SUMMER MISSION PROJECT 2023
We are excited to return to historical Charlottesville, VA where we served in June 2014 and January 2016.
Various service opportunities are being planned for the week to assist those with housing and food insecurities.
Participants must have completed the 8th grade.
COVID-19 vaccinations will be required for all participants and all participants age 18 and over must complete a Criminal Background Check (if one hasn’t been completed in the past 5 years for a previous trip).
If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Layne Brubaker or Linda Bender. As always, confidential financial assistance will be available for anyone who needs it. Layne or Linda can provide specifics.
CLICK HERE to check the SMP website for more details and to register for SMP 2023!
A WEEK OF SERVICE. A LIFE TIME OF MEMORIES
History
The Summer Mission Project had its genesis in 1980 when Rev. Gary Pinder took Lewinsville youth on a 1500 mile journey to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Their assignment: convert an old house into an educational building. The success of that early summer project led to an annual trip by June 1990. SMP Resume 
The annual project involves approximately 50 youth and adults, and the organizers work closely with Habitat for Humanity and other service organizations to plan each year’s hands-on effort. Interested participants travel to a remote location each summer during the last week in June to assist with building and repairing houses for those in need.
This is not a vacation. Participants are schooled in various construction techniques and how to use tools properly. The work is hard, hot, and dirty for 7-8 hours each day. The group eats, showers and sleeps in accommodations provided by local churches. They cook their own meals and all are expected to help.
The participants attend worship together the Sunday morning before they leave, and they lead worship at Lewinsville on the Sunday after they return. Prayer and devotion are a part of the daily routine.
Summer Mission Project has proven to be a wonderful time of spiritual growth, making deep friendships, evaluating basic beliefs and values and helping to make a significant difference in the lives of others.
In 2006, we added a Winter Mission Project, primarily for college students on winter break. Since 1990, over 320 different individuals have participated in a summer or winter mission project, and 13 of those folks have participated in 15 or more projects!
FAQs about SMP:
Why should I consider going on the Summer Mission Project (SMP)?
Lewinsville Presbyterian Church has been going on summer mission trips for more than 20 years. This is an opportunity to live out Christ’s call to humble servanthood like no other.
How old do you have to be to participate?
You must have completed your freshman year of high school.
Where will we be staying?
Our accommodations are typically in a church fellowship hall or classrooms within a few miles of the worksite. We sleep on the floor, either split up by gender and other times as one large group depending on the space availability.
Who are the leaders?
Experienced SMP adults, many who have gone for several years, share responsibility for leading the trip. The group is split into smaller teams with two to three adults leading each team.
How will we get where we’re going and back?
We will drive in mini-vans (loaned and/or rented). Each van has another van as a driving partner to ensure safety. All vans can be reached by a leader’s cell phone. Seat belts are required at all times for all passengers.
What about transportation while we’re there?
We will use these same vans to get us from our accommodations to the worksite and back, as well as to the store for groceries or any other errands that need to be run. Each team will fit completely in one van. Seat belts are required at all times for all passengers.
Is it all work and no play?
We expect all participants to put in a full day of hard work each day we are at the worksite. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun! We have free time in the evenings and set aside at least one evening for a fun outing such as mini-golf, a movie, or a baseball game based on what the local community offers. Depending on how early we arrive, we may have some time to explore the area our first day.
I want to bring a friend who isn’t a member of Lewinsville. Is that okay?
We welcome all who come to serve! Friends are expected to follow the same preparation and participation expectations as members. You likely will not be on the same work team as your friend.
How will we know what to bring?
We will have a final details meeting one week prior to our departure where we give out relevant information as to what to bring, what kind of work we’ll be doing, what our accommodations will be like, etc. A general packing list can be found on the website.
Where and what do we eat?
We cook all of our own meals. Breakfast is usually on your own and consists of cereal, fruit, bagels and eggs. Lunch, usually sandwiches, chips, fruit and cookies, is prepared each morning by team members and is eaten on the worksite. Dinner is eaten back home, prepared by a different team each night. Desserts are spectacular and legendary.