When a Conversation Becomes Ministry
Story developed with contributions from: Pastor Steven Claycomb, Christ Hamilton United Lutheran Church; Pastor Woody Santiago, transitional pastor at Advent Lutheran Church; and Stacey Burke, NEPS Director of Communications.
During the 2026 Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly, Pastor Steven Claycomb of Christ Hamilton United Lutheran Church was sitting at his table listening as Pastor Rashon "Woody" Santiago, transitional pastor at Advent Lutheran Church in West Lawn and leader of the InsideOut ministry, shared about a need she had encountered through her ministry. Children entering foster care were often carrying everything they owned in trash bags. It was the first time Pastor Claycomb had heard of the need.
"I asked Woody how many she needed," he recalled. "She said, 'I'll take as many as you've got!'"
That brief conversation became the beginning of an unexpected partnership.
Returning home, Pastor Claycomb challenged congregations throughout the Pocono Mission District to participate in what became known as The Great Suitcase Race, inviting each congregation to collect suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks. At the same time, Pastor Woody worked alongside congregations in the Pretzel City Parish and the West Lawn, Wyomissing, and Reading communities, inviting them to join the effort as well. Together, the partnerships demonstrated how congregations across the synod could unite around a shared mission.
To add a little fun, Pastor Claycomb challenged Christ Hamilton members to collect at least 100 items. Everyone who donated could vote on which historical figure he would portray during the congregation's July 5 outdoor worship service. Thanks to the congregation's generosity, Pastor Claycomb found himself dressed as Betsy Ross.
The response exceeded every expectation.
Congregations across the mission district embraced the challenge. Christ Hamilton, St. Peter Lutheran Church, Plainfield, and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Johnsonville each donated more than 100 items. Salem-St. Paul Lutheran Church, Kresgeville, Zion United Lutheran Church, Brodheadsville, St. John Lutheran Church, Stroudsburg, St Jacobi Lutheran Church, Shohola, and several other congregations also contributed, resulting in more than 680 suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks being delivered together.
For Pastor Woody, the generosity was overwhelming.
Years ago, while helping a child prepare to enter foster care through KidsPeace, she was handed a dollar-store trash bag to pack the child's belongings. That experience inspired what has grown into a suitcase ministry that now provides children entering foster care with luggage they can call their own, offering not only something practical, but also dignity and hope.
"When I saw the community coming together," Pastor Woody shared, "it brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart."
The donations collected through the Pocono Mission District became part of a larger effort that has now gathered more than 1,300 items for children in need.
The partnership also introduced many congregations to InsideOut, Pastor Woody's community-centered ministry based in the Reading area. Through creative gatherings, conversations, and partnerships with local organizations, InsideOut seeks to create welcoming spaces where people can build relationships, learn from one another, and experience God's love in community.
The collected suitcases are distributed to children entering foster care through organizations including KidsPeace and The Children's Home of Reading, replacing trash bags with luggage that offers dignity during an already difficult transition.
Reflecting on the project, Pastor Woody emphasized the importance of partnerships. "No one can do things alone," she said. "If you plant seeds in good soil, God will help them grow."
What started with one conversation at Synod Assembly grew into a partnership that connected congregations across the synod around a shared purpose. They are a reminder that when congregations listen for needs, share their gifts, and work together, God's love travels farther than any one church could reach alone, caring for neighbors they may never meet.
This partnership is just one example of the creative ministry happening through InsideOut. If you missed our recent feature on the ministry in the synod's monthly newsletter, we encourage you to learn more about its mission and the many ways it is creating spaces where people can belong.
Thank you, Pastor Claycomb & Pastor Woody, for allowing us to share your story
Do you know of a ministry partnership that's making a difference in your community? We'd love to hear about it. Contact the synod communications office to share your story.
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