Salem UMC: Missions

Mission Trip to the Mountains of North Carolina  Sept 23-26, 2007

There will be an adult mission trip for men and women at least 18 years old on 9-23-07 thru 9-26-07.  We will be traveling to the mountains of NC, staying at Lake Junaluska, and will be participating in the re-building process that is still ongoing in the wake of the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Frances and Ivan.  Most of the work will be in the Clyde and Canton areas of Haywood County, which is only 5—10 minutes from where you will be staying.  This is a wonderful opportunity to for hands on ministry, against the beautiful backdrop of fall in the NC mountains. 

Housing will be in Lake View Motel, Lake Junaluska – ACROSS from the Conference and Retreat Center main entrance, and next to the camp ground.  Each room has a full bed and a set of bunk beds (2 singles) plus a roll-a-way bed in the closet, should you need it. You will need to bring your linens and towels.  Each room has a bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink.  There is a common kitchen that will remain open.  It has a range with an oven, a microwave, refrigerator, and tables and chairs.  Lunch is provided during the week (Monday---Friday) by area churches who volunteer on a rotating basis.  Your group will be responsible for breakfast and dinner.  Most teams cook breakfast and go out for dinner.

Participants will need to bring:  A sheet and a sleeping bag or blanket(s), personal clothing, toiletries, towels, flashlight, food (which will be kept in the kitchen).  Toilet paper and paper towels will be provided, but if we desire to use paper plates, cups, napkins, etc. we'll bring our own.  Also, personal hand tools, work clothes, sturdy shoes, work gloves, and protective equipment [safety goggles, if you have them] will be needed for the work site. 

Lake Junaluska is located in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, twenty miles west of Asheville and about 30 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The area is full of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and sightseeing.  Montreat Conference Center is only 40 miles to the east while the Great Smokey Mountains National Park is about 40 miles to our west.  A combination trip of service and fun could be easily planned.

Lake Junaluska is a scenic retreat and conference center and it is very relaxing to walk around the Lake or visit the area.  Waynesville is a small mountain town with many mountain shops that are targeted for visitors, so if you get time, visit the Main Street area, especially.  Canton, a paper mill town, has a variety of restaurants and shops.  Maggie Valley has a number of shops and entertainment sites directed at tourists.  Each location has a number of restaurants.  These include Mexican, Chinese, Steakhouses, a Barbecue House, Seafood Restaurants, Mc Donald’s, Hardee’s, Burger King, Arby’s, KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Huddle House, and locally owned restaurants.  Drug Stores, Banks, ATM’s, Post office, Library, and Hardware Store are all easily accessible.

It is important that at least some members of the Salem team have some construction experience, but all are needed and welcome.  Please prayerfully consider your participation and contact Peter Boettger at boettgerp@ecu.edu. 

Opportunities to participate in adult and/or youth mission trips are scheduled two to three times per year, usually in spring and fall.  Our trips are focused on home repair and construction for the needy and victims of disaster in Eastern NC.  Typically, we leave in early AM on a Thursday or Friday, and are home on Saturday evening.    For the last several summers we have also scheduled a three-five day trip in early June.  Contact Peter Boettger  if you are interested in these trips. If you cannot go with us, but would like to support these missions, please consider a financial donation to SUMC, designated "mission work team".