MISSION TRIP

Through the years our congregation has been greatly enriched by our members participating in mission trips.  We have encouraged their efforts by underwriting transportation expenses.

 Now our church has been blessed by a bequest which we wish to share with the Presbytery.  We are willing to pay for the transportation expenses of anyone who wishes to participate in a FOREIGN mission trip which will directly benefit the mission.  In short, a go and serve trip as opposed to a go and see trip. 

 All we require is a letter from a session or pastor within the Presbytery asking us to do so.  Our bequest is substantial enough that in 2012 and possibly for several years there after we should be able to honor any request that meets the guide lines which because of the nature of the bequest must be foreign and must be one of service.

KEILMAN TRUST MISSION TRIP SPONSORSHIP REQUIREMENTS

• Membership in a Presbyterian Church that is a member of Southeastern Presbytery is required.
• Sponsorship is limited annually to $24,000 per congregation
• Endorsement of their session indicating they are active participants in the life of their church.
• Mission trip must be foreign (outside the USA) The purpose of the trip must be for active service (as in contrast to go and see) and should be hopefully for a minimum of 7 days of service..
• A receipt for the air passage.  (Full fare will be reimbursed the first time and ½ fare for trips thereafter)  Sponsorship is limited to air transportation.
• We require that price quotes be requested through Nancy Jo Sayre of Raptin Travel (888-472-7846) as they specialize in mission trips –  it is NOT required that you purchase from Raptin but we will pay no more than their quote.  Please let her know you are calling at the request of the Keilman Trust.  Tickets must be purchased within 10 days AFTER receiving the quote.
• If unable to make the trip a full refund is expected.  Send check to Shelbyville Presbyterian earmarked for Keilman Trust (since many fares are non refundable insurance might be wise for some)
• A sharing upon completion - this can be written but a Minute for Mission (no longer than 4 minutes) given at our 10:30 worship service is preferred.
• We recommend that medical insurance be purchased.  Many medical policies do not provide coverage outside the United States.  Medicare does not.

To aid in accountability upon receiving notice of the session’s endorsement and a receipt for the air line ticket a check will be sent to the endorsing church and they will be responsible for its distribution.

These are initial guidelines established by the session of the Shelbyville Presbyterian Church and they are subject to change at any time. Thoughts or suggestions are welcomed.

Questions or communications should be directed to Rev. Jeff Grote 217-827-1899,  pjgrote@nwcable.net  or 217-827-1899 or POB 264 Shelbyville, IL 62565.

MAY GOD’S BLESSING BE UPON YOU AS YOU SEEK TO SERVE!      1/18/13

MT. VERNON WORK CAMP

Here is the specific link for the Mount Vernon camp:

http://groupmissiontrips.com/workcamps/locations/mt-vernon,-il/7-7-2013-mt-vernon/

Here is a link to stories from folks who have attended a Group Workcamp:

http://groupmissiontrips.com/stories/

And here is a link to some helpful resources for preparing for a Group Workcamp experience:

http://groupmissiontrips.com/resources/