Mission Trip? Let's chat during dinner on Nov 8

It seems like everyone is talking about the recession - it has usurped the weather as the "safe" small talk topic, and balloons from there.  Certainly we have all adjusted our thinking, spending, budgeting, etc.  My husband and I were faced with a new city (SF) which has nearly double the cost of living as our old city (Memphis) coupled with several months of my unemployment.  This prompted us to adjust our lifestyle: less eating out, cutting out a home phone, no new clothes, no vacation....

But, in addition to adjusting our wallets, I think the current economic state can also help us realign our priorities.  Many non-profits have taken a serious beating over the past 18 months with less money coming in as people are faced with reduced income as well as less volunteer hours as people are picking up second or even third jobs.  For those of us who can make either the time or the money, there is much work to be done in our neighborhoods, our country, and our world.

MBCC already has a great opportunity for volunteer work and giving through the Excelsior Community Food Pantry.  I would like to also gauge the interest on another: a mission trip.  Why a mission trip when there is great need right around us in SF?  A mission trip provides a unique opportunity for a community of believers to remove themselves from "normal life" and push outside their comfort zones physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  Mission trips can also serve to strengthen relationships (between communities, individuals, and God) in a way unlike anything else I have experienced.  And in case you aren't convinced, see what the PC(USA) has to say: http://www.pcusa.org/missiontrips/

Have I piqued your interest?  If you are even a little interested in the idea of an MBCC mission trip, lets have a chat during dinner time on November 8.  Together we can explore when and where a mission trip might take place and how it would come together.  If you have thoughts before (or after) the meeting, please feel free to contact me :)

Comments

[jo ann]

when and where?