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We found God at work in Detroit and in our fellowship again this year during our annual Detroit Mission Trip, July, 12–17. Forty-two Westminster adults and youths, plus ten local and Chicago-based friends served one or more days. Greta Buck was again our gracious and energetic leader, supported by Jeff Buck, Alison Collicott, Jennifer Young and Megan (Polich) Keller. Some participants came for a day, some for the week; some slept at Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church, and some commuted. It was all good, and we all found God clearly in action in Detroit, in its people, and in us.
God helped us to see Detroit and its challenges differently. Many participants prepared for the trip with readings and a seven-Sunday Christian education series. Central Detroit Christian (CDC), our key Detroit partner agency, challenged us with two evening training sessions on racism and on poverty and educational inequalities. CDC gave us a tour that highlighted neighborhood progress and dared us to grasp the complexities of poverty, gentrification and renewal. And every evening we gathered for devotions and reflections on the day. Busy as we were, there was time for fun and friendship too, including a Sunday river cruise and dinner, a swim party, shooting some hoops and playing cards before well-earned sleep.
Let there be no mistake, though: we worked. A lot! Did I say a lot? All our projects were arranged through Detroit-based organizations that know the people and understand the needs. They directed and we provided short term labor for everything but the final picnic.
Here are some highlights: 
Fine Arts Camp at Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church: Neighborhood children flock to this annual four-morning camp expertly and creatively led by Alison Collicott and our troop of youths and adults. Each day, the campers studied and responded critically to art by others, and then made extraordinary art themselves.
 House painting: This huge house is home to a mother and her eleven daughters, two of whom are away at college. She inherited it from her grandmother five years ago, but it needs work beyond her resources. The worn exterior put it at risk for demolition by Blight Busters, so CDC arranged for painting and provided scaffolding and direction. In four days many hard-working, scaffold-climbing workers, including the owner, transformed it. What a blessing to help this family avoid eviction and demolition of their home, and are grateful others came after us to do the last finishing-up.
Building a wheelchair ramp: CDC connected us with Michael, a double amputee dependent on others to carry him in and out of his house. Our dedicated crew, led by Jeff Buck, weathered frustrating supply delivery delays, but nevertheless completed the ramp and watched a joyful Michael propel his wheelchair down the ramp before joining us at the Thursday evening community picnic.
 Feeding the hungry: Lots of Detroiters need help with food and we were able to make and serve meals through the Detroit Rescue Mission Christian Guidance Center, Cass Community Services and the Manna Meal Program. Beyond the sandwiches we made, meals served, and 160 pounds of potatoes peeled and chopped, we served Christ’s love and were repaid many times over.
 Gardening: Several of us worked in some of the extraordinary Detroit gardens we’ve read about. Working with Buckets of Rain (a Detroit Rescue Mission partner) and Michigan Urban Farming, we pulled weeds and staked plants, doing a small part to provide a million meals this year in Detroit.
Making mud mats: Job training is a major focus at Cass Community Services. The Green Industries program provides on the job training for employees who produce a variety of “green” products sold to fund the program. Some of us made mud mats from used tires. You can purchase a mat, tire tread sandals, or coasters from the Cass online store.
Neighborhood picnic, worship, and Communion: Pastor Judy Shipman redirected a vacation day to join us for this fun and uplifting annual event in a neighborhood park on a perfect Thursday afternoon. Over 170 residents joined us for a classic picnic. As the line wrapped around the park, we did not need to worry about having enough food. Like the loaves and fishes, the brats and dogs, salads, greens and locally produced cookies not only fed the crowd, but also filled plates for those at home who could not come. The evening ended in a circle of friends, singing and receiving Communion from Pastor Judy.
 It could not have been better, unless perhaps you were unable to be there. Not to worry: We’ll go again next year – and until then, opportunities abound for us to reach out to other neighbors.
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