Five Churches Join Together In Mission
On Father’s Day (June 22, 2008) five churches, Buckner Memorial and First, Madisonville from the Maryville District, and Calhoun, Charleston and Tasso from the Cleveland District, sent 35 Youth and adults to New Orleans, LA to rehabilitate homes damaged byhurricanes Katrina and Rita. Working under the guidance of TEAMeffort, the Youth and adults hung sheetrock (with the accompanying taping, pasting, and sanding), painted, and installed fascia board and soffit on three buildings in the New Orleans area. TEAMeffort also led the missioners in devotions, worship, and small group time each day.
The Youth raised funds forthe trip through pumpkin sales, bake sales, dinners, and talent shows. Additional funds were given by the various churches to assist with paying for gas and other needs. Hiwassee College graciously allowed us to use two of their vehicles to transport the Youth, and we were glad to be able to advertise for them everywhere we went.
The idea for joining these Youth groups together came as a result of the fire that destroyed the major part of First UMC, Madisonville. The Youth from Calhoun UMC, on returning fromResurrection, wanted to do something to help someone in need. They decided to have a dinner to raise funds for the Youth group at First, Madisonville. When they shared what they were doing with that Youth group, conversation began about joiningtogether for a mission trip that First, Madisonville had alreadyscheduled, and before long, the Charleston/Tasso Youth group was included. It proved to be a blessing for everyone.
The Youth leaders on the trip were so glad that we were able to blend the Youth of five churches together for this opportunity. While helping to provide a larger workforce, joining the various groups together helped the workers to learn more about each other, grow together as followers of Christ Jesus, and experience someof the challenges that come with having to make space for others with different needs and backgrounds.
Though we have only just returned from this trip, plans are already shaping up to have these groups get together monthly for fellowship and service. And, we are already looking forward to next year’s mission trip. While we are not sure where we will go, it maybe that our experience in New Orleans will call us back to that area, and that will be fine with all of us.
