Are you in the market for something hopeful, something that will lighten your load, where you can contribute to something meaningful without feeling overwhelmed? It's time for a garage sale! The American Village neighborhood, which several Pilgrims live in, will hold its annual garage sale on Saturday, May 31st.

As a part of our youth fundraising efforts for our international trip (see below) we will happily accept your unwanted functional items to sell in support of the youth. Save your stuff! We'll have labeled bins available in May for item drop off. Questions? Contact Kimbie  Sprague.

Where and when and about how much will this international trip be?

 Northwest Guatemala with Curamericas: Hope through Health

Summer 2026, for 7-10 days, between the end of June and mid-July.

Estimated around $3,000 per person, including flights, lodging, food, etc. 

Why this type of trip and this organization?

 To give our youth an opportunity to experience a larger world, beyond their own state, country, and experience of privilege—and to have a chance to think of themselves as global citizens.

To give our youth a personal experience of the struggles in other countries that impact immigration, and the kind of concrete creative efforts being made to improve systems. 

To learn from our Guatemalan neighbors and healthcare workers about what is needed to reduce the rates of infant, child, and maternal mortality in northwest Guatemala.

Practicality, our partners Umstead Park UCC have an established relationships with Curamericas, and Guatemala is a more affordable country for us to get to.

 Why now?

 To resist a fearful political climate that tells us to hide and back away from big dreams.

Because our youth are the right age and we’ve built up enough momentum in our youth group
partnership that we expect good turnout and a robust, capable, ready to learn group. 

And to communicate to our international neighbors the kind of Americans/Christians we are trying to be.

Who would be involved?

 About 8 youth total from Pilgrim and UPUCC and 2+ adults including Tyler and Felix and/or possibly another BCE member. We might be open to more people joining in but likely wouldn’t be able to fundraise for more than that many.

What is needed?

 Fundraising support! To make our goal we need to raise $15,000+ per church! Ambitious but possible. Also needed is support around travel logistics, especially regarding paying for bulk air fare, getting passports, and vaccinations.

 What’s the plan to raise this money?

Ongoing fundraising with odd jobs and chocolate selling.

Trading off months as churches to host fundraising events, we’ve made a draft schedule.

Goal of raising ⅔ of total needed, and leaving final ⅓ up to youths themselves.

You’ll hear more about the trip at upcoming worship announcements and you’ll see our 100
envelopes challenge starting in May, our progress thermometer, plus the bins for the May 31st garage sale items! Please reach out to Felix or a member of the Board of Christian Education for more details.

Love,

Your Very Own BCE!