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Count the 12 days of service with MVS and Service Adventure (part one)!

The 2025-26 Anchorage, Alaska, Service Adventure unit . Left to right: Ian Unzicker, Ruben Veigel, Adriana Duerksen and Mir Knego (unit leader). Photo by Michael Oyer.
The 2025-26 Anchorage, Alaska, Service Adventure unit . Left to right: Ian Unzicker, Ruben Veigel, Adriana Duerksen and Mir Knego (unit leader). Photo by Michael Oyer.
Travis Duerksen

​​​​​​​​Travis Duerksen is a writer and multimedia producer for Mennonite Mission Network.

Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) and Service Adventure units across the country got into the holiday spirit by curating photos that represent ‘twelve days of service’ for them. Below, you’ll find the first six entries from units counting down the twelve days of Christmas — with a service-focused twist! Check back next week for the final set of photos.

Merry MVSmas, and happy Service ADVENTure from all the units and Mission Network staff!

(Lucky for you, both programs are currently accepting applications. Apply by January 31 to have the widest selection of placements for the 2026-27 term.)

On the first day of Christmas, service units see…

A big moose amongst the green trees!

For the Anchorage, Alaska, Service Adventure unit, moose (mooses? meese?) are a common sight — sometimes even in the unit house’s backyard! Unit participants know to give them plenty of space, especially during mating and calving seasons. Photo by Ian Unzicker.

On the second day of Christmas, service units see…

“Two” many Dr. Peppers!

Every year, Beth-El Mennonite Church, the host congregation for the Colorado Springs, Colorado, Service Adventure unit, holds a grocery shower for the unit. The grocery shower helps fill the unit house’s pantry with items that might be outside the team’s food budget for the year. Pictured is Sam Abrahams, a current participant who loves Dr. Pepper, and because of whom soda went on the wish list.

“Through a twist of fate, many people simultaneously decided to get us Dr. Pepper,” explained Christian Stoltzfus, unit co-leader. “So, we ended up with dozens and dozens of cans of the stuff!” Photo by Christian Stoltzfus.

On the third day of Christmas, service units see…

Three clowns trick-or-treating!

For Halloween this year, the Anchorage Service Adventure unit dressed as clowns — face paint, hats and all! The costumes were a long-held Halloween tradition by the family that hosts the unit’s Bible study, and participants were game to help keep the tradition going. Left to right: Adrianna Duerksen, Ian Unzicker and Ruben Veigel. Photo by Mir Knego.

On the fourth day of Christmas, service units see…

Four MVSers knotting diligently!

Each year, the San Francisco MVS unit crafts comforters for themselves. Hosted by Karen Kreider Yoder, a member of the unit’s sponsoring congregation, First Mennonite Church of San Francisco. At the end of the day, each participant takes home their own cozy comforter to use during their service term and beyond! Left to right: Ana Neufeld Weaver, Keyan Krabill, Emmi Scott and Bella Kephart. Photo by Karen Kreider Yoder.

On the fifth day of Christmas, service units see…

Five candles for Advent!

Every week, each Service Adventure unit holds a dedicated time of learning and worship. These gatherings are led by one participant or leader who guides the others through a chosen skill or subject while practicing facilitation and leading worship. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, these sessions center on Advent with reflections, meditations, and worship. Pictured are the Advent candles in the Anchorage unit. Photo by Mir Knego.

On the sixth day of Christmas, service units see…

Six (and then seven) housemates living in harmony!

In December, the Colorado Springs Service Adventure unit welcomed in its newest (and by far the youngest) member: Josiah! Born on December 3, Josiah joined big sister Naomi as junior members of the unit, with their parents Christian and Leigha co-leading the unit for a second year. Left to right: Sam Abrahams, Josiah Stoltzfus, Leigha Stoltzfus (unit co-leader), Naomi Stoltzfus, Trilby Evans, Michael Bergen and Christian Stoltzfus (unit co-leader). Photo by Christian Stoltzfus.

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