Dear Peace Families,
On Saturday, 7 students and 2 adult leaders will embark on a service trip to Chicago. While there, they’ll be working with some wonderful organizations that are making positive impacts all across the Chicago area, including Share Our Spare, Working Bikes, the Lydia Home, and the Chicago Food Depository.
At Share Our Spare, they will assist in making care kits for babies and toddlers under 5 to assist parents in providing a safe and healthy start for their children. At Working Bikes, they’ll learn how to repair bikes, then put those skills into action; the bikes are then used as a tool of empowerment so that individuals can have broader access to jobs, groceries, etc. LYDIA Home is a foster care center, and our students will spend time playing with the children there and helping with various maintenance projects. One in every four children in Chicago are at risk of food insecurity. At the Chicago Food Depository, they will repack bulk donations into family-sized portions and sort other food donations that come in.
In addition, our students will also have the opportunity to visit the ELCA world headquarters and meet Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, attend a Cubs game, visit Millennium Park and “The Bean,” see the city from one of its largest skyscrapers, and do other fun activities to get to know the Chicago area better.
Please join me in praying for our awesome group of adult leaders, high school students, and middle school students—Lori Thomson*, Ann Losinski, Gavin Churchill, Jonah Gehant, Elsa Oman, Teo Sivanich, Sofia Oman, Eli Betlock, and Kiya Losinski—that they would have meaningful and impactful experiences; that they would grow closer to God, one another, and their neighbors; and that they would all stay safe and healthy throughout the trip. It will be great to hear about their adventures when they get back!
Grace and Peace,
Joe
*I owe an incredible amount of gratitude to Lori, who has graciously stepped in for me so that I can remain here in the Cities. My presence and care are increasingly needed at home with Reilly and my family as we await the pending birth of Baby Orner #2. We would be grateful for your prayers as well!
Family Tip of the Week
As our older students serve alongside our neighbors in Chicago, think about how you and your family might serve alongside people in our own communities.