FAQ
What’s the goal of this trip? These trips have been some of the most formative experiences in people’s lives, so the purpose is multifaceted. The very nature of the United Methodist Church has been to go and meet people where they are. When students travel to another place, it shows intention and purpose in a spot set apart specifically for service. Can we serve here in Fargo/Moorhead? Yes! It’s not necessarily that there is more need elsewhere in the world, but this is an opportunity to not only learn about others, and God, but an opportunity for the student to expand their worldview. These trips also provide a wonderful opportunity to connect in a new way with youth group members and celebrate a shared experience, creating memories and friendships that can last a lifetime!
Who can go? This trip is open to all students and friends 7-12th grade (’22-’23 school year)
When is it? We will leave early the morning of Friday, July 14th, and arrive back in Moorhead around 3 pm Monday, July 17th.
Why Omaha? When you think of mission work, I’m guessing your first thought isn’t Omaha, NE. We chose Omaha because of previous short-term mission experience and connections Pastor Taylor has. For many, if not all of our students, this will be a first-time experience with doing a trip like this. We wanted to choose a location that wasn’t too far, yet provided an opportunity to travel. Like many urban areas, Omaha has a significant population of people experiencing homelessness and poverty.
Whom will the kids be interacting with? Much of our work will be with and for people in the homeless population. We will work with homeless shelters, food pantries, and other organizations providing services to underserved people. Some of our work may also be serving at an animal rescue, a reminder that we are called to care for all of God’s creation.
Where will we be staying? We are planning on staying at First United Methodist Church in Omaha, NE. This congregation has offered to open up its doors to us while we serve in the area. We plan to join them for worship on Sunday morning to get a taste of how others worship. We will be staying in their fellowship hall and youth rooms and utilizing showers in the facility. Sleeping bags/air mattresses!
How many adult chaperones will be on this trip? Our goal is to have 6 or 7 adults per student on this trip.
How will we get there? Right now, there is not a single available 12-passenger van in the area due to a wrestling tournament in Fargo that same weekend. We have a few bigger vehicles, but we may also look into renting a couple of minivans to help us transport.
All work, and no play? This trip is primarily a mission trip and a relatively short one. Because of our limited time, students are expected to come ready to work and serve. However, as I mentioned before, this is also a time for them to connect and have a fun experience together. We are also planning on going to the Omaha zoo on Sunday afternoon, and another fellowship experience that evening. All this will be included in the final cost.
How much will it cost? This is difficult to say. It depends on how many students will be going and how our fundraising efforts go. However, through a generous donation, our initial estimate has dropped from $250.00/student to $200.00/student!
What next? Make sure you get your/your student’s name on the list of people interested. This is not a final commitment but a way to help us distribute information and plan details. A mission trip information meeting will take place Wednesday, March 22, at 7 pm at Grace.
If you have any other questions or concerns regarding this trip, please contact Pastor Taylor via e-mail using the address on the home page of this website.