Written by Amber Skinner | 31 December 2009

Youth at the Islands Community Church (ICC) on Bailey Island know a thing or two about helping others. They are part of a multi-age group dedicated to mission work, here in Harpswell and around the world.
On a typical Sunday, 10 to 15 children, ages five to 15, attend.
Christian Education Coordinators Laurie Smith and her sister, Beth York, have been attending ICC "for generations," Smith said. About two years ago, they asked the kids in their Sunday School program what they wanted their group to focus on.
"They had many really good ideas," York explained. Having "done a lot of little things before," they wanted to focus on mission outreach "full-time," she continued.
"They decided to support local and international charities," Smith said. They've thrown their energy and enthusiasm behind collecting for UNICEF and Smile Train, and filling shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.
"The people we're helping have no vaccines and often live in tent homes made of four sticks and a blanket," 12-year-old Ben York explained. "Many have to walk three miles just to get fresh water. They've suffered through war and famine.
"We feel good about (collecting money and other items) for them," Ben continued.
The youth also minister to Harpswell's shut-ins and other people "who need to be remembered," according to mother-of-three Smith. They find out about the local people stuck at home through "word of mouth," she explained.
This past fall, the kids made batik banners and, in December, they decorated wreaths with handmade ornaments. These they delivered to those whose days needed a little brightening.
For Christmas, they also helped support the homeless teenagers housed at Oliver Place in Bath. The teens are required to maintain their grades and hold down a job, but rarely have enough money for anything other than essentials, Smith explained. The Sunday School provided Christmas for them this year, she said.
"It's actually very fun," Mt. Ararat seventh-grader Ben said. "It's fun and a challenge: To see how much we can do or collect in a short amount of time."
"We are so blessed," Smith said. "(These projects) help the kids realize that not everyone is in the same situation.
"And I think (the mission work) helps take their eyes off themselves."
The Sunday School group at the non-denominational Islands Community Church is open to all children and teenagers. It meets Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
The church is located on Harpswell Islands Road, Bailey Island, two doors south of and across the street from the Bailey Island General Store. For more information, call Laurie Smith at 833-6572.