Summer SERVE Goes Local

Changing plans in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Youth Unlimited, a ministry for young people that is based in Grand Rapids, Mich., has launched a new mission opportunity called SERVE@Home.

Rather than sending students across the country to serve in various locations, which is what Youth Unlimited’s SERVE  program usually does each summer, SERVE@Home is equipping local churches and home congregations to serve in their home communities.

“This certainly isn’t what we thought SERVE 2020 would look like,” said Rick Zomer, executive director of Youth Unlimited, a ministry recommended for support by the Christian Reformed Church in North America.

But even with the change in this year’s program, young people will have the chance as an expression of their faith to work on behalf of others, he said.

“SERVE@Home is an incredible opportunity for congregations to minister within their own communities, and we believe it will introduce more churches to the work of Youth Unlimited and the impact of SERVE,” he added.

Groups who participate in SERVE@Home will receive resources from Youth Unlimited to make the venture more than a community service project.

“Churches who register will receive everything they typically would on a SERVE trip, including curriculum, t-shirts, and helpful insights,” said Elizabeth Bosscher, communications and events coordinator for Youth Unlimited.

“In addition, we will provide each group with pre-recorded speakers’ sessions, Spotify playlists, tips to develop worksites in their communities, and more,” she added.

COVID-19 is preventing students from traveling to SERVE sites, but it can’t change the heart and mission of Youth Unlimited, said Zomer.

“SERVE@Home aligns perfectly with our mission at Youth Unlimited – to encourage, equip, and partner with local congregations across North America to reach this generation for Christ,” he said. “That is accomplished whether we travel 3,000 miles from home or serve people in need in our own backyards.”

Through events like SERVE mission trips, Youth Unlimited partners with youth leaders to provide faith-forming experiences to middle school, high school, and special-needs students. See youthunlimited.org for more information.

Every spring season, Youth Unlimited prepares to mobilize thousands of teens and volunteers to participate in SERVE – week-long mission trips across the United States and Canada.

“We currently have 38 churches signed up for SERVE@Home. And they are from a variety of locations, including Stephenville, Tex.; Bellflower, Calif.; Edmonton, Alta.; Douglas, Mass.; Burlington, Ont.; Palos Heights, Ill.; and many more,” said Elizabeth Bosscher.

“As for the kinds of work they will be doing,” she added, “we don't know for sure, but I can make some educated guesses. I imagine that there will be a lot of yardwork happening, some car washes, and letter writing to local seniors, congregation members, and thank-you notes to first responders.

“We are also suggesting that they consider some more creative options such as borrowing their teens' technical skills to update
the church website, summer caroling, or putting together an at-home VBS where supplies are dropped off at kids’ homes and the teens teach Bible stories, sing songs, and teach crafts through video calls.

“We hope that our churches will get creative and find lots of ways to connect with their community while also following current safety recommendations in their area.”

To learn more about SERVE@Home and how your church group can participate, visit youthunlimited.org/servehome.