From June 19 through June 25, youth from Trinity, Rutland, First Congregational Church, and College Street Congregational Church in Burlington participated in a mission trip and pilgrimage to the Rutland area. The partnership came out of a discussion between Will Gunger, the youth minister at First Church and College Street Church, and the Rev. Sarah Ginolfi, rector of Trinity, Rutland, when plans for the congregational churches’ summer mission trip fell through. They decided to host a program making use of their resources and imaginations.
Along the pilgrimage, the group waded through the story of Jonah and found ways to compare their journey. These photos and stories share their journey.
Thursday, June 19 – Gathering Together
The pilgrimage began Thursday evening when the group enjoyed the first of many meals that they would prepare and serve to one another. (And then they did the dishes!) Following dinner, the group bonded over a game of kickball in the parking lot. Pro-tip: Use a smaller, not-quite-inflated kickball so it doesn’t go far enough to cause damage or nuisance to the neighbors.
Friday, June 20 – Building Community and a Common Mission
On Friday morning, the youth continued to build community by exploring Rutland, their “mission field.” Small groups formed to visit local businesses on a scavenger hunt to “Find Jesus.” The youth helped spruce up Trinity’s memorial garden for their Friday service project.
Saturday, June 21 -Sharing our Faith, Loud and Proud.
On Saturday, the pilgrims supported the Rutland Country Pride Festival by loading and unloading 100 chairs(!) for use at the event. The youth also helped give temporary tattoos to visitors at the Trinity welcome booth.
Sunday, June 22 -Worship and Rest
The pilgrims joined Trinity, Rutland for worship on Sunday morning. During her sermon, Ginolfi shared their reflections on the following prompts:
1. What are the challenges and opportunities of being a Christian in 2025?
2. What was it like to represent the church at the Pride Festival?
Several noted it was a challenge that they often feel rejected by their peers: “I feel scared that I will be judged for my belief in God. It is hard to talk about my faith in 2025 because my community members outside of my church usually are not people who go to church.”
On a more hopeful note, many also shared how the opportunity to gather with peers was a meaningful outlet for spiritual safety and growth. One said, “There are many more progressive churches that interpret the Bible in the way that we are all made in God’s image and are loved no matter what.” Another that “You can share it with others, with those that will want to listen and learn.”
As for serving at Pride? “It felt great to serve because some people still believe that there is a barrier between Christianity and Pride and it is nice to show people what an open and affirming church looks like.”
Following church, pilgrims help to tidy up the library and children’s book collection and then continued the work on the memorial garden at Trinity, Rutland.
Sunday evening, pilgrims and youth leaders alike all took a little break to continue building friendships across our two communities.
Monday June 23 to Wednesday June 25 – Growing in Relationship, Growing in God’s Creation
On Monday morning, the pilgrims served breakfast at Companions in Wholeness, a feeding social services ministry supported by several Rutland congregations and the wider Rutland community.
…And some gladly took the opportunity to puppysit for one of our neighbors.
The mission trip and pilgrimage finished with a camping trip to Emerald Lake State Park where the youth continued to build friendships and stronger connections.
When the trip ended, several youth expressed a hope for future gatherings. Opportunities for future youth events and gatherings are being explored now. To get involved, connect with the Rev. Sarah Ginolfi at sarah.ginolfi@trinitychurchrutland.org.
