By Anna Skinner
The Westfield Friends Church youth group, the Westfield Young Friends, will be traveling to Chicago June 4 to learn about different types of ministries in an urban setting.
“The kids will have a totally different life experience,” said Steve Pedigo, head pastor of Westfield Friends Church. “Westfield is totally different from the inner city of Chicago. They will be learning that lifestyle and learning what kind of ministry relates to that kind of lifestyle.”
Before moving to Westfield, Steve and his wife, Marlene, were involved in an inner-city Chicago ministry from 1976 to 2005. Steve ministered in the Cabrini-Green projects. Marlene serves as the youth director for Westfield Friends Church.
“The Westfield Young Friends are excited about their trip to Chicago to learn about the importance of church outreach and talk with individuals who grew up in the Cabrini-Green Public Housing Development about ‘How to Live a Christian Life in the Midst of a Secular World,’” Marlene, who also serves as coordinator of the Chicago trip, said.
Fourteen people, including parent chaperones and youth, will be taking the trip.
“Visiting Chicago is an excellent opportunity for our youth group to experience life and worship in a major city. Steve and Marlene Pedigo are the perfect tour guides for this trip, as they bring over 30 years of Chicago-based urban ministry experience to the table,” said Kelly Haemmerle, one of the adults going on the trip. “By stepping outside of our own community and worshiping in fresh surroundings with new people, we are more clearly able to see the impact that God has throughout the world.”
Westfield Friends Church has already completed all fundraising for the trip.
“We are hoping the kids will get a vision for ministry and a vision and concern for reaching out to peers and others,” Steve said.
