Editor:

When you see a group of young people (60-70 young folks) between the ages of 14-18, what first comes to mind? Well, this coming July 6, Hedding United Methodist Church will be hosting 64 teens and 20 adults. They are volunteers who pay their own way to spend a week in an area doing service projects for senior citizen home owners and others who qualify. The correct name of the organization is United Methodist Action Reach-out Mission by Youth. This is an opportunity for youth and adults to experience Christian growth through service to others. Participants combine their strengths to meet home repair and maintenance needs for those unable to pay for the work, or who cannot do it themselves.

United Methodist churches host the mission programs for one week each summer. Participants eat, sleep, enjoy fun evening programs and worship in the church. They are divided into work teams of four to six youth with adult support for the week’s work. U. M. Army youth and adults work together to provide repair and construction work on porches, windows, handrails, roofs, ceilings, steps and other areas in need. They also paint and do yard work. Clients are referred through local social service, community and church organizations. Jobs are selected and completed based on the greatest need.

U. M. Army is a non-profit organization. Each participant pays a fee to attend our week-long programs. These fees are a major source of funding. Some donations also come from church and community groups.

So you see, young folks can and do make a difference.

Rev. Renny Azotea

Hedding United Methodist Church

Barre