This Sunday, we had the joy of welcoming our youth home from their service-learning trip to Denver and hearing the stories of how God met them along the way. As they shared their experiences, one thing became clear…while they traveled to serve others, they also found themselves changed.

In Sunday's Gospel (Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52), Jesus tells a series of short parables about the kingdom of heaven. It is like a mustard seed, tiny at first but growing into something far greater than anyone expects. It is like yeast that quietly transforms an entire batch of dough. It is like a treasure hidden in a field or a pearl of great value that changes everything once it is discovered.

The kingdom of God often works this way. It grows quietly. It takes root in ordinary moments. It surprises us when we least expect it.

We saw that in the stories our youth shared in worship.

It happened in conversations with people they had never met. It happened while serving alongside one another. It happened in moments of laughter, worship, hard work, and reflection. What may have seemed like small acts of kindness became opportunities to encounter Christ in new ways.

Service learning is never just about completing a project or checking a box. It is about learning to see the world differently. It is about recognizing the image of God in our neighbors. It is about discovering that faith comes alive when we love, listen, serve, and build relationships.

As a congregation, we are grateful for every person who prayed for this trip, donated toward it, and encouraged these young people before they left. Your generosity made this experience possible.

Now the invitation belongs to all of us.

The treasures our youth discovered are not meant to stay in Denver. They are meant to be carried home and shared. Their stories remind us that God's kingdom continues to grow through ordinary people who are willing to say yes to love, yes to service, and yes to following Jesus wherever he leads.

To our youth, we say, “Welcome home! And thank you for reminding us that the kingdom of heaven is already growing among us.”

Take a moment to enjoy these photos from the week. We hope they give you a glimpse of the joy, relationships, and transformation that unfolded throughout the trip.