Sanctuary’s 2021 Mission week volunteers: Jeff and Laurie Brenneman, Jim Fahy, Janis Zimmerman, Sarah Lombardo, Bob Miller, Jackie Boutcher, Jasmine Snively, Blake Dierkes, Tess Pounds, Owen McClarren, Dylan Zimmerman, Emma Lankin, Addie McCoy, Dalton Samuel, Cailyn Thierolf, Nolan Pounds, Gabe Clemente, Brennan Thierolf, Katie Eckert, Kiley McTaggart, AJ Pounds, Abby Snively, Anna Allison, Mara Mastropietro, and Shannon Murphy (sound engineer).

Rather than traveling for a week to a distant mission destination, the youth of Sanctuary UMC in North Wales partnered with five area non-profit organizations to work on various projects and support their outreach to underserved neighbors. 

The youth also worked on the church property.  While destination mission trips are always great, the home mission experience reminded them that God meets us right where we are.

Much coordination helped make efficient use of their and resources, and as a result, much was accomplished. Their local mission partners included: Orion Communities in Phoenixville, Ann’s Heart in Phoenixville, Keystone Opportunity Center in Souderton, Interfaith Housing Alliance in Ambler, Good Samaritan Services in Phoenixville, and Bike and Sol Ministries in East Greenville. 

The experience impacted the partner groups and their clients, but also the youth’s own hearts and souls.  Everyone attended an evening program that featured worship, testimonies of “God-sightings” and a challenging message focused on Jesus and the challenge to become disciples through journaling, studying the Word and prayer.