Expired salsa, anyone?

Hello Everyone!

Well after exploring the beautiful mountains of Colorado on Sunday, today we started the mission. My group along with Maddie Schafer's group went to Food Bank of the Rockies. The Food Bank serves hundreds of organizations across northern Colorado and all of Wyoming. The food bank is housed in this MASSIVE warehouse, and I mean massive. The food bank takes indiviual donations along with massive donations from their many cooperate and non profit organizations.

As I was sorting the individual donations, I came across all these bottles of expired salsa. That is when it hit me that we are feeding our hungry anything and mosty everything. Now of course I realize that anyone who is hungry will eat whatever they are given, but that does not mean that they should not be denied the food that I get to eat. I love to eat my organic veggies from Whole Foods and it bothers me so much that not everyone has the chance to eat healthy, wholesome food. We are facing a massive obesity epidemic in the United States and it is not going to get any better if we keep continuning to feed out hungry the leftovers. So my mid year resolution is to stop giving the food shelf the beans from the back of the cabinet and give them wholesome food that I would freely chose to eat.

Peace,
Clara

A long day of mission work

Today was a long, tiring day of mission work (not really actually). Since the door program didn't start until 6 tonight, we had the day to explore Colorado. We went to a service at 6th avenue UCC church in Denver, and decided to go to a park and take a hike. We had a nice picnic, but got lost several times and had no hike. It was a long day, and we haven't started volunteering yet. Tomorrow, I'm spending eight hours helping to take care of kids. Wish me luck! I hope everything is going great back in Saint Paul, and that everyone has a great father's day!

Sincerely,
Charlie

Denver: Day 2

After trouble at the car dealership, some direction problems, and two nights of pizza, Mac Plymouth seems to have finally gotten situated. A couple of showers has definitely lightened the mood. So far the work load has been very light which seems to have suited everyone well. Tempers have been at an all time low. Of course the first couple of cell phones have yet to be found so we'll see how long that holds up. Overall a great time with a great group of people. Special shout out to all of the fathers with kids on the mission trip. (Why is it that this trip always falls on fathers day?).
- Aidan C.

Early morning "staff" meeting?

Woke up this morning and realized that I wasn't sitting with the other adult leaders chatting over coffee. Kind of sad. I had to pour myself a big cup of coffee into my New Orleans mug to feel better (Thank you Marge). Hope you have a great week.
Norm

Denver, we have arrived!!

Hello Everyone!

Well we made it here to Denver all in one piece and the church we stayed at last night was wonderful. It's located in a neighborhood similar to mac ply. We knew it would be a great fit when we saw the "open and affirming" sign-- thanks Susanne for hooking us up!

We went to a cool pizza place, and got some BOMB pizza, even though we came ten minutes before closing...
We had quite the sleeping experience. There was some cars outside, some snoring, and even some sleep talking!

Shout out to all the dads and father figures in our lives. We dont know what we would do without you and you all are amazing. Thank you for your everlasting support and encouragement, we love you all!

We're going to church this morning, and then we will head out to explore Denver and arrive at Door later in the evening.

Someone will update later tonight and everyone have a joyous father's day!

Peace,
Lily and Clara

Lights out, all are fed and in for the night

Hey, after pizza and the magic many flavored coke machine at Anthony's pizza we have had a time of reflection and prayer, and now lights are about out. All is well, but some of us are hurting over a tragedy that touched a family friend. Keep this family in your prayers.

Bye for now.

We made it, bye for now, Gianna W

Important Update for Saturday!!!!!

Hi Folks:

Sorry for this last minute update, but we have received forms that Door requires each participant to have signed by a parent/guardian and with them when we show up Saturday. There is a health form and a waiver form specific to Door. They are at the top of the list to the right.

Peace,

Tom

Packing List Update

Marge noted two items omitted by accident from packing list a few posts ago.

Bible

Clothing suitable for church

Thanks.

2 Big Duffles Coming....

We have a donor already for the big bags requested yesterday.

Sleeping bag question

The air carrier rules are one carryon bag plus a small personal item -- brief case, smallish backpack, purse.

A sleeping bag in addition to carryon bag and personal item would not really work, ie., gouged by Delta without remorse for a second carryon bag.

That is why we are suggesting an item brought to the picnic, labeled, that we can pack and check for free on my account. I get up to 7 bags.

Please go to Delta website for rules on carryon. If the flight is full the staff will not have a sense of humor about folks trying to hoist oversized bags into the overhead bins.

If someone can loan a big duffle we could use that would be great, I have some, Marsha has some, but we could use two more. These are the bags to be checked. Please bring to picnic.

Lee

Important Info Update - maybe the last one 'fore Saturday departure

Hey:

Just to the right of this post is a link to a PDF download called "Parents Refrigerator Information." It is information on how to reach the adult team the week we are all out of town. Susanne will have a phone, too, just number is TBD. We are happy to take calls or email (Lee's and John's both work) if you need to reach your youth.

Otherwise, please check the blog frequently and remember you can use the comment section to respond. From past experience we know that the bloggers like seeing the comments.

Also, we are still in need of a photocopy of health insurance card, front and back, for 4 youth. (Thanks for info left on VM, but we are looking for a copy of the actual card.) And apologies if it has been provided, and got misplaced.

Bushnell

Frawley X2

Powell

See you Wednesday at the picnic.

Picnic Info please read to bottom!!!

Hey everybody

The picnic is this Wednesday evening at Hannah and Maddie Frawley’s house at 1780 Lincoln.

Starts at 6.15 and we will eat right away.

Please bring a chair or two, our hosts have 25 but we are expecting a few more. We will have brats, dogs and burgers and such so please scan list below to see your assignment to bring something to share.

1. Beverages

L Brown

H. Bushnell

2. Fruit

E. Catlin

A. Coleman

C Dockter

3. Salads

C. Donovan

W. Fischer

R. Lundy

L and J Nelson

4. Condiments -- Big ole bottles of ketchup, mustard, etc.

S. Olson

5. Chips

H Park

C. Platt

V. Samuelson

6. Desserts

MJL Schafer

L. Simmer

G. Williams

K Woodward

Also, we have some free bag availability on Delta, so we are suggesting that youth bring a bulky item, like a sleeping mat, CLEARLY LABELED WITH SHARPIE, etc. and we will pack a few big duffles and leave them in a car until Saturday. Remember, everything else goes into a carry on.

Email lee.a.schafer@gmail.com with any questions.

Thanks, and see you then.

Commissioning Service June 12!

As you remember, all participants on the Youth Mission Trip are commissioned by the congregation just prior to departure. The commissioning this year will be in Sunday service on June 12, at 9.30 AM.

All of us should be part of that. Probably best if we dress for church rather than look like we are about to scrub the floor of a day care.

There may be opportunities to participate in the liturgy, but that is TBD.

Thanks.

Flight Information for Denver

Flight information for the Denver Trip is as follows.

We are on Delta Airlines, and plan to meet in the Delta Airlines Group check in area no later than 3:30 pm. This area is in the lower level concourse of Lindbergh Terminal, between the parking ramps and the main terminal.

DL / 2009 June 18, 2011 Depart MSP 530PM Arrive DEN 6:38PM

Return flight

DL / 1508 June 25, 2011 Depart DEN 7:40AM Arrive MSP 10:34A M

By tomorrow at this time you should be able to see yourself on the Delta.com site, under the following Delta Record Locator -- F9Y3DN. We are advised that we should be able to pop in a Delta Skymiles account number at that point. We are asked NOT to mess with seat selection at this time.

K. Woodward is under a different record # -- GN783J.

Finally, we have confirmation that Lee gets up to nine bags checked free, so our plan is to pack LABLED bedding items the night of the picnic on June 15, 2011, into 6 or so bigger bags, for purposes of checking such bags. That should free up enough room for other items to fit in a carryon bag. Also, for those with questions on carry on please follow this link:

https://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/carryon/index.jsp

Finally, all persons 18 and older must present government issued ID to clear the TSA checkpoint. For those youth not yet 18, they can legally pass without it, but the TSA advises that carrying ID will expedite the process of clearing the checkpoint. Therefore, passports and such will be helpful, and we know how expensive they are to replace, so the Adult Team would be happy to hold them for the week after their use at the checkpoint.

DENVER PACKING LIST!

MUST HAVE

Personal notebook or journal, pen Sleeping bag Thin Sleeping pad Pillow Work clothes: -Old Shorts -Old jeans/ long pants -Old T-shirts -Long-sleeved shirt Work Shoes (sturdy shoes - No flip-flops or open shoes, which are NOT permitted at many work sites) Sunscreen Mosquito repellant Hat Casual clothes: -Shorts -Jeans/ pants -Shirts -Shoes for recreation Light jacket (for rain) Swimsuit Socks & underwear as appropriate Towel Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.) Sleeping apparel suitable for co-ed area Water bottle Inhalers for those who suffer from asthma

Optional Items

Sandals Sunglasses Spending money – NOT MORE THAN $50 Games, cards, reading material, etc. Guitar, Banjo Soccer Ball, Frisbee, etc. One CD – and use good sense in making your mix DO NOT BRING! Electronic or computer games Tape/CD players, radio, walk-mans, and cell phones, iPods,mp3 players. Firecrackers Weapon-like toys or devices Irreplaceable clothes or jewelry Alcohol & Non-prescription drugs Large Air Mattresses

Reminder of May 15

Please remember the meeting for all this Sunday at 5, and bring a meal. In addition to last details we will discuss financing. The Good News is that our fundraising was successful and we were granted a very meaningful amount by our own church Mission and Social Justice Committee. The less good news is that we have seen our costs creep up.

In the past we have tried to hold the per youth cost at around $180 - $200, and this year I think it will be more like $230 each. Most folks paid a $75 deposit, and please be prepared to make a final payment on Sunday. As we never want to let money get in the way of an experience, please contact Dwight W. at the church office if there is a need for a scholarship.

Expect a letter this week from our Fundraising Team lead, Maggie, for the final details on the fundraising and the per youth contribution.

See you Sunday.

May 15 Meeting: Youth + Parents

Hey, the 15th of May is the last Sunday meeting for the Senior High Youth going on the Mission Trip. Usual time of 5 pm to 7 pm. This meeting plan may not have gotten into the usual communications in time, so that's why the heads up on the blog.

We will go over packing list, travel details, health and wellness with Marsha B., finances, Q & A, etc., so a parent should also attend with the youth. We will break into a parent group and youth section as well.

Families should plan to bring a meal with them, plus a little extra to share in the event somebody does not get the word on meals. (And somebody usually does not get the word. I was a little hungry/grumpy last time, but I was not the only one.)

Also place on the family calendar the traditional pre-trip picnic, the Wednesday evening before the trip. June 15. Place TBD.

That's it, see you soon.

Reminders: Busy weekend

Bandanarama is Saturday evening beginning at 7 and is a must attend. Plan to stay for cleanup at 11:30 pm.

1021 Bandana Boulevard East
Suite 200
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108

Youth Fellowship is 5 to 7 on Sunday, also a must attend for those on the mission trip. This is training for youthies, and while parents will not be forcibly ejected, it is meant just for youth and the adults facilitating the effort.

Thanks.

Hey Everyone!

Just an update on the mission trip progress. We need to youth to show up at church after the service for the next four sundays of the silent auction!! The youth will be helping Laura and the other volunteers with anything they need to run the auction smoothly. It is very important that at least 3-4 youth be there each sunday to help so Laura can run the auction smoothly. There is going to be a SING-UP sheet for the youth on the facebook page. We need volunteers starting THIS sunday March 20th!

Remember to turn in any coffee forms to Tanya if you still have them. And also, remember you can still send letters for the letter campaign!

Looking ahead, on April 9th we will have our 2nd annual Bandanarama "Battle of the Bands" type event at Bandana Square in Saint Paul. All youth need to attend this and bring their friends. It will be a great evening filled with wonderful music by local bands! Stay tuned for more details.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at clara.dockter@gmail.com

Peace,

Clara Dockter