First Congregational Youth Summer Mission Trip to Washington

First Congregational Church celebrated another successful mission trip from a week of volunteerism and fellowship in Washington, DC. Braving heat and humidity, nineteen youth and eight adult chaperones worked with YSOP (Youth Services Opportunity Project) from July 26-29th and served over ten locations and agencies throughout DC and the surrounding area.
Split into five teams, the group donated their time by preparing meals with the DC Central Kitchen, worked with a Wider Circle to help outfit families transitioning out of homelessness with household items and helped the elderly with yard work through Seabury Resources for the aging.
In their downtime, the group explored DC— visiting the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Museum of American History and the Holocaust Museum. The trip was a powerful and moving experience shared by everyone who participated.
The FCC contingent was led by Rev. Dr. Mark Boyea, senior minister; Rev. Joy Mounts, associate minister. Chaperones included: Joe Regan, assistant music director, Cindy and Kelsey Boyea, Geoff Marino, Anna Rehwinkel, Denise Schifando. Student representatives included:) Giavanna Schifando.
This is the ninth consecutive summer that the church has participated in volunteer work. Previous mission trips have included sites in New Orleans, Ohio, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Wyoming, San Antonio, Vermont and Chicago. Fundraisers held throughout the year, including a tag sale, pancake breakfast, and spaghetti supper and talent show, help underwrite the cost of travel.
First Congregational Church, a member of the United Church of Christ, is located at 125 Elmer Street in Westfield.
For additional information on youth group and outreach opportunities, please contact (908) 233- 2494 or visit their website at fccofwestfield.org.