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YOUTH CHOIR MISSION TOURS, PROJECTS, and REPORTS!
We ask for your thoughts, good wishes, and especially your prayers as we take this next journey together.
YOUTH CHOIR TOUR 2008 BOSTON, JULY 11-19
DAILY TOUR UPDATES
(WATCH FOR TOUR REPORTS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE - Beginning with the latest:)
From: RAMtalk [mailto:ramtalk@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, August 08, 2008 11:12 AM
To: jpaulsen@richmond.edu; thompson17@aol.com
Subject: FINAL REPORT: The end of a great Mission!Hi all,
As most may now know, our Boston mission group came back to Richmond on Saturday, July 19th in good health and great spirits! I will recap the final events of Friday and Saturday here. On Sunday, August 10th, the youth mission group will lead both services. Please come! This is another opportunity for everyone to share in the big and little moments of this special mission.Friday, July 18th, all groups were up and running early in anxious anticipation of their final day of mission. For the Vacation Bible School group, it was a teary farewell to those with whom they had worked and played all week. For Group #1, they were able to follow in the footsteps of Group #2 and work at Revision Farm. Other groups did a variety of cleaning, baking, helping and touring.
Revision Farm was developed 15 years ago as an offshoot to the Revision Program. This program currently consists of two large homes which provide short term shelter for pregnant women or women with children. These houses are located next door to each other in South Boston. Across the street on a former house lot is the urban garden and greenhouse growing a variety of crops such as corn, beans, berries, squash, lettuce, and carrots. There are also two other large farming plots nearby. On Thursdays, the women run a farm stand on the street where the crops are sold to the people in the neighborhood. As was pointed out to us, there is no grocery store in this zip code. So the farm stand has been a welcome contribution to the nutritious food supply in this urban area.
The work our two groups did over the two days included extensive weeding, farm stand sales and sign painting. We watered the crops with our sweat those days as the temperature went into the 90s.
At the end of the day, all the groups gathered in our courtyard at NEU and hopped on the nearby 'T' and headed to our dinner and beach devotional. We got off the T at Wollaston with a mile plus to go to the beach. On the way we enjoyed Chinese food, pizza and sandwiches at several restaurants. This meal provided another chance to re-mix into different groups and share experiences.
It was dusk when we made it to the beach on the Quincy Bay, which we think is part of the Boston Harbor. It was a great place to be until the first rain drops fell! The distant lightning show got us moving quickly off the beach and headed back to the T in the pouring rain. The kids felt this experience was very memorable!!!
So, we arrived back to the dorm much earlier than planned-a good thing as it turned out. The University had decided that we had left for good and had been shutting down the dorm. All was worked out and before we knew it, we were again gathered, this time in the dorm meeting room, safe and sound.
Our devotions, by tradition led again by the Puppet Team, were especially heartfelt this year. We said sad goodbyes to our seniors - Maggie, Stephanie and Heather. Personal testimonies were given about the mission, new and old friendships, and God's role in our lives. The hope was repeatedly expressed that this would not be Marti Thompson's last tour.
The next morning most were up and going early (an amazing group full of pep!). Overcoming the usual snafus (meal & room card deactivations, keys locked in a van, confusing airport directions...), the middle school group all boarded the plane successfully, if sadly, and after a Philadelphia layover, arrived home early around 7:30pm. The lucky highschoolers were able to enjoy a longer day in Boston and did final sightseeing. They were back to Richmond by 11pm.
The chaperones and I want to thank Marti Thompson and Laura Miles for the orchestration of this complicated week of mission and music ministry. The details were handled so well and with good humor! We are blessed to have these women in our church.
Look for memorable mission photos coming soon to the SPC web site in the album section.
NOTE: Buttonhole a youth mission tour member and ask about his/her unique personal experiences. Each person's tour time was spent and viewed differently.We hope to add other personal experiences to this page.
Thank you all for your wonderful support. We saw the hand of God so often this trip...
Love, Robin
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From: ramtalk@aol.com [mailto:ramtalk@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, July 18, 2008 7:59 AM
To: jpaulsen@richmond.edu
Subject: Thursday, Day 7-SPC Mission Tour 2008-BostonHi all,
Hard to believe today is our last mission working day. We have packed so much work in such a short time! It has been a special week for us all...
Yesterday we all had a shorter time at our mission sites as we all met at 12:30 at the Juvenile Detention Center to perform.
Group 1 combined with three from Group 3 to help at the Children's Clothing Exchange in Cambridge. Located in the basement of an apartment building, this coop serves to clothe children inexpensively. People bring in good condition clothing and take home up to ten pieces per child. There is a beautifully decorated and equipped children's room where kids can play while parents shop. Another room is filled with career minded clothes for adults. While anyone can come often for the children's clothes, the adult clothes are given out by appointment. In order to qualify, you have be part of a training group or have job interviews. You can only come once. While we were there, mothers were coming and going with children. A group was scheduled to come in to try on interview clothes later.
Our group sorted books and clothes and filled our van and a car with excess clothing for Goodwill. One group drove the clothing to a distant Goodwill location. The workers at the exchange were very organized and friendly to all.... the place was very inviting.
The puppet team spent the morning scrubbing the sanctuary at St. Mark's. They cleaned windows, pews, floors and outside.
Most of Mission Group 3 spent the morning at Revision Farm weeding and selling produce...More to follow about that tomorrow. We have a group going again today.
Mission Group 4 continues their VBS work at St. Mark's. They had been joined by the puppet team on Wednesday for a performance for their middle and highschoolers.
Hats off for the work done by Zach, Kirby and Denise. They spent Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday working at the home of an elderly brother and sister in South Boston. Referred there by social workers, the woman is battling Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Over the years, she has kept so much in her home, there is barely a place to walk. Food is brought in from outside as the kitchen is filled with stuff. Our group, with the support of a case worker, was able to gradually reduce the amount of saved and collected stuff so the kitchen can be used. The brother's room was tackled successfully. A very challenging situation but our people were able to do their best to improve the woman's environment and work with her in a non-threatening way.
While our time at the youth detention center was short, we were able to sing and give a puppet performance. Everything was well received and was a great final tour performance. There were about forty juveniles, ranging from the ages of 13 through 18, boys and girls. Those who attended were picked to attend as a privilege. After the performance, we were able to speak briefly one on one with two of the four units. After everyone left, chaplain and superintendent gave us a background of the facility and answered questions. We had a lot! Very eye opening to all.
After a break at the dorms (Group 3 enjoyed a short trip to the city beach), middle schoolers headed downtown via T to have dinner at Hard Rock Cafe. Our service was amazingly fast and the food was good. We then walked to the T and headed to our Blue Man Group show. It was terrific. Very imaginative and interactive!
Meanwhile, the highschoolers were at a Durgin's Restaurant in nearby Faneuil Hall. They saw the show next door to ours, Shear Madness. According to one junior, she found it hilarious!
Back at the dorms around 10:30, everyone was eager to go to sleep...today is a full day!d
Everyone has so much to share...looking forward to our SPC service on August 10!
Love, Robin
From: ramtalk@aol.com [mailto:ramtalk@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 8:36 AM
To: jpaulsen@richmond.edu
Subject: Wednesday, Day 6-SPC Mission Tour-BostonHi all,
We are starrting to feel sad already as we are beginning the 'last' of various activities...
Yesterday some of us went on to new locations, others picked up where they left off.
Mission Team #2 has been enjoying their days at St. Mark's vacation bible school. They have been doing anything required and lots more. Starting with a small registered group, the team created and distributed flyers for newcomers and then worked with their group of middle schoolers and high schoolers. They enthusiastically draw on their own VBS backgrounds for songs, games, bible stories and lessons. They have appreciated the efforts of the 'church ladies' (affectionately dubbed by our group). They efficiently provide a delicious lunch each day for all the VBS and the volunteers.
Mission Group #1 went to Emmanuel Episcopal Church via T downtown. This is the weekly site of the Common Art program. Due to my time constraints, I will have to elaborate more later!!!! Ditto with the adventures of Puppet Team 4....
A major thank you goes to those hardworkers of Mission Group #3, Getting Dirty for Jesus. Boston has been experiencing a heatwave so their jobs have been a special challenge. Working at Missino Safe, a site for troubled teens, they painted several rooms on Monday and Tuesday. Yesterday this group worked with the boys at Greenwood School and then rushed after lunch to the Fourth Presbyterian in Dorchester and did a few hours of yardwork, weeding overgrown beds and paths. Then they set up for the church BBQ. They had a quick respite at a nearby beach where they got to cool their feet!
The entire Tour group joined them at 6pm and were able to admire this work. The only Presbyterian church location in our tour, this church is located in the middle of two housing projects. In their backyard, they provided us with a Northern BBQ-grilled hotdogs, hamburgers, assorted salads, watermelon, lemonade and cookies.
We went into the sanctuary to sing with them, give two puppet skits and sing three of our tour songs. We met a parishioner, Arthur, who had special needs but enjoyed our visit thoroughly! We could have stayed all night...Once again we came away with so much! We knew and joined in on their songs. We enjoyed our time so much...
Back on the T, we went home to another enthusiastic devotion by Group #3 and lots of wonderful anecdotes. We were all exhausted!
Thank you all for your prayers and your patience in waiting for all our stories, photos and experiences. More to follow!
Love, Robin
From: ramtalk@aol.com [mailto:ramtalk@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 7:58 AM
To: jpaulsen@richmond.edu
Subject: Tuesday, Day 5-SPC Mission Tour 2008-BostonHi all,
The week is flying by. Everyday is packed and has its own challenges and rewards.Yesterday was another beautiful, hot day. All groups were ready to build on the previous day's work.
Group 1 went to a new mission. This time, we drove to the Greenwood Elementary School in Jamaica Plains. This site is a mission that several groups will also visit later this week. This school is used during the summer for a program of continued education and enrichment. Called the Bell program (Building Educated Leaders for Life), this site is just for boys. mostly black children with some hispanic boys. Roughly 140 boys, ranging from rising 1st graders through rising 6th, they arrive each morning at 8:30am for a day of education, outdoor fun and enrichment activities. The day ends at 4:30pm. This program is run throughout Boston and New York City. It is co-ed at other locations. It is important to note that parents have chosen this program and support it, so the boys are motivated and have the encouragement of their families. Eric, the director, noted that most boys were dropped off in the! morning by their fathers. There is a classroom of 25 to 30 for each grade with a teacher and an aide. They welcomed our presence and assigned two volunteers to each class. We functioned as additional aides. They want to provide the boys with as much individual attention as possible.
The day is very structured and the standards of expected behavior are high. The students are called scholars and everyone addresses each other as Mr or Ms. In the morning, there is a curriculum based program of reading and math. The pace varies and the boys in the 4th (my group) were always energetic, interested and very bright. The activities developed their skills and imagination. At noon, we saw a different side to many personalities as they eagerly played a vigorous kickball game. After their lunch our group had PE and then hip hop class. While we had to leave this class early on, it started with one child reading a 'rap' (poem) that he had written on his own and wanted to share with the class. The instructor had him stand up front and present. The boys praised him and gave him critical feedback on his presentation. The instuctor went on to have several boys present their family tree projects to the class. Speaking well is encouraged. We left as one boy, from Nigeria, was explaining why he had several mothers in his country. When we stopped back later to this class, the instructor was going through a powerpoint he developed on the history of some protest music. We were sad to miss this. This class went on to a Drama class. They also have music class. It is a full day. The boys are expected to do a small amount of homework nightly. We were very impressed by the scholars, the instructors and the staff. It is a very structured environment but very caring. We were sorry our time there was so short!
Everyone got back to the dorms in time for the Senior Highs to quickly scramble to get the T to head to a restaurent downtown. They met with two former inmates from a prison who shared their stories (I will later get a senior high to share). They then went on to a Prison Book Exchange program and worked sorting books. They had a neat experience while there that I will allow them to relate later.
Meanwhile, the middle schoolers were eating locally and a group went to Fenway Park and ate there. When they were back, we had a wonderful time with Willy (full name to follow later!). He recently received his masters at the Harvard School of Divinity and is an extremely thoughtful and articulate young man. Coincidentally, we all realized, he had been the person who led the prayers of the church on Sunday at the Hope Church! We had all been inspired at the time with his words. He led our group last night in the development of a rap about our experience of this mission. His leadership was terrific. The result will be presented to our congregation on August 10.
As it had gotten very late by the time the Senior highs returned, we had a short devotion (the rap!!!) and all turned in. It will be another full day today.
There is so much to relate but time is always short. This email is just a view from my experiences and I will incorporate those of others soon!
Thank you for your prayers!
Love,Robin
From: ramtalk@aol.com [mailto:ramtalk@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 7:43 AM
To: jpaulsen@richmond.edu
Subject: Day 4, Monday SPC Tour 2008-BostonHI all,
We had a terrific first day of missions yesterday!
As you know, we are split into 4 large groups that have assorted mission work. Most groups are working at the same location all week. Others are doing different jobs each day.
I am part of Mission Group 1. We go to a different location each day. Monday we took the T and arrived at the Cathedral of St. Paul ready to work. This church has been running a Monday lunch feeding program for the homeless for the last 25 years. As we do at SPC, various suburban churches send in the lunch supplies each week for the volunteers to assemble and serve. This time Christ Church of Needham provided food and two volunteers to help with the meal. Our group set to work setting up for the meal, bagging various items to give the guests dinners to take home and setting out the meal itself.
Around 125 people, mostly men, arrived and were very sociable, to each other and to all of us. The hot meal of homemade casseroles of hotdogs and baked beans and salad was dished out and passed out by our group. There was a lot of interaction and laughs among all the guests. We look forward to seeing many of these same people at our Common Art mission coming up. I was very pleased, when asked, our small group had the courage to sing Big Fish before the meal. They did it with lots of smiles and enthusiasm.
As we generally find in our mission work, the people who run these programs, both as hired staff and volunteer, are so dedicated and interesting to hear their stories. This was certainly the case here. Wonderful role models for us all.
After scrubbing dishes, floors and tables and receiving heart felt thanks, we headed on to the T and to the grocery store. One group is not provided lunch by their mission and will bring bagged lunches. They were happy we provided them with their supplies!
All groups were back at the dorms between 2:30 and 4:30. We had dinner in various places-at the dorms from the nearby places, down at the Prudential Center to celebrate Julia Winn's birthday, and down at Faneuil Hall area. We managed to all re-group by 8:30 to meet for devotions.
Mission Group 2 led the meeting. Everyone was full of stories and excitement. Each group was given time to tell some highlights. We often shared laughter over a misadventure and were then highly impressed at other times with hearing about the work going on. It is wonderful to be a part of this church group.
Group 2 had a skit parodying the chaperones which was a hoot. They then went on to testify each one as to the events of their day. We were all so happy to see the roles they have taken on in their work. It was especially interesting to note the leadership of the older ones in this group and the enthusiasm displayed by the younger ones.
We are off to a terrific start!
I will be having someone from each group add their comments to this email when I can. They are just so busy doing everything right now.
More specifics to follow! We appreciate your thoughts and prayers...
Love, Robin
From: ramtalk@aol.com [mailto:ramtalk@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2008 8:28 AM
To: jpaulsen@richmond.edu
Subject: Sunday, Day 3-SPC Mission Tour 2008-BostonHi all!
It is Monday morning, most of the group is already up and running. The enthusiasm generated by yesterday’s activities hasn’t dimmed…
After another delicious cafeteria breakfast yesterday, we all headed in our black and whites via the T subway to Old South church. Just 3 stops away, the building itself is an architectural gem and of course on the historic register. A congregation of the United Church of Christ, they gathered in 1669. But as the current members say, "Our faith is over 2000 years old, but our thinking is not." We were warmly received as we were able to practice and also had the time to appreciate our surroundings.
Our choir performed a 20 minute prelude of five songs to a full and varied assembly. We were to find that the people were composed of members, old and new, tourists, and a large youth group from Connecticut. A vital inner city ministry, their weekly activities roster declared that “no matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”
The youth were just amazing. Their performance had to be the best yet. The boys’ voices were strong and clear, the harmonies were wonderful and the kids were animated and involved. I wasn’t the only one with tears when they sang “I have decided.” When the nearby youth from Connecticut quietly added their voices, it was inspiring.
After that, the service continued to be so meaningful and uplifting to us all. It seemed providential that so many of the readings, music and messages were directed at our situation and upcoming missions. When the Senior Highs joined voices with the church choir to sing “Order my Steps” again we felt the meaning of those words called to us. The sermon, entitled Wearing Bifocals, was given by newly called pastor Elizabeth Myer Boulton. Just coincidentally, she had been a founder of the Hope Church where we were going in the evening! If you would want to hear her inspiring and thought provoking message, the service will be available on the website at www.oldsouth.org. We will also order a CD recording of the service when we return. It was just an awesome start to our week.
When we returned by T, we had a few hours to eat lunch locally, relax and just think. It was another God-given beautiful day and we enjoyed our time to review our morning.
Around 4 we walked nearby and got into our assorted four 15 passenger vans to head to Hope Church, a twenty-five minute drive, in Jamaica Plains. Jeff lead a caravan successfully to this historic church owned by the Rosalind United Church of Christ. This building was another beautiful site with marvelous stained glass windows and woodwork. Hope Church is able to use this facility as they develop their five year old congregation. It was a wonderful, spirited turnout! We all felt immediately a part of this welcoming group. Three men, playing piano, stand up bass and drums, accompanied so much of the service. Every aspect of worship was dynamic and inclusive. Our music was greeted by overwhelming applause. We felt so welcomed and ready to open our hearts. This service while very unlike the traditional morning service was equally special and moving. God certainly directed our path to this churches.
We went nearby to a locally enduring landmark, Doyle’s. We were given the Honey Fitz room, with a lot of old Kennedy memorabilia on the walls. We were an enthusiastic bunch. It was just so terrific to all be gathered in one place for a meal. The wait staff of two were understanding and interested in our group. Before we left, we gave them a requested song and did a rousing job of Full Control. I am sure their rafters were ringing!
The night was still not over as we gathered for our devotions, led by the Chaperones. The youth enjoyed our short spoof of their cell phone texting. Then we summed up our start to our mission work with the word Compassion and elaborated on it. As it was late, we were able to scurry around and had lights out by 11pm. What a full but wonderful day!
Have us today in your prayers as we each start our separate mission work.
Love, Robin
From: ramtalk@aol.com [mailto:ramtalk@aol.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2008 3:36 PM
To: jpaulsen@richmond.edu
Subject: Day 2-SPC Mission Tour-BostonHi all!
We are continuing to do well. We are now enjoying a Sunday afternoon of varied activities after a wonderful morning. But more of that later...
Friday afternoon, we had a great view of Boston during our "Duck" Tour. These tours are conducted on WWII vehicles that drive through the streets and then take you into the Charles River for a boat tour too! The guides were humorous and dressed in costumes (one was in Greek short toga attire) and yet filled their talk with a wealth of information. This tour provided a great background and understanding for future adventures on our own.
Finishing the tour, groups headed for shopping, dorm time and then dinner. Groups went to Qdoba, Au Bon Pain, and California Pizza. We are able to walk easily in this Northeastern U area.
We are the only guests in our four story dorm. As is typical on all campuses these days, the security is tight; we use our University IDs each time we go in. We are lucky to have a small courtyard with benches, tables, green grass and shade in the front of the dorm. We use it for meetings, eating a meal and hanging out. The campus is lovely and yet right in the middle of the city. We are located right at our T (subway) stop. We are next to the Qdoba and across from an Au Bon Pain and a grocery store.
Saturday morning we were impressed with our first breakfast. Just down our street at another dorm there is a large cafeteria with a full breakfast buffet. The kids were excited to find make your own waffles, scrambled eggs and made to order omlettes. Our kids are now breakfast people. You can even take a piece of fruit for later.
We had our first mission meetings in the morning. One group went by van to check out the vacation bible school site. Very productive.
By 11:30 we had set out walking through the streets toward the Fenway area for our Ancient Egyptian Tomb activity. In four groups, we did the adventure. It was really neat and, unexpectedly, team building! With a guide, each group went through the 'tomb,' solving problems in order to advance to the next step. As a team, each group excitedly figured out clues and puzzles.
After we had a delicious box lunch as part of the Tomb experience, we walked to the nearby T and bought 7 day passes. Marti and Craig Via were experts at quickly processing each person to receive a pass.
We now broke into four new 'interest' groups. Groups went to Cambridge, Bunker Hill area, Newbury Street area and Freedom Trail. We managed to cover all of Boston! All had wonderful experiences to relate and most ended up at the Faneuil Hall area downtown for dinner and watching the outdoor activities. The T brought everyone home quickly and efficiently.
Around nine, we had a spirited and wonderful kick off devotional provided by Mission Team 1. They had a 'shoe' activity, bible readings, short testimonies, song and prayer. Everyone felt they got us off to an inspirational start.
This morning I heard from the boys that they have had Bible study at night and it is going well. I will encourage one of them to share with us later.
As this was a catchup, I will continue with our Sunday activities tonight at the end of the day. So far, this day has been very special in many ways....The kids are terrific!
To be continued! Love, Robin___________________________________________________________________________
From: ramtalk@aol.com [mailto:ramtalk@aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 11:26 AM
To: jpaulsen@richmond.edu
Subject: First Day-SPC Tour 2008!Hi all!
If you haven't heard, we are here, safe and sound, in Boston! The weather is beautiful, spirits are high and all is well!
We had a successful day yesterday with no events traveling, renting vans, getting to Northeastern and enjoying the tour of Boston through the Duck Tour. I will elaborate later as I am already late setting off to the Tombs (interactive activity) and lunch. We are then breaking into interest groups for touring and walking.
We will be back after dinner in time for our first devotion. I will be able to fill in lots of details then. We just got internet now so I am finally all set.
Keep us in your prayers as we start this wonderful mission adventure!
Love, Robin
* * * * *TOUR PURPOSE
To be ambassadors for Christ's goodwill wherever we go. To whole-heartedly share the Gospel through our singing,
sharing, and our conduct.To think about and focus on others, rather than ourselves.
To gain from one another's experiences in this ministry, andTo give other people an opportunity to gain from us a sense
To develop positive and Christian relationships with the
of enthusiasm about God's work in the world.
new friends that we meet in Boston.To build upon the sense of unity in our own choir.
To develop commitment to God and His purpose for our ministry.
To be doers of The Great Commission.
To experience worship encounters which will be meaningful and lasting. To provide to all involved unforgettable and positive experiences
in music and ministry.To help each choir member experience personally the deep love
and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.We are called to learn about Christ
We are called to live like Christ
We are called to serve like Christ* * * * *
TOUR ITINERARYFRIDAY, JULY 11
Youth and Chaperones leave for Boston, Massachusetts
Upon arrival all go to the Northeastern University Campus
SATURDAY, JULY 12
Afternoon Boston Duck Tour, 2:00-3:00 PM (Must arrive ½ hour prior to tour)
Evening – dinner with chaperone groups in Northeastern area
Evening meeting upon returnBreakfast 7:00-9:00 AM
SUNDAY, JULY 13
Lunch & activity “Tomb” 12:30-2:00 PM (Must arrive 15 min. prior)
Spend the rest of the day in Boston: Get T passes, sightsee - Freedom Trail, Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, etc. Dinner with chaperone groups.
Evening meeting and devotional (Mission Team # 1: “Here I Am, Lord”)Breakfast 7:00 – 9:00 AM
MONDAY, JULY 14
Sing in worship at Old South Church (11:00 AM Worship)
Afternoon free time
Sing at Hope Church, Roslindale: 5:30 PM service (dinner following with congregation?)
Evening meeting and devotional (Chaperones: “How Great Is Our God”)Breakfast at 7:00 AM
TUESDAY, JULY 15
Mission work during the day
Dinner & Evening activity TBA
Evening sharing session/devotional (Mission Team # 2: “Follow Me”)Breakfast, 7:00 AM , daily mission schedule
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
Evening: Senior Highs:
5 PM - Dinner at Acapulco’s in Quincy w/ Public Voice speaker.
6:30-9:00 PM - Work in Prison Book Program
Middle School:
Dinner (location TBA); evening session with speaker
Evening sharing session/devotional (led by Middle School) before lights outBreakfast, 7:00 AM, Daily mission schedule
THURSDAY, JULY 17
Church-wide cookout at Fourth Presbyterian Church, South Boston, MA
Evening Concert at Fourth Presbyterian Church
Evening sharing session/devotional (Mission Team # 3: “How Can I Keep From Singing?”)Breakfast, 7:00 AM, Daily mission schedule (morning only)
FRIDAY, JULY 18
1:00 PM Concert at the Metro Youth Service Center, Dorchester, MA
Senior High Night Out:
Dinner at Durgin Park Restaurant
8:00 pm: evening performance of Shear Madness
Middle School Night Out:
Dinner with chaperone groups
7:30 pm: attend performance of Blue Man GroupBreakfast, 7:00 AM Daily mission schedule
Dinner with chaperone groups
Evening sharing session and closing ceremony at Castle Island Beach
(Team #4: “Full Control”)SATURDAY, JULY 19
Packing, sightseeing and return to Richmond:
Breakfast, 7:00 – 9:00 AM
Middle School leaves at 3:30 PM
High School leaves at 8:50 PM
* * * * *
MISSION PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
TEAM #1 - Serving the Least of These
Team will work at St. Paul’s Cathedral, serving the homeless; at Greenwood School, working with children; at Common Art, working with homeless artists; at The Children’s Clothing Exchange; and at St. Mark’s in Roxbury, doing clean-up and painting.
TEAM #2 - Let the Children Come to Me
Team will work at a VBS at St. Mark’s in Roxbury.
TEAM #3 - Get Dirty For Jesus
Team will work at Mission Safe, a ministry to at-risk teens in Charlestown, painting the facility; at an elderly meal site; at Greenwood School; at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Dorchester, doing work in their garden and helping set up for the church barbeque with our youth; and at Tremont Temple Baptist Church doing maintenance work.
TEAM #4 - The Puppet Team Ministry
Team will work 3 days at a VBS at Wollaston Congregational Church in Wollaston; one day will be spent at St. Mark’s in Roxbury; and one day at Ellis Memorial School working with children.
* * * * *
YOUTH CHOIR TOUR 2006 LOS ANGELES,
JULY 6-15
- To be ambassadors for Christ's goodwill wherever we go.
- To whole-heartedly share the Gospel through our singing, sharing, and our conduct.
- To think about and focus on others, rather than ourselves.
- To gain from one another's experiences in this ministry and for other people to gain from us a sense of enthusiasm about God's work in the world.
- To develop positive and Christian relationships with new friends that we meet in Los Angeles.
- To build upon the sense of unity in our own choir.
- To develop commitment to god and His purpose for our ministry.
- To be doers of "The Great Commission."
- To experiences worship encounters which will be meaningful and lasting.
- To provide to all involved unforgettable and positive experiences in music and ministry.
- To help each choir member experience personally the deep love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
- TEAM #1 (Salvation Army VBS/LA Regional Foodbank)
Team will design and run a VBS program for ages 5-10 in a Hispanic populated area of the garment industry. The VBS program is in the morning, and the afternoon work is at the LA Regional Foodbank, where the youth will sort, inspect and package donated food items.
- TEAM #2 (Midnight Mission/LA Regional Foodbank)
Team will work at a large mission center in Skid Row area in the morning. This team will set-up, serve a meal and clean up for up to 700 homeless people. In the afternoon the team will work at the LA Regional Foodbank where the youth will sort, inspect and package donated food items.
- TEAM #3 (Union Rescue Mission)
Team will work at a large mission center in Skid Row preparing a meals for up to 700 homeless people. The team will prepare, serve, clean up and then begin preparing for the next meal. This team will have the chance to sing for the clients while serving the meal.
- TEAM #4 (The Dream Center - Metro Kidz)
Team will work at The Dream Center, a large multi-faceted mission center that outreaches to the community in many different ways. Mornings will be spent at The Dream Center in various projects as needed. In the afternoons, this group will travel to neighborhoods to canvas children to join with the Dream Center Metro Kidz Program. In a nearby park there is a fun, high energy worship service for the children led by the Dream Center staff and SPC youth.
- TEAM #5 (The Dream Center-Under The Bridge/LA Regional Foodbank)
Team will work in the morning at the LA Regional Foodbank where they will sort, inspect and package donated food items. In the afternoon the team will be part of the "Under the Bridge" program with The Dream Center. This program takes Dream Center staff along with SPC volunteers to Skid Row where they will distribute hot food to the homeless community.
- TEAM #6 (Glendale Salvation Army)
Team will run a summer music/drama camp for Latino and Armenian children, ages 10-13. This team will teach a mini-version of "Godspell" to the campers complete with drama, song and dance. There will be a performance for the campers' families on Thursday night at the center. In the afternoons, this team will work in the Salvation Army in needed projects.
- TEAM #7 (Compton Salvation Army)
Team will run a summer day camp for about 40 kids. The morning will be spent providing a VBS program and the afternoon will be filled with fun activities for the kids. This is located in the inner-city community of Compton.In addition to these projects, certain teams will also work at "The Lord's Kitchen," serving breakfast to 200-300 homeless, and at the Compton Salvation Army where they will cook and serve dinner to the homeless.
YOUTH CHOIR CHICAGO TOUR MISSION PROJECTS
SUNDAY, JULY 10
7:00 PM GODSPELL Performance
The Midnight Mission
601 S. San Pedro Street
Los Angeles, CATUESDAY, JULY 11
6:00 PM Concert Performance
St. Ann's Orphanage
155 N. Occidental Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90026WEDNESDAY, JULY 12
2:00 PM Performance
Dream Center Outreach CenterTHURSDAY, JULY 13
3:30 PM Concert
Ventura Youth Correctional Prison
3100 Wright Road
Camarillo, California 93010THURSDAY, JULY 13
7:30 PM GODSPELL Performance
Glendale Salvation Army
Glendale, California
YOUTH CHOIR TOUR 2004 CHICAGO,
JULY 1-10!YOUTH CHOIR CHICAGO TOUR MISSION PROJECTS
- Tom Seay Salvation Army Team - Help in a feeding program serving breakfast and lunch to 800-1000 daily. In addition - help start a Tutoring Center for reading and art projects. Our youth will set up and organize this center for the community.
- Bethany Brethren Community Center Team - running a summer program center for 60-70 center for inner city kids up to grade 6. Teaching, organizing lessons, projects and games.
- Pacific Garden Mission Team - Chicago's largest mission center with many projects. Program - "Unshackled" each Sat. broadcast to 2500 stations worldwide. We will help in their feeding program which feeds 2,500 meals daily.
- Evanston Salvation Army Team - Plan and run a VBS for 60-70 elementary school age children.
- World Vision Team - multi faceted project - working Monday and Tuesday helping children and youth at a YMCA. Wednesday - working in a warehouse sorting donated items. Thursday and Friday - working in a homeless shelter.
- Holy House of Prayer Team - in Inglewood, very impoverished area south of the city, plan and run a VBS program for a small start up church with very enthusiastic pastor ; looking to draw in the community; run a VBS.
- Singing: Several churches including one that is celebrating it's 65th anniversary; and a concert at the Illinois State Youth Prison, a maximum security prison for girls, ages 13-20.
We are happy to report that we had a wonderful flight and everyone made it safe and sound to Chicago. The weather is cool and sunny and we have already managed to tour the sights! Robin Muth
YOUTH CHOIR TOUR 2002 ! * * * * *
Click below to access (and/or download) the
YOUTH CHOIR SKYDOME PERFORMANCE VIDEO ONLINE!
Our TOUR 2002 traveled to Toronto, Canada, July 11-20,
for nine days of mission work and concerts.
Our TOUR 2002 YOUTH CHOIR has been selected to
sing the American and Canadian National Anthems
at the Toronto Skydome, Tuesday, July 16th !
Click below to access (and/or download) the
YOUTH CHOIR SKYDOME PERFORMANCE VIDEO ONLINE!
CONGRATS YOUTH CHOIR!
E- mail: lmiles@salisburypc.org, Tel: 794-5311 ext. 112
WEEKLY REHEARSAL SCHEDULE YOUTH GROUP and CHOIR SCHEDULE SPECIAL MUSICAL EVENTS Send Mail to Music Ministry Webmaster with questions or comments about this page
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Last update: 08 August 2008
