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by Deacon Pam Dunbar, Canon Missioner
for Christian Education and Youth Ministry and Antoni Luc-Tayengo,
youth minister, Epiphany, Richardson

his
summer, our diocese's youth lived out faithfully the Acts 1:8 principle:
"You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." They were actively
involved in service and mission projects in their own communities,
throughout Texas, all around the United States, and abroad.
Mission and service projects are vital components of the modern
youth group. Young people today are very service minded, and as
the youth of the diocese proved this summer, when given the opportunity
to serve in the name of Christ, they are ready to go.
Listing everything our youth have been doing would be impossible
since we keep hearing about new projects everyday. To give you an
idea of their creativity and energy, here are just some of the mission
and service activities in which our diocese youth groups have taken
part this summer:
Rebuilding in New Orleans, LA
Rebuilding in Biloxi, MI
Feeding the hungry at "So Others Might Eat" at the Austin
Street Centre in Dallas and in Washington, DC
Organizing reading programs for children in Dallas and Uniontown,
AL
Repairing homes in Marion, AL
Planning and building a children's playground
Serving at many local Vacation Bible Schools
Working at food banks and other food programs
One-on-one visits with the elderly at a nursing center
Sorting shoes for shipment to overseas orphans
Tending orphans, leading Vacation Bible Schools, evangelizing villages,
and building new structures in
Uganda
Leading Vacation Bible Schools in Belize
Serving the poor and building new structures in Honduras
Serving the poor and building new structures in Ecuador
The chance to serve others is an important component of youth ministry
and one that is growing in our diocese. Every year, we have "new"
churches joining "experienced" ones for mission work on
weekends, during Spring Break, and of course, over the summer. These
joint experiences provide invaluable opportunities to serve in a
variety of locations and on an assortment of projects. It is because
of our churches' welcoming attitudes of "there's always room
for one more" as they share their trips and projects that we
do not need to "do" a diocesan mission trip. If your youth
are interested in participating in service projects or mission trips,
linking with another church would be a great place to start.
All
Saints Camp: Your spiritual refuge
by Christine Tokarz, interim director,
All Saints Camp

ith
two beautiful conference centers, 10 well maintained outdoor worship
sites, and endless acres of natural beauty, All Saints Camp and
Conference Center is the perfect oasis for your next spiritual retreat.
This fall, All Saints will play host to several Alpha courses, Cursillo
programs, and vestry retreats. We offer AV equipment and wireless
Internet access in many of our buildings perfect for professional
meetings or workshops. Contact All Saints interim camp director,
Ms. Christine Tokarz, to plan your next retreat (903-267-6372 or
Ctokarz@allsaintstexoma.org)!
Successful summer at All Saints!
It was an exciting summer at All Saints Camp. Our second full summer
camp session had over 230 participants. This year's exciting theme,
"Listen, God is calling," and an energetic staff made
it a huge success.
Each morning, campers spent time "listening" for what
God was calling them to do. Dean's from throughout the diocese
including representatives from Incarnation (Dallas), St. Dunstan's
(Mineola), and St. Anne's (DeSoto) led these sessions. Morning
activities allowed campers time to reflect on their willingness
to trust God's Word and listen to Him when He calls them to act.
These sessions combined hands-on activities, Bible study, and presentations
from local Peace Corps volunteers and missionaries.
Afternoons were full of fun and laughter as campers chose activities
from a list of exciting things to do. Canoeing, archery, scavenger
hunts, fossil hikes, and arts and crafts were just a few of the
options available. Each evening, campers reflected on their daily
activities, went on night hikes, or gazed at the heavens. They also
spent many nights around the campfire making s'mores and sharing
personal stories. For more information, go to www.allsaintstexoma.org.
JOLTbreaking updates for fall!
Take time to welcome eight new JOLT staff members at All Saints
Camp! The JOLT team has completed three weeks of intensive training,
spent many hours practicing the challenge course, and participated
in team building activities.
They
come from as far away as Chicago and as close as Sherman, TX. The
variety of experiences they bring to JOLT promises to make 2007
08 an extra-spectacular year at All Saints. Together, staff
members will help over 3,000 students gain a deeper appreciation
for their natural surroundings as well as develop essential team-building
skills. Campers come from public school districts, such as Frisco,
Prosper, Pottsboro, Celina, Bells; and private schools, such as
Texoma Christian School, Academia de la Estrellas, Canterbury Episcopal
School, Faith Lutheran School, and several Girls Scouts troops and
4H Clubs.
Upon the first school group's completion, a recent staff member
commented, "It is exciting to see the kids' faces light up
when they make a scientific discovery or have a break through on
the challenge course!" With more than 25 overnight JOLT events
planned before the Christmas break, many of those "Aha!"
moments lie ahead!
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