Leawood UMC Mission Trip 2026

My favorite part of this mission trip was the stations of homelessness walk that groups took. I think it was very informative and was a very good way to wrap up the trip. I learned about reasons for homelessness and how it's not as simple as buying or renting a house. I learned that there are different levels of homelessness and that it is hard for some people to go to a food pantry or meal service to get help. I would like to thank everyone for inviting me, including me, and being very welcoming on my first mission trip. - Katie Even though it wasn't service oriented, I'd have to say that The Garden of the Gods was my favorite part of the mission trip..... Not only was there the breathtaking beauty of nature but there was actually quite a bit of group building involved... The rock formations were truly spectacular... Nothing like you can see in Kansas.... Our heads were all on swivels to catch the remarkable beauty surrounding us.... The red stone spires were simply sensat...

Travel Day - Thursday, July 16, 2026 This morning we packed up our belongings at St. Andrew UMC in Colorado, loaded up the vehicles, and pointed them toward Kansas.  Every mission trip is different and yet still the same.  We have the same rhythms - get up in the morning, fix breakfast, load up, head to our work site for the day.  We return in the afternoon, have some free time to shower, a group starts dinner, we eat, have some time together, blog, and go to bed.  This year, our schedule was purposely not as detailed or strictly enforced.  It was to help us feel a bit of the uncertainty that the homeless feel.  They aren't sure where they will sleep at night, where or when they might get their next meal, if the are safe, will their possessions be taken, and so many more uncertainties.  We knew where we would lay our heads at night and that we would be safe.  It was a good lesson for us.  We had three first-timers with the group.  It was...

 It's our Fun Day Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Today we started by waking up to the lights coming on at 5:15.  This was to let people know that now is when you should begin getting ready if needed. We ate breakfast burritos prepared the night before by Brian, Caleb, Pam, and Zack to give us fuel for the day.  At 6:25, we loaded up and at 6:30 we headed off to the Garden of the Gods where we saw many sites like the Kissing Camels, Balancing Rock, White Rock, Pikes Peak, North Gateway Rock, and Pulpit Rock. There were tons of beautiful views including an upper loop path that Tyler notified us about for hiking. Many of the group explored this route to see this beautiful rocky area and most climbed up the rock and took pictures. After the Garden of the Gods, we headed back to the car to go take a stop to eat lunch.  Afterwards, we headed off to Manitou Springs, going to the edge of town to go zip lining. There we met Cade, who would be zip lining with us and our wonderful gu...

Day four Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Stations of homeless - Kyrie.   Today we started with breakfast prepared by group A (Tyler, Joel, Anna, Katie, and Cora) then packed lunches to take with us and enjoy after our morning activities at the Network Coffeehouse (located in the Capitol Hill area of Denver). This is where we once again met with Pastor Logan Robertson (After Hours Ministry see yesterday’s blog).  Logan explained the concept and the operations of Network Coffeehouse (nicknamed the living-room of Christ), where they “meet the homeless where they’re at” and provide them with a safe, welcoming and nonjudgmental space to sit, visit, have some tea or coffee, and sometimes a little snack/small meal, before they need to find their shelter for the night. We also discussed with Logan many of the conditions of homelessness particularly found in the inner city, that impact their daily lives, struggles, and realities. Such as: lack or loss of family connections (support), shame...

Monday, July 13th, 2026 The day started with 3 of the group going on a gentle 5 mile run.  The rest of us started with breakfast  made by Team C - Gene, Melanie, and Barbara.  Gene made his fabulous scrambled eggs.  Cereal, yogurt, and fresh blackberries supplied by Barbara's co-worker were also enjoyed.  We had a morning of some free time and team building.  We shared what kind of vehicle we would be.  Mini Cooper, Suburban, MacGyver's truck, and the engine at the back of a train, to name a few.  You figure out who was which vehicle.  The team building activity involved the group trying to move our new friend Pikachu from one side of the blanket to another.  Much hilarity ensued but the group was finally successful. (Barbara was greatly entertained watching the event unfold.) We then drove to Deer Creek Canyon Park for a very hot hike and picnic lunch.  We might have made a better decision - like going earlier before it got hot....

  Mission Trip — Day 2 Reflections Our second day began with breakfast and worship at St. Andrew United Methodist Church. The church, contemporary music, and mountain views made for a peaceful and inspiring start to the day. Learning About the St. Andrew Food Pantry and Market Later, we visited the St. Andrew Food Pantry and Market, a ministry connected to the church. Jamie, the outreach coordinator, and Cindy, one of the pantry volunteers, shared the story of the program and the heart behind its mission. The ministry began by helping children with school supplies. After the school closed, St. Andrew was able to use the building in a new way, growing from serving about 22 families to approximately 80 to 100 families today. The market provides canned goods, produce, cereal, treats, hygiene products, toilet paper, and other supplemental items. One creative offering is a birthday box with cake mix, candles, frosting, and other supplies so families can celebrate a special mom...

 Hello From Colorado! Left at 7:00 CST.... Arrived at 4:00 MST.... Tyler and Gene left first with a mini trailer filled with the luggage... They had to be sure to get there on time to meet the custodian so that we weren't locked out.... That's a very looong car ride.... Passed a lot of windmill farms along the way.... The windmills were just chugging away even though it really didn't seem all that windy.... Mike the custodian showed Tyler and Gene around the facilities before everyone else arrived,... Gorgeous building that shows a lot of love.... Plenty of space..... We had a number of rooms to choose from for getting everybody situated..... Ours is a small group by their standards so they had no problem in accommodating us..... They even provided a pair of sturdy wheeled carts to unload the cars.... Simplifying that job quite a bit..... The rest of the team was only about 15 minutes behind Tyler and Gene and included the rest of Brian and Katie's family (with their do...

 The time is quickly approaching for our annual mission trip.  This year, 13 youth and adults will be heading to Denver.  Everyday will be an adventure as we see where God is calling us.  We ask for your prayers as we travel and serve.  We will post about our days so you can follow along.  We look forward to sharing our week with you.  Feel free to leave comments for the team.   Barbara