Youth groups roll up their sleeves to serve communities

Youth groups from congregations throughout the 
synod put service above self in a variety of 
expressions during the 2013 Synod Day of Service 
in May. The efforts were supported by the Synod Youth 
Committee, www.swwayouthministry.org. Here’s a 
short list of some of the projects:

More than 40 young people from five churches 
hacked down blackberries at the Wilderness Park in 
Pousblo, and used tarps to haul the unwanted 
brambles into trucks. They also removed downed 
trees and trash, pictured at top. The park had become a hang-out spot where people 
were getting into trouble. “While we were working, several joggers and walkers stopped 
and thanked us for making the park safer for them and their 
families,” said Paul Davis, youth director at Poulsbo First Lutheran
 Church.

More than 50 young people under the direction of Ingelaurie 
Lisher, associate in ministry at St. Mark’s by The Narrows 
Lutheran Church of Tacoma, helped feed the hungry in Vancouver,
Wash. The large group representing seven Lutheran churches
spent many long hours repacking thousands of pounds of food
at the Clark County Food Bank, pictured. 
Group-building games, devotions, dinner and worship at Messiah Lutheran Church were part of the life-giving event, according to Lisher.