“You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”– J.R.R. Tolkien,The Fellowship of the Ring
It is always a deeply personal experience to lead a group to the Maine Seacoast Mission in Cherryfield, ME. I was born and raised in this area; all my family roots are here. It is revealing something about who I am to share it with others. I appreciate so much the opportunity to share this place and this beloved community.
Our group this week is part of a home repair program for the Downeast Maine area, for seniors and people with disabilities, to work on outdoor projects that will make their homes safer and and more manageable. On Monday and Tuesday, so far we have: Tore down and rebuilt the side stairs, stained and painted the front porch and steps, replaced the storm door, stacked the firewood in the shed, Weedwacked the yard, weeded the gardens, disassembled the old chicken coop for the landfill, and generally made the place look great! Mary and Mark were SO gracious and lovely and appreciative.
What did we notice? We noticed our teamwork and how we build beloved community by putting hands to work. We noticed that Mark and Mary have incredible stories to share; especially Mark who had a story for most every item in the tool shed, ornament in the yard, and the creative way he built the chicken coop. We noticed that it is hard for people to let others do this sort of work. It makes a difference to always ask permission and make sure we are respectful. We noticed that the more respect we give, the more trust is built, and the more sharing that flows.
Most of all, we know with out a doubt that God lives here.
We “stepped out on the road” and we found we were rewarded with the joy of building community and a job well done. Most of all, we found God in and among us through the hospitality we shared. It reminds me of the Bible story about angels among us.
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2.
I have led quite a few trips to the Maine Seacoast Mission over the years; an organization founded by the Bar Harbor Congregational Church and other partners over 100 years ago. In addition to the Home Repair Program, they have community meals, youth programs, food pantries, a chaplain on a boat to the outer islands, tele-health, and SO much more! You can learn more here https://seacoastmission.org/
We learned that we share some things in common! Mary and Mark are part of the Milbridge Congregational Church, UCC and they share music together. Another connection.
Thank you to the churches who supported us on our trip and allowed us to have this experience. Thanks to the Mission for over 100 years of doing God’s work here. Thank you to our team for taking the challenge of the adventure. Thank you God for weaving all of us together.
Thanks for following along in the adventure! Sending love and prayers!
Nicole
Nicole Grant Yonkman 