Youth Mission Trip Diminished, But Not Forgotten, June 2021

By Kellor Smith

With Covid cancelling the Mission Trip to the Texas/Mexico border in 2020 and 2021, this June the Youth Group decided to change gears.  They became a cleaning crew for the Chapel at the Bishop’s Ranch near the Russian River and St. Andrew’s Church near Guerneville, both struggling with diminished help because of the pandemic.It wasn’t easy.  The to-do lists were long. But they decided who was doing what and got to work.  Here is one of three pages of the list for St. Andrews.

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​Left uncleaned for more than 15 months, cobwebs, dust, dirt and candle wax were everywhere.  Here is Molly cleaning dust from rug.

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It was on the hymnals, walls, rugs, and alters. Worship spaces have been unused and there was dust all around including on the prayer books and hymnals. 

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​Comments ranged from “Ew, I am not touching that!” “OMG, what just fell on my head?” to “Sorry spider, but it is time for you to move on.”  

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​But getting these places clean was satisfying.  Here is a photo of their happy dance as they closed the door on a clean, polished chapel at The Bishop’s Ranch

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​At St. Andrew’s they were asked to fix the organ, definitely beyond their pay grade.  But once they untangled all the cords, they realized that the wrong cord was plugged in, solving the problem.  

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There was plenty of anxiety about leaving their homes.  Being in the big world after months of sheltering in place was a huge step.  To help with the anxiety, they walked the Labyrinth, had group talks and prayed each day. And they had some fun, playing Scattergories and kayaking on the Russian River the last day.  

Next year’s mission trip:  After being cancelled twice, plans are now in place for the Mission Trip to the Texas/Mexico border next year, summer 2022.  Mark your calendars and think about friends who might want to join.  Third time’s a charm.   

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