Philadelphia, here we come!

Today is Friday, June 20.  Tomorrow, 13 youth and three adults from St. Mark's will leave for Philadelphia, PA for the 2014 High School Mission Trip!  We are excited!

Like the 2011 mission trip in Martin, SD, the Philadelphia mission trip is a YouthWorks trip, meaning the organization called YouthWorks coordinates our projects for the week. 

Here is a blurb from the YouthWorks site about our trip:

"During a trip to Philadelphia, you and your youth will experience and engage in this city's past and its progress. Serve with urban gardening initiatives, help with kids summer programs, and witness the immense pride of Philadelphia's residents. Philadelphia is a YouthWorks Beyond site and a major focus of the week is both learning & experiencing the ways the city provides resources to hungry residents. It's almost impossible to serve in this community without seeing the impact of hunger on daily life for many of its residents. Whether it's weeding at an urban garden, packing boxes at a food distribution center, or helping load or unload food delivers to food pantries, you'll be a part of feeding the city. You may also have the chance to spend time with local senior citizens or meet families at a local shelter. This YouthWorks site is unique because we don't just help out in urban gardens, we are provided local produce from many of the gardens in which our youth volunteer. Salad bar greens, fruits and veggies that participants eat during the week are coming directly from our neighborhood! YouthWorks even composts here--this goes directly back to the gardens with which we partner. In the evenings, take a run up the "Rocky Steps" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, explore Old City, attend a local church service, and spend time feasting with the community at a cookout."

Saturday night, we will be staying at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Culpepper, VA.  The pastor there is a friend of Pastor Emily's from seminary.  On Sunday, we will attend worship at St. Luke's and then make our way to Philadelphia.  In Philadelphia, we will be staying at Greater Exodus Baptist Church, on Broad St.  The church is located in the heart of Philadelphia, not far from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, of "Rocky" fame. 

Pastor Emily plans to update this blog daily, assuming we have Wi-Fi access.  Please keep up with us during the week!  And, of course, please keep us in your prayers!