Tuesday, June 30, 2009
pictures updated
Added some more pictures to Juddie's SHMT folder. Go check them all out at www.photobucket.com/fumcarlingtonyouthmission. Password: fumcarlington
Friday, June 26, 2009
Short Post Tonight...
I was able to load some more photos to our photobucket site. The photos from this trip can be found in the albums beginning with SHMT. The site is http://photobucket.com/fumcarlingtonyouthmission. The password is fumcarlington.
I don't have time to give a big update today but we did have a great day and are looking forward to our last day of work tomorrow.
I don't have time to give a big update today but we did have a great day and are looking forward to our last day of work tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
No internet ... sort of
I apologize for not updating the blog yesterday. This post won't be very long or informitive. The Internet went out in our dorm. It is still available in the cafeteria but I only have access to it at meal time and during meal time I am eating, not blogging. Right now I am sitting just outside the cafeteria writing this with my phone.
Yesterday we had a good work day on all 4 of our sites. During worship we had a great discussion about the beatitudes and the scripture about taking the log out of your own eye before worrying about the splinter in your neighbors. Both our found in Jesus's 'Sermon on the Mount' which can be found in chapters 5-7 in Matthew.
Today we had to alter our tubing plans on the big south fork river because of unsafe water levels and instead we went rafting down a the Cumberland River. The river was calm, cold, and refreshing. We all had a great time. Tonight worship was focused on more scripture from the 'Sermon on the Mount'. This one can be found in Matthew 7:7-11. We talked about what truly good gifts were and how sometimes they did not always line up with what we wanted.
A skunk just walked under the bench I am sitting on. It was just under me, a mere few inches. That is my cue to go inside. Goodnight.
Yesterday we had a good work day on all 4 of our sites. During worship we had a great discussion about the beatitudes and the scripture about taking the log out of your own eye before worrying about the splinter in your neighbors. Both our found in Jesus's 'Sermon on the Mount' which can be found in chapters 5-7 in Matthew.
Today we had to alter our tubing plans on the big south fork river because of unsafe water levels and instead we went rafting down a the Cumberland River. The river was calm, cold, and refreshing. We all had a great time. Tonight worship was focused on more scripture from the 'Sermon on the Mount'. This one can be found in Matthew 7:7-11. We talked about what truly good gifts were and how sometimes they did not always line up with what we wanted.
A skunk just walked under the bench I am sitting on. It was just under me, a mere few inches. That is my cue to go inside. Goodnight.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Frakes, KY
Go to http://photobucket.com/fumcarlingtonyouthmission to see photos from the trip. The password is fumcarlington. Once you get access, just click on the albums that begin with SHMT to see what we have been seeing.
Our dorm's wireless internet became available today so I am finally able to post another entry about our Appalachian adventures.
Quick Cap of yesterday:
We woke up at 7 am in Jackson cleaned our selves up, cleaned the gym up, and loaded up. The youth did every thing so quickly that I should have let them sleep an extra 30 minutes. We then worshiped with FUMC Jackson in their 9 am contemporary service. It was a good worship service and a great way to start off the day. Their band sounded great too. Their drummer slipped us a donation of a $100 which comes in handy a little later.
We had a good drive, stopping near Nashville International Airport to grab some lunch and then and then continuing on to Williamsbug, KY where we left the interstate behind as well as our ability to say we weren't lost. Henderson Settlement told us not to use google directions, and to follow theirs. Their directions were good except for they failed to tell us we had to turn right on an unmarked road to stay on the road were supposed to be on. In their defense, it apparently was marked until a recent storm. We spent some time checking out the scenery and when we got to Henderson Settlement the kitchen staff was long gone along with our dinner.
Juddie and I left Kay in charge of worship and getting the youth snacks, while we went 40 miles back into town to get some pizza. Pizza that cost just over $100. Thank you drummer from FUMC Jackson. You didn't know it but you bought us dinner.
Through the whole ordeal, the whole group stayed in good spirits while trying to meet their challenge of finding God in all situations. I was very proud of the group.
The worship last night was about Moses and his burning bush moment on Mount Horeb. We learned that we would need to step out of our comfort zone and be flexible as Moses was during our trip so that we could do the most good for God's kingdom.
4-5 other groups are here with us during this week and we all headed to an outside worship area when we woke up for a 7am worship devotion. That was followed by breakfast at 8, and adult worksite instructions at 8:30 ish. We got to the worksites and surveyed our property for a short time before having to head back for our 11:30 lunch.
For our week we will be working on houses in the area. One group is building support for an existing walking bridge over a stream and putting up vinyl siding on a storage building. Another is putting up a fence. Another is replacing steps and rebuilding a kitchen floor. And the last group is basically destroying and rebuilding a porch with a side project of putting in insulation and vinyl siding on a the home's 2 gables.
The first day of work is always a day of patience as you learn your worksite, figure out exactly what you need, and make plans for the coming days. The youth willingly met today's challenge and stepped out of their comfort zone just as Moses did. Even in the midst of rain they kept their spirits up and worked hard.
We headed back to camp around 4:30, showered and made it to dinner at 5:30. Later on we had our worship service in which we learned why Elijah was running away from Jezebel (as he was in our first day's scripture). It was because of what happened on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 18. Read it and see why Jezebel wanted to kill him. Through the lesson we learned that much more good can be accomplished with God than without him. We also learned that if we claim this week's good work for ourselves then we become an idol to ourselves just as Baal was an idol to the Israelites.
Worship was followed by free time until lights out at 11:00 pm our time, 10:00 pm your time.
I apologize that there are no photos in this entry. It is too late and I am too tired to take the time to post them for you tonight. So please go to the photobucket site mentioned at the beginning of this entry.
Goodnight and Blessings.
Our dorm's wireless internet became available today so I am finally able to post another entry about our Appalachian adventures.
Quick Cap of yesterday:
We woke up at 7 am in Jackson cleaned our selves up, cleaned the gym up, and loaded up. The youth did every thing so quickly that I should have let them sleep an extra 30 minutes. We then worshiped with FUMC Jackson in their 9 am contemporary service. It was a good worship service and a great way to start off the day. Their band sounded great too. Their drummer slipped us a donation of a $100 which comes in handy a little later.
We had a good drive, stopping near Nashville International Airport to grab some lunch and then and then continuing on to Williamsbug, KY where we left the interstate behind as well as our ability to say we weren't lost. Henderson Settlement told us not to use google directions, and to follow theirs. Their directions were good except for they failed to tell us we had to turn right on an unmarked road to stay on the road were supposed to be on. In their defense, it apparently was marked until a recent storm. We spent some time checking out the scenery and when we got to Henderson Settlement the kitchen staff was long gone along with our dinner.
Juddie and I left Kay in charge of worship and getting the youth snacks, while we went 40 miles back into town to get some pizza. Pizza that cost just over $100. Thank you drummer from FUMC Jackson. You didn't know it but you bought us dinner.
Through the whole ordeal, the whole group stayed in good spirits while trying to meet their challenge of finding God in all situations. I was very proud of the group.
The worship last night was about Moses and his burning bush moment on Mount Horeb. We learned that we would need to step out of our comfort zone and be flexible as Moses was during our trip so that we could do the most good for God's kingdom.
4-5 other groups are here with us during this week and we all headed to an outside worship area when we woke up for a 7am worship devotion. That was followed by breakfast at 8, and adult worksite instructions at 8:30 ish. We got to the worksites and surveyed our property for a short time before having to head back for our 11:30 lunch.
For our week we will be working on houses in the area. One group is building support for an existing walking bridge over a stream and putting up vinyl siding on a storage building. Another is putting up a fence. Another is replacing steps and rebuilding a kitchen floor. And the last group is basically destroying and rebuilding a porch with a side project of putting in insulation and vinyl siding on a the home's 2 gables.
The first day of work is always a day of patience as you learn your worksite, figure out exactly what you need, and make plans for the coming days. The youth willingly met today's challenge and stepped out of their comfort zone just as Moses did. Even in the midst of rain they kept their spirits up and worked hard.
We headed back to camp around 4:30, showered and made it to dinner at 5:30. Later on we had our worship service in which we learned why Elijah was running away from Jezebel (as he was in our first day's scripture). It was because of what happened on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 18. Read it and see why Jezebel wanted to kill him. Through the lesson we learned that much more good can be accomplished with God than without him. We also learned that if we claim this week's good work for ourselves then we become an idol to ourselves just as Baal was an idol to the Israelites.
Worship was followed by free time until lights out at 11:00 pm our time, 10:00 pm your time.
I apologize that there are no photos in this entry. It is too late and I am too tired to take the time to post them for you tonight. So please go to the photobucket site mentioned at the beginning of this entry.
Goodnight and Blessings.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Safe in Jackson but no Internet yet.
Different mission trip . . . same blog. We have made it to our destination for the day, FUMC Jackson. I do not have access to the Internet here so I am posting from my phone. There is supposed to be wireless in our dorms in Kentucky though, so future posts might be longer than his one and hopefully contain photos from the trip.
We had a fun day on the road stopping in the birthplace of former president Bill Clinton, Hope Arkansas. Driving through Memphis was not fun because of traffic, poor roads, and construction. But that was the trips only snag. We ate at snappy tomato pizza in Jackson for dinner. It is like a cici's but with slightly better pizza. The staff at FUMC were great and showed us where everything was and provided with everything we need. We have had time to relax and worship here in their gym. Ryan Russell, Reid Hamberlin, and Kevin Schulze led us in song and in small groups we learned about Elijah and his unique experience with God at Mount Horeb. We read 1 Kings 19:4-18 tonight (which contains our trips theme verse 1 Kings 19:11) and we discussed how God presented himself in an unexpected way to Elijah, through silence. Our challenge for tomorrow is to be aware of God's presence in our lives.
Tomorrow we will worship with FUMC Jackson @ 9 am, stop for lunch in Nashville, and then head to our ultimate destination, Henderson Settlement in Frakes, KY. Pray for continued safe travels. Let others who might be interested in the ongoings of this trip know about this blog as well.
Big thanks to and prayers for Carolyn Fairbanks who is fillng in for me during youth worship tomorrow morning. Goodnight.
We had a fun day on the road stopping in the birthplace of former president Bill Clinton, Hope Arkansas. Driving through Memphis was not fun because of traffic, poor roads, and construction. But that was the trips only snag. We ate at snappy tomato pizza in Jackson for dinner. It is like a cici's but with slightly better pizza. The staff at FUMC were great and showed us where everything was and provided with everything we need. We have had time to relax and worship here in their gym. Ryan Russell, Reid Hamberlin, and Kevin Schulze led us in song and in small groups we learned about Elijah and his unique experience with God at Mount Horeb. We read 1 Kings 19:4-18 tonight (which contains our trips theme verse 1 Kings 19:11) and we discussed how God presented himself in an unexpected way to Elijah, through silence. Our challenge for tomorrow is to be aware of God's presence in our lives.
Tomorrow we will worship with FUMC Jackson @ 9 am, stop for lunch in Nashville, and then head to our ultimate destination, Henderson Settlement in Frakes, KY. Pray for continued safe travels. Let others who might be interested in the ongoings of this trip know about this blog as well.
Big thanks to and prayers for Carolyn Fairbanks who is fillng in for me during youth worship tomorrow morning. Goodnight.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The last day of work. See you in Arlington tomorrow at noon.
Check out the new pictures from our last day of work at photobucket.com/fumcarlingtonyouthmission. The password is: fumcarlington.
First, here is some proof that I did do some work:
I am writing this while watching the first Harry Potter movie. We thought we would watch it so that everyone would be reminded of the story before Sunday morning’s lesson in which we will use the story to introduce a biblical lesson. Those still in Arlington were watching it tonight in church so it makes sense that we would too. We have provided a game room for everyone not interested in the movie and several of them have taken advantage of that as well. It is some relaxing free time after a hard day of work that proved very fruitful.
Our devotional this morning was focused on how we should be thankful that God has chosen us for service and provided us with the abilities to provide that service (1 Timothy 1:10). We reminded ourselves that any good we might do is God working through us and that the glory should be given to him(Ephesian 2:8-10).
Group #4 began the day today by finishing our work with Potter’s Vessel. There was still a huge box of medication to sort, and the kids dove right in to organize the medicine into categories like vitamins, stomach, eyes, ears, and nose. One great thing about this site is that they had a rolling chair/toilet that the hardest worker from each hour got to take a ride on. Who wouldn’t work hard if they knew it meant they got to be pushed around on a toilet. They finished by lunch and were then split between our other two groups the rest of the day.
Group #3 went over to Friends for Life today to spend some time with our newest friends in Waco. They sang songs, visited, played games, listened to an 85 year old preacher, helped make Father’s Day cards, and played a very competitive game of bingo. Part of group #4 joined them after lunch.
I’ve written about paint job #1 the past two days. This turned out to be quite a big job because the entire house had to be scraped and cleaned before we could begin painting. Once that was done, the primer was going slowly because the siding was so dry. Today there was still priming to do plus we had to put on a couple coats of paint, replace a few boards, and get the trimming work done. Because of this both work groups #1 and #2 were sent to this site and they all worked hard and finally finished with a little time to spare, they got a needed boost from group #3 in the afternoon. The adults did a nice job encouraging the youth to work hard and the youth took pride in their work making sure they finished the job. You really need to check out the pictures to see what a difference was made for this house and this family.
Yes, it is the same house!
After work and showers we headed to Poppa Rollos, a popular Waco pizza establishment. We walked through doors that looked like walls and then had some really good pizza followed by some time at their arcade.
From there we drove over to Methodist Children’s Home. Those who have been active with the confirmation group know about this place and all the good that happens there. We joined some of their youth (many from the group were on home visits) for worship in their beautiful chapel. Worship was led by the youth choir from Highland Village UMC from Little Rock, Arkansas. They performance was a mixture of skits and songs that the students themselves had put together. The highlight of the night was when they sang, rapped Toby Mac's "Lose my Soul" The whole thing was very funny and very good.
Tomorrow we will get to sleep in ‘til 8 a.m. and we will try to get home by noon. Can’t wait to see all of you there and let you hear stories of the trip from your youth.
Blessings,
Nick
and
First, here is some proof that I did do some work:
I am writing this while watching the first Harry Potter movie. We thought we would watch it so that everyone would be reminded of the story before Sunday morning’s lesson in which we will use the story to introduce a biblical lesson. Those still in Arlington were watching it tonight in church so it makes sense that we would too. We have provided a game room for everyone not interested in the movie and several of them have taken advantage of that as well. It is some relaxing free time after a hard day of work that proved very fruitful.
Our devotional this morning was focused on how we should be thankful that God has chosen us for service and provided us with the abilities to provide that service (1 Timothy 1:10). We reminded ourselves that any good we might do is God working through us and that the glory should be given to him(Ephesian 2:8-10).
Group #4 began the day today by finishing our work with Potter’s Vessel. There was still a huge box of medication to sort, and the kids dove right in to organize the medicine into categories like vitamins, stomach, eyes, ears, and nose. One great thing about this site is that they had a rolling chair/toilet that the hardest worker from each hour got to take a ride on. Who wouldn’t work hard if they knew it meant they got to be pushed around on a toilet. They finished by lunch and were then split between our other two groups the rest of the day.
Group #3 went over to Friends for Life today to spend some time with our newest friends in Waco. They sang songs, visited, played games, listened to an 85 year old preacher, helped make Father’s Day cards, and played a very competitive game of bingo. Part of group #4 joined them after lunch.
I’ve written about paint job #1 the past two days. This turned out to be quite a big job because the entire house had to be scraped and cleaned before we could begin painting. Once that was done, the primer was going slowly because the siding was so dry. Today there was still priming to do plus we had to put on a couple coats of paint, replace a few boards, and get the trimming work done. Because of this both work groups #1 and #2 were sent to this site and they all worked hard and finally finished with a little time to spare, they got a needed boost from group #3 in the afternoon. The adults did a nice job encouraging the youth to work hard and the youth took pride in their work making sure they finished the job. You really need to check out the pictures to see what a difference was made for this house and this family.
Yes, it is the same house!
After work and showers we headed to Poppa Rollos, a popular Waco pizza establishment. We walked through doors that looked like walls and then had some really good pizza followed by some time at their arcade.
From there we drove over to Methodist Children’s Home. Those who have been active with the confirmation group know about this place and all the good that happens there. We joined some of their youth (many from the group were on home visits) for worship in their beautiful chapel. Worship was led by the youth choir from Highland Village UMC from Little Rock, Arkansas. They performance was a mixture of skits and songs that the students themselves had put together. The highlight of the night was when they sang, rapped Toby Mac's "Lose my Soul" The whole thing was very funny and very good.
Tomorrow we will get to sleep in ‘til 8 a.m. and we will try to get home by noon. Can’t wait to see all of you there and let you hear stories of the trip from your youth.
Blessings,
Nick
and
Be Thankful
I have uploaded some new pics from today on to our trip's photobucket website. Click here to go to that site. The password is fumcarlington.
The challenge for today was to be thankful, to take time to be grateful and direct our thanks to God. Today I was thankful for good bunch of workers, good food, and the fact that we were able to make such an impact.
Mornings are a little slow as we crawl out of bed, I mean floor, at 7 am. But they speed up after we sit down to breakfast. The Stephens' pancakes and sausage was more than enough reason to get out of bed today.
Group #1 went out to Marlin today to finish the work that group #2 began yesterday. Now that all the soil, plants, and mulch have been put in, it looks like a different yard. This group really worked hard. Its nice to know that we were able to beautify this back yard so that Mr. Ford can enjoy his surroundings a little better. We even left a reminder, with his permission, that we had been there. There is a square patch of ground underneath the porch's overhang that receives no sunlight. No sunlight means no plants. A few of the youth decided to create a cross in the square with bricks that were not in use on the property. A great reminder that it was the love of Christ that compelled us to improve the yard.
Group #2 got to spend the day at Friends for Life today. The highlight of the day was dancing with the adults at the facility. I think you can tell from their faces, that everyone their enjoyed it to. During our worship time Will Hamberlin shared that he has very thankful for family because some of the people at Friends for Life did not have family to take care of them or visit. That's a good lesson to learn.
Group #3 went to a new paint site today. A previous group had begun the job but there was more to be done. Ms. Ada Nunn and her daughter were very lively and very appreciative of the work we were able to do for them. The house looks great with a couple fresh coats of white paint on it.
Group #4 headed out to Paint Job #1 to begin priming the house after group #1 prepped the house yesterday. The wood was pretty dry and soaked in the primer pretty fast, but they were able to put on primer on almost the entire house except for a few difficult places plus part of the house has its first coat of paint. We will be sending out two crews to this site tomorrow to help ensure we will be able to finish this good project.
After work we went out to Lake Waco where we swam, played volleyball, relaxed, and grilled out for our hamburger dinner. It was just what we needed after a good day of work.
Worship was again led by our band (Jacob, Alex, Will, and Sam) who did an excellent job. In small groups we learned through Job 13-21 and Thessalonians 5:16-22 the importance of being thankful in all circumstances. Even the crummy ones. We talked about how it is importance to be a source of joy for people in despair and challenged ourselves to reach out to someone on this trip who we don't know very well or a random person. We can give a compliment, have a conversation, or even perform a random act of kindness.
Our day wouldn't be complete without our dessert so we all indulged on brownies and milk. When you are eating a fresh brownie it is easy to be thankful.
I will update this blog tomorrow and that will be my last entry for this trip. Remember to check back tomorrow for the last update.
The challenge for today was to be thankful, to take time to be grateful and direct our thanks to God. Today I was thankful for good bunch of workers, good food, and the fact that we were able to make such an impact.
Mornings are a little slow as we crawl out of bed, I mean floor, at 7 am. But they speed up after we sit down to breakfast. The Stephens' pancakes and sausage was more than enough reason to get out of bed today.
Group #1 went out to Marlin today to finish the work that group #2 began yesterday. Now that all the soil, plants, and mulch have been put in, it looks like a different yard. This group really worked hard. Its nice to know that we were able to beautify this back yard so that Mr. Ford can enjoy his surroundings a little better. We even left a reminder, with his permission, that we had been there. There is a square patch of ground underneath the porch's overhang that receives no sunlight. No sunlight means no plants. A few of the youth decided to create a cross in the square with bricks that were not in use on the property. A great reminder that it was the love of Christ that compelled us to improve the yard.
Group #2 got to spend the day at Friends for Life today. The highlight of the day was dancing with the adults at the facility. I think you can tell from their faces, that everyone their enjoyed it to. During our worship time Will Hamberlin shared that he has very thankful for family because some of the people at Friends for Life did not have family to take care of them or visit. That's a good lesson to learn.
Group #3 went to a new paint site today. A previous group had begun the job but there was more to be done. Ms. Ada Nunn and her daughter were very lively and very appreciative of the work we were able to do for them. The house looks great with a couple fresh coats of white paint on it.
Group #4 headed out to Paint Job #1 to begin priming the house after group #1 prepped the house yesterday. The wood was pretty dry and soaked in the primer pretty fast, but they were able to put on primer on almost the entire house except for a few difficult places plus part of the house has its first coat of paint. We will be sending out two crews to this site tomorrow to help ensure we will be able to finish this good project.
After work we went out to Lake Waco where we swam, played volleyball, relaxed, and grilled out for our hamburger dinner. It was just what we needed after a good day of work.
Worship was again led by our band (Jacob, Alex, Will, and Sam) who did an excellent job. In small groups we learned through Job 13-21 and Thessalonians 5:16-22 the importance of being thankful in all circumstances. Even the crummy ones. We talked about how it is importance to be a source of joy for people in despair and challenged ourselves to reach out to someone on this trip who we don't know very well or a random person. We can give a compliment, have a conversation, or even perform a random act of kindness.
Our day wouldn't be complete without our dessert so we all indulged on brownies and milk. When you are eating a fresh brownie it is easy to be thankful.
I will update this blog tomorrow and that will be my last entry for this trip. Remember to check back tomorrow for the last update.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Be Flexible!
Before I begin today's recap. I have loaded a few albums of pictures to a private photobucket site. Click here to view it. The password is: fumcarlington.
What a great day in Waco.
It all started with a great breakfast of biscuits and gravy, cereal, and muffins. Again I am eating better on this trip then I do at home.
After a short devotional in which we remembered our challenge for the day, "Be Flexible!", we divided into our work groups and hit the road.
Well most of us did. Work Group #3 stayed at the church because that is where their work began. They were helping the organization "Potter's Vessel" whose office is housed by Austin Avenue United Methodist. Potter's Vessel assists disadvantaged people in the area with their medical needs so that as their leader Debbie McElveen says, "they don't have to choose between eating and their medication" or between electricity and a visit to the doctor's office. They truly do great work and they recently acquired a new warehouse and needed to get their stuff from the 4th floor of the church to that warehouse. So our youth loaded up their u-haul, followed them to the warehouse and unloaded it. Potter's Vessel recently received a gaylord (400 lbs or so) of over the counter medication that they needed sorted into various categories and reboxed so it would be easier for them to use. Our youth did a great job and got a lot of the sorting done. We will finish this job on Wednesday morning.
Group #1 went to Paint Job #1 where they scraped paint, caulked gaps, and pressured washed a house. They also mowed the lawn, trimmed shrubs, and cleaned up the yard. The house is completely prepped now so that tomorrow Group #4 can put on the primer and begin the first coat. Al Henkel says that everyone worked hard.
Group #2 drove out to Marlin (40 minute drive) to help a man who had a brain anuerism a few years back and now is confined to a wheelchair. We are sprucing up his back yard so that he has a more pleasant atmosphere when he goes outside to enjoy it. Today the youth cleaned up the yard, trimmed the shrubs, watered down the lawn for digging, and once I was able to get some plants for them placed everything where it will go so that group #1 can finish the job tomorrow by planting the plants in new soil. The yard already looks brand new now that it has been cleaned up.
Group # 4 visited Friends 4 Life today. One of the services Friends for Life provides is elderly and other adult day care. The kids had a great time visiting, playing games, and losing at wii bowling with their new friends. We will send a group to this site every day and I have a feeling it will be everyone's favorite by the time this trip is over.
After work we got to spend a couple hours at Waco Water Park. The cool water was just we needed after spending a day working, many of us in the hot sun. Following pool time it was shower time. And then dinner time back at the church.
The Stephens provided some perfectly cooked baked potatoes with all the fixins. We also had some great salad to go with it.
During worship we learned about being thankful and directing our thankfulness to God. We used Psalm 136:10-26 which contains our theme verse (26) to highlight how good God has been to us. One of the proudest moments of the night came when Alexa Rutledge shared with us that their group realized that true happiness is not found in possesions but through relationship.
A big shout out to the jr. high band for this trip (Jacob Weber, Will Hamberlin, Alex Serman, and Sam Farr). They have been leading us in worship and did especially well tonight.
A good helping of cake and glass of milk capped off the night and led us into our free time.
The title of this post is Be Flexible! It is something I preach on every youth trip and this group in particular has been very patient and flexible in work, in worship, in play, and with each other. Things don't always go the way you plan on a trip like this, but thankfully everyone is taking everything in stride without complaint. You should be proud.
Also, I am loading some pics from the trip to photobucket. They will be uploading throughout the night. Click here to go to our photo site. The password is: fumcarlington.
Check back for tomorrow's update.
What a great day in Waco.
It all started with a great breakfast of biscuits and gravy, cereal, and muffins. Again I am eating better on this trip then I do at home.
After a short devotional in which we remembered our challenge for the day, "Be Flexible!", we divided into our work groups and hit the road.
Well most of us did. Work Group #3 stayed at the church because that is where their work began. They were helping the organization "Potter's Vessel" whose office is housed by Austin Avenue United Methodist. Potter's Vessel assists disadvantaged people in the area with their medical needs so that as their leader Debbie McElveen says, "they don't have to choose between eating and their medication" or between electricity and a visit to the doctor's office. They truly do great work and they recently acquired a new warehouse and needed to get their stuff from the 4th floor of the church to that warehouse. So our youth loaded up their u-haul, followed them to the warehouse and unloaded it. Potter's Vessel recently received a gaylord (400 lbs or so) of over the counter medication that they needed sorted into various categories and reboxed so it would be easier for them to use. Our youth did a great job and got a lot of the sorting done. We will finish this job on Wednesday morning.
Group #1 went to Paint Job #1 where they scraped paint, caulked gaps, and pressured washed a house. They also mowed the lawn, trimmed shrubs, and cleaned up the yard. The house is completely prepped now so that tomorrow Group #4 can put on the primer and begin the first coat. Al Henkel says that everyone worked hard.
Group #2 drove out to Marlin (40 minute drive) to help a man who had a brain anuerism a few years back and now is confined to a wheelchair. We are sprucing up his back yard so that he has a more pleasant atmosphere when he goes outside to enjoy it. Today the youth cleaned up the yard, trimmed the shrubs, watered down the lawn for digging, and once I was able to get some plants for them placed everything where it will go so that group #1 can finish the job tomorrow by planting the plants in new soil. The yard already looks brand new now that it has been cleaned up.
Group # 4 visited Friends 4 Life today. One of the services Friends for Life provides is elderly and other adult day care. The kids had a great time visiting, playing games, and losing at wii bowling with their new friends. We will send a group to this site every day and I have a feeling it will be everyone's favorite by the time this trip is over.
After work we got to spend a couple hours at Waco Water Park. The cool water was just we needed after spending a day working, many of us in the hot sun. Following pool time it was shower time. And then dinner time back at the church.
The Stephens provided some perfectly cooked baked potatoes with all the fixins. We also had some great salad to go with it.
During worship we learned about being thankful and directing our thankfulness to God. We used Psalm 136:10-26 which contains our theme verse (26) to highlight how good God has been to us. One of the proudest moments of the night came when Alexa Rutledge shared with us that their group realized that true happiness is not found in possesions but through relationship.
A big shout out to the jr. high band for this trip (Jacob Weber, Will Hamberlin, Alex Serman, and Sam Farr). They have been leading us in worship and did especially well tonight.
A good helping of cake and glass of milk capped off the night and led us into our free time.
The title of this post is Be Flexible! It is something I preach on every youth trip and this group in particular has been very patient and flexible in work, in worship, in play, and with each other. Things don't always go the way you plan on a trip like this, but thankfully everyone is taking everything in stride without complaint. You should be proud.
Also, I am loading some pics from the trip to photobucket. They will be uploading throughout the night. Click here to go to our photo site. The password is: fumcarlington.
Check back for tomorrow's update.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
We made it!
I thought I would create this blog so that friends and family back home can follow what's happening here in Waco during our mission trip. Feel free to pass the web address along to anyone who may not yet have it.
After saying goodbye to all our families, praying for a safe trip, and loading up we all headed to Austin Avenue UMC in Waco, TX. Upon arriving at the church we all unloaded and went into the fellowship hall where we joined Chris Mesa (a former pastor of mine from Kingswood UMC in Burleson and current pastor at Austin Avenue) and some church goers for an evening communion service. We were led in music by a great band and Rev. Mesa gave a brief commentary on Isaiah 58:6-12 (NRSV, The Message). He read from The Message and highlighted it's message of making communities livable again. And in some ways that is what we will be doing, helping to make things more livable, or in some cases, more bearable.
This all was followed by some great brisket, sausage, potato salad, and green beans prepared by the great Stephens Duo, Roger and Sarah. One advantage of being on mission trip is that I actually eat better than I do at home.
We had a quick tour of our sleeping quarters. The boys were upset because they have a plain room with just a floor while the girls get the youth room with couches and pool tables, ping pong, and foosball.
Each night in our worship we are splitting into small groups and working through a lesson in our mission trip booklets. Tonight we read the different accounts of how Jesus called the first disciples John 1:35-42, Matthew 4:18-22, and Luke 5:1-11. We talked about their differences and how we can learn something that will improve our trip from each. In John we learn to ask ourselves what we are looking for, in Matthew we learn to be flexible like the disciples who left their possessions behind to follow Jesus with no plan, and from Luke we learned to follow the will of God even if it seems stupid or crazy.
We capped the night off with some ice cream and a little free time before lights out at 10. That was an hour ago, and I need some sleep myself. I hope to write more tomorrow night, so check in to see how our day went.
Blessings,
Nick Scott
After saying goodbye to all our families, praying for a safe trip, and loading up we all headed to Austin Avenue UMC in Waco, TX. Upon arriving at the church we all unloaded and went into the fellowship hall where we joined Chris Mesa (a former pastor of mine from Kingswood UMC in Burleson and current pastor at Austin Avenue) and some church goers for an evening communion service. We were led in music by a great band and Rev. Mesa gave a brief commentary on Isaiah 58:6-12 (NRSV, The Message). He read from The Message and highlighted it's message of making communities livable again. And in some ways that is what we will be doing, helping to make things more livable, or in some cases, more bearable.
This all was followed by some great brisket, sausage, potato salad, and green beans prepared by the great Stephens Duo, Roger and Sarah. One advantage of being on mission trip is that I actually eat better than I do at home.
We had a quick tour of our sleeping quarters. The boys were upset because they have a plain room with just a floor while the girls get the youth room with couches and pool tables, ping pong, and foosball.
Each night in our worship we are splitting into small groups and working through a lesson in our mission trip booklets. Tonight we read the different accounts of how Jesus called the first disciples John 1:35-42, Matthew 4:18-22, and Luke 5:1-11. We talked about their differences and how we can learn something that will improve our trip from each. In John we learn to ask ourselves what we are looking for, in Matthew we learn to be flexible like the disciples who left their possessions behind to follow Jesus with no plan, and from Luke we learned to follow the will of God even if it seems stupid or crazy.
We capped the night off with some ice cream and a little free time before lights out at 10. That was an hour ago, and I need some sleep myself. I hope to write more tomorrow night, so check in to see how our day went.
Blessings,
Nick Scott
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