HERNDON, Va. - Marylandian -- Floris UMC is excited to partner with the Philadelphia Project in Northwest Philadelphia in our first ever mission trip for people with disabilities. Founded by Ray and Michelle Garcia, The Philadelphia Project is committed to their community through transformative service opportunities aligning with our core values. Building a vital Christ-centered community takes faith, courage, and hard work to make it a reality in people's lives.

"We want to remove barriers and offer a place where people feel comfortable participating and growing in their faith," said Rev. Gina Anderson-Cloud, Lead Pastor of Floris United Methodist Church.

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We have worked on this dream for over twenty-five years, starting with the Buddy program for children and students and expanding support through Access Ministries, promoting spiritual growth for members as they age out of their student programming. Access Ministries also offers educational programming, lessons for young adults, and weekly sermons during the service, including peer support. - Tasha Mitchell, Director of Communications

The weekend mission trip in Philadelphia is December 8-10, 2023. We aim to provide a safe and comfortable environment for participants to grow in their faith and serve others through manual labor, spiritual growth, and community engagement.

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Our community members with intellectual or developmental disabilities are often excluded from mission trips. This opportunity empowers them to share in the joy of giving back to the community and to be a part of something bigger than themselves." - Lauren Soljanyk, Access Ministries coordinator."

Through the Philadelphia Project, we can work together in our shared mission. It is our responsibility, not for some but all, regardless of our physical and mental conditions, to make a difference in the lives of others. This weekend is a continuation of Floris-Restoration's commitment to choose all people.

About Floris United Methodist Church

Floris UMC/Restoration led by Rev. Gina Anderson-Cloud is a vital Christ-centered church with locations in Herndon, and Reston serving over 1750 members across the Greater DC metropolitan region.