During worship this Sunday, Bethany's youth shared stories and reflections from their recent mission trip to Wisconsin Dells, where they spent six days serving others, learning together, and growing in faith.
The group partnered with organizations serving those experiencing food insecurity, spent a day working with Habitat for Humanity, and volunteered at ReStore. Throughout the week, they lived together in a lakeside home surrounded by nature, sharing meals, worship, devotions, and conversations that helped strengthen their friendships and deepen their faith.
When asked, "What surprised you most about the week?" Jane Kluge reflected on the gratitude they experienced wherever they served.
"How much our service was valued and how grateful everybody was that we were there."
Her words reminded the congregation that even simple acts of service can have a lasting impact on the people receiving them.
The youth also shared moments they know they will carry with them long after the trip.
Ellie Sprague spoke about meeting an employee at ReStore whose dedication left a lasting impression. She learned that he had been working there since he was just 13 years old while also balancing another job. She was glad they were there to help him with his work load that day.
For Leah Kluge and Keegan Carson, some of the most meaningful moments happened at the close of each day. They both reflected on the nightly devotions, Scripture readings, and conversations that connected their daily experiences with God's Word. Those quiet moments of reflection helped them process everything they had seen and learned throughout the week.
When Susan Gavle asked what the most fun part of the trip was, the answers came quickly: getting their hands dirty while serving and visiting a vegan animal sanctuary were among the group's favorite experiences.
Adult chaperone Lindsay Calanca shared that one of her greatest joys was watching the youth grow closer throughout the week.
"A highlight was watching the kids connect and support one another. I loved learning about each kid on this trip."
While the service projects were an important part of the experience, the relationships built with one another may have been just as meaningful. Living together in a lakeside home, surrounded by nature, gave the group time to laugh, encourage one another, and discover how faith grows not only through serving others but also through living in community.
Thank you to everyone who supported the trip through prayers, encouragement, and financial gifts. Because of your generosity, our youth returned home with new friendships, fresh perspectives, and a deeper understanding of what it means to live out their faith through service.
Pictured: Pastor Katie, Jane Kluge, Keegan Carson, Leah Kluge, Ellie Sprague, Addie Calanca, Lindsay Calanca
Missing: Travis Picard
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