Journeys of the Spirit inspires and guides youth advisors and youth leaders to plan, lead and unpack a spiritually transformative service project. Mission trips can be more than social action and service-they can deepen youth's Unitarian Universalist identity and connection to a greater call. This comprehensive manual covers everything from choosing a mission and engaging the congregation's support to logistical and safety considerations. It also helps leaders conduct spiritual reflection sessions during and after the trip. Features testimonials from youth, young adults and religious educators describing how mission trips changed them forever.

Praise for Journeys of the Spirit

"Unitarian Universalists are not missionaries but we certainly have a mission-to tease out of this old world its full promise of justice and hospitality. That doesn't happen by chance; it requires thought, planning, energy and lots of lists. Journeys of the Spirit is a revelation for all those who know that in serving others, they will in turn transform themselves."-William F. Schulz, acting president, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee; former executive director, Amnesty International USA

"Expert religious educators Jennifer McAdoo and Anne Principe have created a traveler's guide to one of the most life-changing, challenging journeys anyone can take. Mission trips have the potential to open people to spiritual growth and transformation, to the depth and breadth of our world. This book will help increase the ability of organizers to create trips that are well planned, educational, safe and soul-satisfying."-Rev. Adam Robersmith, Unitarian Universalist spiritual director

"An essential how-to-guide for service learning trips. Wish I had something like this when I first began leading them!" - Rev. Colin Bossen, minister Unitarian Universalist Society of Cleveland and co-founder CASA