For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 5:46-48 (NRSVUE)

This Week We Said Goodbye (for a little while) to the Pilgrim Church Youth Group

They’re headed out on their annual mission trip and we could not be more excited for them! Funny, isn’t it, celebrating a  trip that we don’t get to take with people we wish would stay home and spend time with us. But believe me, it’s for the best reasons. 

PCYG met early Sunday morning to gather bags and supplies for the trip to Washington, D.C. to help others. They’re working on a place where homeless youth can go to find their footing to make a fresh start. If you’d like to know more about it, you can read here. The facilities need care and maintenance, so PCYG has signed up to help create more welcoming spaces for those the world has not always been kind to. It’s a great mission, and a great time for the youth of Pilgrim. 

While there, they’ll have to rely on themselves and each other

They’ve got great leadership: not only are Sarah and Michael leading the charge, but they’ve also got alumni volunteers who’ve been a part of these projects in the past. They get to put feet to faith, taking ownership of helping those caught in some really unfortunate situations. They also get lots of time for bonding and team building. 

Thank you for donating to the various fundraisers over the last year that made this trip possible. Thank you for considering giving in the coming year for next years trip. While kids grow and move on, the needs are always there. PCYG is making a big impact on young people, both on those who go on this trip and those who benefit from their hard work.

We look forward to hearing their stories when they return, and we will hold them all in prayer until they’re home again.