This episode we’re joined by Dan Walther. Dan the Man! Dan has led the Junior High Service Trip for 12 years and has seen a lot in that time—from the transformation many kids experience to the good work done in Camp Washington by the ALUCC group and others who travel there each summer to help with summer youth programs and serve with other outreach functions of Washington UCC in Cincinnati.

Many churches have service opportunities for high school students, but an immersive mission-oriented experience away from home for kids in 6th through 8th grade is unique. Dan and Bill discuss the reasons behind this trip, as well as the community in Cincinnati where the group has gone for more than a decade, some of the work that accomplished each summer and what students (and the adult leaders) gain from a trip like this.

Throughout the episode you’ll also get to know a bit about Dan and why he feels the Junior High Service Trip is important. As he explained, the immediate impact it has on the kids who serve isn’t always clear right away, but the lessons learned run deep and truly change lives.

Dan is a longtime church member (in fact he was baptized and confirmed at ALUCC—although he did take a hiatus when the family moved to Vermilion and joined a church in that community) and currently lives in Vermilion where he raised his family and teaches 9th grade science.

Welcome to ALUCC Fellowship Hall, a podcast where we gather to share a tapestry of stories that weave through the congregation of Avon Lake United Church of Christ. In each episode, we'll journey together through the diverse experiences, fun stories and journeys of church leaders and our fellow members.

Grab a seat, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and join us in Fellowship Hall as we delve into the heart of Avon Lake United Church of Christ, one story at a time.

Be sure to subscribe to the ALUCC Fellowship Hall podcast on your favorite app so you never miss an episode.

Resources:

Learn more about Avon Lake United Church of Christ in Avon Lake, Ohio: https://www.avonlakeucc.org/

Follow ALUCC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvonLakeUCC/

Instagram: @avonlakeucc

Watch weekly services on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/avonlakeucc

Like Waypoint Youth Ministries on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avonlakeuccyouth/

Instagram: @waypointym

Follow ALUCC Kids on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1199223630209636