Mission Trip Recap 2025

Our high school youth mission trip was an incredible experience and refreshing to see Back Bay Mission fully embracing and serving the core values of the United Church of Christ. The following letter was from one of Back Bay Mission’s summer interns, Hazel. While this letter was intended just for our group, I think it summarizes the impression Back Bay Mission had on our group and the impact our group had on Back Bay Mission. And therefore important to share with the congregation: 

St. Lucas UCC, 

First, I would like to apologize for not being able to give a formal goodbye to you all. I have another event to attend. 

I do not normally write letters or thank yous to volunteers, but I really thought it was important for me to write to you all. This week, you brought a lot to this campus and every program you touched you left better. Every staff member you interacted with this week was left with a smile and seemed so thankful for the help you left. When I was doing my rounds this week you all had such an attention to detail and always wanted to help where you could. So thank you! 

When you go home, I hope you are left with fond memories of Back Bay Mission and making good trouble, and many memories of laughs and jokes. I hope you leave and think about your own community and reflect how you can make good trouble in Missouri. 

Most importantly, I believe everyone here would love to see you next year. You are welcome back anytime. I hope you had a great experience strengthening neighborhoods, seeking justice, and of course transforming lives. 

Blessings, 

Hazel Sone, summer 2025 intern 

Another one of the staff members, during the morning presentations about the various work of Back Bay Mission, told us that “God is well pleased” with our work and group. Lynn and I have been involved in the UCC our whole lives, and this was a new, but powerful phrase to us both. I knew immediately that this would be the theme of our worship weekend. Our Mission Trip youth, adults, Lynn and I are excited to share our trip with you through this letter, worship, and luncheon. 

See you on Sunday,

Lynn and Amy