’s call to serve people.

On Thursday morning we drove out into the mountains to go white water rafting on the Kennebec River all day long, eating lunch on a beach and getting soaking wet in the river. It was a cold, rainy day, and we were freezing, but it was also fantastic. Our tour guides were fun, professional, and worked to make our day safe and enjoyable. That night we ate dinner together at a restaurant in Farmington. On Friday, we visited a thrift store and bought bizarre costumes for each of us to wear on the way home. Then we drove to Winslow State Park near Portland, to enjoy some time on a beach and to reflect on the week individually and together. We all noticed that we were extremely grateful for all the surprises and gifts that had come our way over the week, and especially the gift of new friendships and a close-knit group.

That evening, after waiting several extra hours in the airport because of storms, we boarded the plane back to NYC. We arrived home in costume, exhausted, happy, and thankful for all that God did in and through us over the course of the week. Thanks to the students and adults who participated, to parents who entrusted their children to us, and to all who prayed for us. Remember to mark your calendar for next year’s trip, June 16-20, 2008!

—Rev. Christy Lang