Twelve youth from St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Claremont spent June 15–19 putting their faith into action during a week of service throughout Catawba County. Each day, the group partnered with a local agency or organization, giving the young people an opportunity to serve their neighbors and see firsthand the impact of their work close to home.

The week began at Highways & Hedges, where the youth helped distribute food and essential items to people in the community. They also served with Walkin’ Roll, an organization supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and their families.

At The Corner Table, the youth helped with an organization that provides meals to people in need. They also spent time visiting residents at Lutheran Services Carolinas’ Trinity Village Care Facility, offering conversation and companionship.

For the youth, serving in their own community made the experience especially personal.

“It was more personal for the youth to stay in our community and have the opportunity to see the effects of the work they did,” said Wendy Hefner, St. Mark’s Youth and Family Ministry Director.

The week was made possible in part by a Linda Kalke Scholarship from the North Carolina Synod, which helped support the group’s service experience. St. Mark’s youth expressed their gratitude to the scholarship committee for selecting their group.

With twelve youth participating this year, the response was enthusiastic: they’re already looking forward to next year’s Youth Service Week.