Lutheran Group Raises Funds for Alaska Trip

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church's senior high school youth group in St. Ignace, called NOIZ, is raising money to fund a mission trip to Seattle, Washington, and Alaska June 2 through June 13.

About 20 people from the group are expected to make the trip.

The trip costs between $800 and $900 per person, said Lutheran Pastor Tari Stage-Harvey.

The group has received $2,000 from Thrivent Finanical for Lutherans.

NOIZ has volunteered to participate in the Straits Watershed Council clean-up project at the Sand Dunes on US-2 Saturday, April 28, and is assisting a family to raise money for next year's Christmas gifts.

The trip to Seattle and Alaska will be both fun and educational for the group, she said.

"It's a mix of exploring other cultures, developing self character, and learning how to get along outside of your own comfort zone," she said. "I'm hoping they come back with a sense of wanting to help their own community more."

The group will explore Southeast Alaska's Native American culture, participate in ministry opportunities in Seattle, work with Alaskans on construction projects, and volunteer at a Bible camp in Juno and Haynes, Alaska.