This section of our website is devoted to the personal experiences that several of our members have had with us  throughout the year. Each month a new story will be posted so keep checking in to see what's new!

 

Also, check out the link below for our Youth Ministry booklet that lists and describes everything we offer throughout the year!

Youth Ministry Booklet

 

My name is Elizabeth Sohmer and I’m a senior at Montgomery High School. My summer after Junior year, I went on JusticeworX Appalachia with 38 other students my age. We traveled a 10-hour drive to Dunlow, West Virginia for one week to serve with people living in the area. This was my first service trip I had ever done and it easily has become one of the best experiences of my life. Leaving the church at 6 a.m. Sunday morning, I was not sure what to expect from a week of service in a state I had never been to and not knowing everyone I was going with. After only a few hours I got to know the people in my van and after only a few days I got to know everyone on the trip. Through experiences shared at work sites, family groups, hanging out at the camp ground or sitting around a campfire, the group of 39 students quickly came together to all be close friends. During the week we spent time with another youth group from the local church, traveled to Kentucky to hear a representative from The Kentuckians for the Commonwealth speak about mountain top removal, went on a hike led by Bill with a chainsaw, went to mass which was followed by food and ice cream from the church, and had plenty of free time to play as many games of wink, mafia, ninja, red rover, Frisbee, the hand game and monkey in the middle as we could.

 

My work site for the week was building a ramp for a woman named Emma that lived only a few minutes away from where we were staying. My relationship with Emma is a huge factor in my Appalachia experience, which I took home with me after the trip. Emma always made us feel welcome at her home and opened up so we could have a personal connection with her while helping build something that will assist her getting in and out of her house easier. Our presence helping Emma with her house was more than just building a ramp but also giving her company because although she has a large family, they rarely visit her and she is often alone. She gave us all her love and kindness and will always keep us in her prayers. I still keep in contact through letters and she is a woman I will never forget.

 

Appalachia to me was a week filled with friends, gifts, challenges, great discussions, laughter and memories. As cheesy as it sounds, it helped me in figuring out who I am and what I want to do. It was my first service trip but it won’t be my last.