Guatemala Service/Learning Trip (June 2010)

The youth of Aldrich and Knox are joining together to go to Guatemala in June of 2010 on a service and learning trip. Though serving & leaning naturally go together, we will be intentional about both in different ways. The serving component will involve helping a missionary organization (e.g. building projects and simple child care). The learning component will involve visiting a handful of ministries, hearing from local religious leaders, observing religious practices, experiencing Guatemalan culture, and learning some Spanish. The goal of this trip is to grow in our understanding of the world beyond our experience of it in the United States in order that we might subsequently grow in faith and apply that faith to our actions. We will:

• examine issues of social justice
• learn about how missionaries put their faith into practice
• experience the challenge systemic poverty wages against our attitudes of consumerism
• observe a culture of subsistence, which is naturally less individualistic than our own
• see religious syncretism being practiced and ask ourselves how reli-gious syncretism might exist in our own lives
• discuss Hispanic culture in the US and our need for cultural awareness in our own city

The youth is building momentum for this trip through biweekly Lunch Club studies and fundraising efforts. Aldrich is looking forward to providing this opportunity to learn, serve, and be changed for the glory of God.

As part of the fundraising campaign for the Guatemala trip next summer, the youth of Aldrich & Knox are looking to rake & bag leaves this fall and shovel snow this winter. The suggested donation is $50 per project (lawn or sidewalk/driveway). Please connect with Michael von Gross if you are interested.

Youth Group News

• Lunch Club: Feb. 14 & 28, Mar. 7 & 28. Lunch club meets right after Sunday service. Friends are welcome!
• Mystery Nights: On the last Wed. of every month, Aldrich 5th-7th graders join Knox for dinner, a Bible study, and a fun mystery activity. The event is from 6 PM to approximately 7:45 PM. Bring your friends and meet at Knox! Feb. 24 & Mar. 31
• Youth-Led Worship : Feb. 28(practice Feb. 27) & Mar. 28 (Mar. 27)

Friends are welcome to Lunch Club, Special Events, and L&F just speak to Michael von Gross.