News and Information

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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