A final wave of fundraising begins Sunday for our summer Appalachia Service Project (ASP) mission trip. The 2022 ASP leadership team at First Church has a goal of raising $10,000.
For the 24th consecutive year (with the exception of 2020), First Church will send a group of youth and adults this July to rural Appalachia where they will build relationships and work to make homes “warmer, safer, dryer.” The 2022 team includes 43 high school youth plus college and adult leaders. The ASP trip is a hallmark of our youth ministry program; the cross-cultural experience along with the many hours they serve that week are highly meaningful to our youth.
Funds raised cover a variety of expenses. Participants generally sleep for the week on air mattresses and eat a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but the cost of van rentals, gas, construction supplies, and, of course cases of Gatorade, adds up. Fundraising also helps support those youth in need of scholarship assistance.
The last three Sundays in May worshippers will see an ASP display in Fountain Foyer before and after worship. On that display they’ll find donation options to help offset expenses for this mission trip.
Then, from June 9-12 the ASP Silent Auction returns (online) with creative items and services collected and offered by our youth, their families, and congregational and community members. (Think yard work, pet sitting, math tutoring, Cubs tickets, etc.) Additional details will be shared by email later in May. Church members and friends are encouraged to support this fundraiser with bids.
Donations for the ASP trip are always appreciated. (Choose “ASP” from the drop down menu on the online giving form. Financial gifts may also be made via text or check.) Please email Krys Juleen or Jim Hagedorn for additional information about fundraising or the ASP mission trip.