This morning came very early for members of the youth group at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 2219 Washington Ave. In order to open the doors to the church's Congregational Treasures Rummage and Bake Sale at 7:30 a.m. sharp, they not only had to be awake, but functional at a time earlier than most teens want to think about on a Saturday.

They probably aren't complaining, though, as the reward for their efforts is something they are very excited about. Today's sale is a fundraiser for the youth group, which has been working hard for about a year to raise money for their upcoming trip to Taizé, France. Seven of the youth (ages 16 to 23) plus chaperones, will travel to Taizé - an ecumenical community visited by people from around the world - for 12 days in August.

It is a journey that Heather Luedtke, 17, is really looking forward to.

"I'm excited about meeting new people and seeing how their culture is, compared to ours," said Luedtke, who attends Park High School.

Such opportunities are plentiful in Taizé, which the Rev. Tracy Polzin, pastor at Our Savior's, described as a unique community where people gather for worship and spiritual growth. Founded by a Christian brother named Frére Roger in 1940, Taizé today is an international, monastic community populated by more than 100 brothers from different Christian traditions.

"By its very existence, the community is a 'parable of community' that wants its life to be a sign of reconciliation between divided Christians and between separated peoples," explains the Taizé Web site (http://www.taize.fr/en), which includes a video presentation about life in Taizé.

Like the thousands of other young people who make pilgrimages to Taizé every week, the youth from Our Savior's will participate in worship and Bible study, as well as long periods of silence, during their visit, Polzin said. They will also be put into small groups with people from other countries to allow them opportunities to learn about faith and life outside of the U.S., she said.

And, like everyone who gathers in Taizé, they will pitch in with daily chores.

"Taizé is a simple community where everyone participates in community activities such as cooking and gardening," said Polzin, who, along with her family, will accompany the group to France.

Global view

Being able to immerse herself in many different forms of worship is what Miranda Meyer is looking forward to in Taizé. Meyer, 23, said she feels this type of journey is especially important for young people because it will help them to realize that there is a wide world out there and a lot of life lessons yet to be learned.

"Most of the youth on this trip have never been out of Wisconsin, let alone out of the country before," she said.

And it isn't just the youth of Our Savior's who will benefit from the trip. Julie Meyer, youth director at the church and Miranda' mother, is excited about the chance that her visit in Taizé will give her to grow her faith.

"I am also looking forward to being able to grow with the kids - to be able to see them worshiping in that atmosphere," she said.

In order to go to Taizé, the Our Savior's youths have organized a number of fundraising activities. The cost of the trip for each of them is approximately $1,500, and they have worked toward that goal by volunteering at events such as Kiwanis Pancake Day; catering a dinner for the American Association of University Women; and selling coupon books for Boston Store's Community Day. They also sold "stock" in the youth group to members of their congregation, and will host a dinner (with French cuisine) and presentation about their trip for stockholders upon their return.

"They have worked really hard for this," said Polzin. "They had high expectations and have worked to make it happen."

Making connections

The youths have also earned their place on the trip by volunteering time in Our Savior's community outreach programs. On Thursdays, for example, they help with the evening outreach program which offers children's games, dinner and worship time to the wider community, as well as members of the congregation. Youth group participants also assist with the church's four-week summer Neighborhood Camp, a collaborative, creative outreach ministry that offers a variety of on-site activities and field trips to children of Racine.

Both programs are part of Our Savior's continuing efforts to build a relationship with its surrounding community, Julie Meyer said.

"We want our church to be a place in the community where everybody is welcome," she said. "We want people to know that everybody has a place in this church."

Building relationships, both within and beyond their congregation, is something that members of Our Savior's youth group will not only explore while they are in Taizé, but plan to continue when they return to Racine. For Miranda Meyer, one of the most important benefits of the trip to France is the greater understanding of other cultures and their beliefs that she feels it will give her and other youth. Such knowledge, she feels, can lead the way for different cultures to form peace with each other.

"It starts with understanding," she said.

If You Go

WHAT: Congregational Treasures Rummage and Bake Sale. Sale items will include clothes (infant to adult); infant equipment; toys and dolls; books; household items; glassware; tools and furniture. Hot dogs, brats, chips, soda and baked goods will also be sold.

WHEN: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 12.

WHERE: Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 2219 Washington Ave., in the Fellowship Hall on the lower level. From the parking lot, enter through the carport doors. The church does have an elevator and is handicapped-accessible.

COST: Admission to the sale is free.

INFO: Call (262) 633-2243.