Going back in time...

Although this is the fourth consecutive adult mission trip that we have undertaken as a congregation, from 2000-2002 we also sent groups to Monhegan Island, ME to work with the Maine Seacoast Mission. The experience of these trips resonated with the congregation, and some of those participants will be on our trip. Peter Atherton, who went to Maine and will be going to Texas in February, shares this:

The first trip (to Maine), as I recall, had about 18 participants. The project was to build an ambulance barn for the residents of Monhegan Island for their sole ambulance which had previously been parked outside where is was subject to the harsh Maine elements. Included in the barn was a room with communications and first response equipment to communicate with the mainland and tend to patients until they could be ferried over to the mainland (the island is some 20 miles off shore). The island has no paved roads and very few vehicles, and the addition of further vehicles is tightly controlled. The first mission trippers erected the building, the second trip accomplished roofing and siding, and the final trip put finishing touches on the building's interior. Local residents did landscaping.

This project came about as a result of a suggestion from Ted Hoskins, former minister of South Church (1962-1970) who, following his ministry with us, became part of the Maine Seacoast Ministry. When he learned of the need of the residents of Monhegan Island, he told them that he knew of a good group that might be able to help--South Church--and the rest, as they say, is history! These experiences were very fruitful and meaningful to all who participated.

The history and commitment to mission has long been a part of South Church's identity. It would be great to hear from others in our community who have memories of earlier mission trips or projects, from years, or even decades, past.