Once known as a small town that sat in the valley of the Appalachian Mountain Trail, has now become a small suburb with big inner city problems. This location is unique because two major interstate highways cross paths which are bringing overwhelming needs such as homelessness, drug/alcohol abuse and spiritual poverty. Through community efforts like “For Our City,” various community churches have combined resources to become His Church in order to combat the evils that are running rampant in the neighborhood streets. Broadfording Church has become a beacon of light as they have opened their doors to host mission groups that want to serve within this struggling location. The Star Community Inc lodging is affiliated with Broadfording Church and managed by Pastor Bill Wyand (pastor of Broadfording Church).

• Nursing Home visits: There are several elderly community facilities within the area and spending time in nursing homes is one of our favorite ministries. The elderly residents in nursing homes can often feel lonely. You will have one-on-one time with the residents, listening to their stories and encouraging them in their daily lives.
• Service Proejcts: There is the possibility for participants to help at one of the local non-profits with various service/construction projects. It will range from painting, sweeping, and raking yards to patching holes in a roof, doing repairs and installations.
• Food and Clothing Ministry: There are various food/clothing pantries within the area that support the families in the community. While serving at one of these locations, you will have a chance to connect kids, teens, and adults.
• First Responder Ministry: The Hagerstown Area has several First Responder locations and what a better way to share the love of Jesus Christ than to support them with goodie bags and notes of encouragement!
• Homeless Ministry: The Hagerstown Area has two main homeless shelters that operate as a cold weather shelter during a portion of the year, as well as a rescue mission throughout the year. A great opportunity to serve those in need with a meal and a clean environment.

Your team will stay at a local church organized facility where they will have access to bathrooms, showers, and a full kitchen. There will be bunk beds in the dormitory rooms, but you will need to bring your sleeping bags or sheets and blankets! We will eat all our meals together and participate in praise, worship and debriefing each night at the facility.

Most of our teams choose to drive vans or a bus in, which also provides transportation throughout the week. If you choose to fly, Baltimore/Washington International Airport is home to a decent size airport although it is further away, while the Hagerstown Regional Airport is smaller and closer. You could rent vans to be used throughout the week.

There is a full kitchen with anything you might need. Teams will participate in meal prep and serving. Breakfast will be cold cereal, fruit, bagels, etc. Hot breakfasts could be available as well, depending on the group’s willingness to contribute to the meal prep and cooking. Lunch will be packed sandwiches, fruit and a side to take to the ministry site. Hot dinners will be cooked by the team and eaten at our lodge. A menu for the week will be organized by the mission leader with collaboration from the group’s leader and will include alternative dietary options for those who are in need.

$500 Deposit: This deposit is required to reserve your trip. At this point, you will lock in your trip and we will keep in touch with you going forward about preparation. This deposit is applied to the total cost of your trip.

50% Payment: Half of your total trip cost will need to be paid 3 months before your trip.

100% Payment: The remaining balance is due 2 months before your trip.

An adult Mission Leader will be assigned to your team throughout the duration of your trip. They will stay with you and your team, as well as engage daily with you throughout ministry and daily life activities. This leader will have strong missions experience, leadership experience and a demonstrated competence in the area of discipleship of youth and young adults. In most cases, your Mission Leader will help with facilitating ministry, meals and daily debrief and devotional time. Your Mission Leader will be assigned to your trip and you’ll have the opportunity to have conversations with them during the weeks leading up to your trip.