Some of the most formative moments of my faith journey happened in the back of crowded church vans, around late-night campfires, or in the midst of a packed worship hall filled with hundreds of other young people. I grew up in the Disciples of Christ denomination, and the Ohio Region of that denomination had a very strong youth program, which included both summer camps and midyear statewide youth gatherings. 

Attending these conventions and other bigger events with my church group when I was younger wasn’t just about traveling to a new place or staying up late playing silly games. It was about experiencing God in new ways, sharing our unique gifts, and building relationships that have shaped me for years to come. I met friends from all over the country, many of whom remain in my life to this day.

I still remember watching the youth leaders at those events—kids just a few years older than me—who were given the chance to lead their peers in worship and other ways. They weren’t just giving devotions or leading songs; they were living out their faith in ways that ultimately inspired me to do the same. What is more, these leadership experiences helped me first hear my call to ministry. 

Certainly not every young person who attended those events went on to be a pastor, but I know that each of us was impacted in our own deep and meaningful ways. 

Big trips like youth conventions, service-learning projects, camps, and retreats provide spaces where faith comes alive in new ways. The extended amount of time together with others from our congregation and beyond gives relationships room to grow that they might not normally have during the hour or two a week that we typically see one another. They also help young people see that they are part of something bigger than themselves, that their faith is relevant to their lives, and that they have a role to play in the church’s future.

These are some of the reasons why we’re hosting the Youth Group Taco Bar Fundraiser this coming Sunday. The money we raise will be added to our travel fund that is used to help our young people attend things like Winter Retreats at Camp Friedenswald, MCUSA Conventions, and service projects. Your generosity will help make these kinds of experiences possible for our young people this year and beyond. 

We are suggesting a $15 donation per adult, but we welcome any amount you are able to give. Most of all, we hope you can join us for fellowship around a good meal. We will have gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options available. You can donate through any of the normal ways you would give to CMC, just be sure to note “Fundraiser meal” in the memo. (If using PayPal, we encourage you to add ~3% to help cover our fees.)