The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Youths' actions speak louder than words
By Crystal Hayduk, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: June 19, 2008
A hallmark of the youth group experience at Chelsea's First United Methodist Church is the focus on mission trips and local service projects.
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High school and middle school youth have the opportunity to go on at least one annual mission trip a year, as well as participate in events such as the 30-hour famine to raise money for world hunger.
Summer trips have historically included serving in the mountains of Tennessee.
While there, volunteers reside for a week at a camping facility with youth from around the country.
Projects commonly include new construction, such as wheelchair ramps or storage sheds. They also have daily morning devotions and evening worship.
Middle school-aged youth have worked with the Grand Rapids Area Service Project (GRASP). Projects include home repair and maintenance such as painting, window washing, or installing new flooring.
High school senior Katy Steklac went to Tennessee last summer to help build a porch and paint a house. The families served were low income and health problems.
"It's cool to step out of your comfort zone and interact with the people in Tennessee. They have so little, yet were really happy people. It taught me not to take what I have for granted," Steklac said.
Katie Sayer, a senior who has been on four mission trips in the past, spent her spring break with the youth group in Peoria, Ill.
"That was one of the best trips I've ever been on. We served meals to the indigent and it was eye-opening. I've served in homeless shelters when I was younger, but I was back in the kitchen and not with the people. Directly serving people gives me a better perspective on a world outside Chelsea," said Sayer.
Chris Seto is a freshman whose first trip was with GRASP. Seto said that doing a project for a needy family not only helped them, but that he gained confidence in his abilities. His second trip was to Illinois in April.
"Every time I go, it is more apparent how much I am growing through serving," Seto said.
This summer's plans for the youth group include another trip to Tennessee for the high school students; and day trips to work with service organizations within a one-hour commute for the middle school students.
Youth Pastor Jon Ellegood hopes that providing service opportunities for the youth will allow them to experience God through serving others, learning about themselves, and helping others to get a glimpse of God.
"This is an outward focus. Sharing with others through your work that God loves them," said Ellegood. "It's easy to say God loves you, but many people have heard that and it may not mean much to them. For lots of people, the old adage is correct. 'Actions speak louder than words.' So those actions speak volumes to them," said Ellegood.
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