A group from our church (nine youth and seven adults) recently returned from our youth mission trip to Providence, Rhode Island working with a group called Incredible Days.  Our group stayed at the Seekonk Congregational Church UCC in Seekonk, Massachusetts, and we volunteered with various organizations to be of service.  These organizations included: Community Action Partnership of Providence County, West Bay Community Action Pantry, Southside Community Land Trust, Refugee Dream Center, Good Neighbors Community Kitchen & Food Pantry, and Progresso Latino Food Pantry.

Because we had a large group of volunteers, we divided into two groups each day and served at these various non-profits all around the greater Providence region.  What were we up to you may wonder?  Our group unpacked deliveries of food and organized donations for the clients that these various food pantries serve.  We scrubbed shelves and vacuumed and cleaned freezers and mopped floors.  Some of us made bouquets of flowers that would be handed out to clients who picked up food.  At one of the food pantries, we distributed food directly to clients.  Others of us organized storage closets of items donated to help refugees who made their way to our country to begin life anew.  We worked in gardens to tackle weeds and put new soil into plots for future crops to grow.  These service experiences were eye-opening for our youth and adult volunteers alike.

At the end of each day, we would gather after dinner to process our experiences (facilitated by Lucas from Incredible Days).  We contemplated how the teachings of Jesus related to the work we were doing.  We heard Jesus’ instruction to serve others and took his words to heart: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”* 

I wanted to take time in Thursday Thoughts to share specifics about who we worked with and what we did to be of service to our neighbors.
I especially want to thank Nicole Hosford and Susan Sanford who worked out all the details before we even left Colchester! 
And thank you to our congregation for your love and support of our children and youth, and for making loving and serving our neighbors a priority as a congregation. 

Love,
Pastor Lauren 

*Matthew 25:35-36, NRSVUE.
Youth Mission Trip Photos compiled by Nicole Hosford.

Thursday Thoughts 8/7/25