Hands and Feet - POP Mission Teams

Last Day - Sign Painting Crew

2011-08-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

Pastor Jeff here. Today Judy, Amanda, Meghan, Joey and I went to the Gateway Center. I am amazed after being gone 2 and a half years how much has happened with the Gateway Center. This massive old factory building is teaming with ministries to assist the poor, reach out with the love of Jesus and provide a safe place for teens to hang out. Part of that hang out ministry is the indoor skate park and laser tag facility. One problem, a lot of folks don't even realize that the old Chautauqua Hardware factory hosts these options for young people. We remedied that with a massive painted sign that is visible from Foote Avenue a major street in Jamestown. If you come to Jamestown look for our sign!

August 3rd - Kingdom Bound!

2011-08-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! This is Becca and Will, reporting about ourWednesday trip to the Kingdom Bound festival at Darien Lake. After about a 2hour drive from the Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center, we arrived at the themepark.

We wasted no time getting into the Spirit of things (haha!)and headed to the Worship Tent to spend time praising God to awesome music. Wealso got to walk through the Christian merchandise tent, buying some books,Christian music CDs, and some Bible verse jewelry.

I (Will) headed to a seminar on utilizing social networksfor Christian outreach. Pr. Jeff and I (Becca) stayed in the Worship Tent forsome more God time.

Then the deluge happened. For more than an hour and half,rain came down in buckets. We found some shelter in a pizza place in the park,and Pr. Jeff found the time useful, since he needed to write his sermon forSunday! Come to church this Sunday to find out if he was successful…

Once the first draft of the sermon was done, we went back tothe Worship Tent even though the rain was still going. Unexpectedly, the teens showed up at thatpoint as well, and we all worshiped together to Christian blues music.

We all ate dinner after that, and then the teens went tohear a speaker and save spots for us for the Chris Tomlin concert, and we wentto the Worship Tent to worship a bit and to hear Robin Mark. Everything wasrunning late, though, so once they did their sound check we only got to hear 1½ songs before we had to power walk across the park to see Chris Tomlin.

The concert was AWESOME!!!!!!! About 20,000 Christians weregathered in the Performing Arts Center, all singing along to Chris Tomlin’ssongs and praising God. It was anexperience that was unlike anything we had ever seen or experienced, and wewill never forget it.

We didn’t get back to LCLC until about 1am, we wereexhausted! The teens were able to pass out in the car on the way home, but thethree adults were wide awake. Well, I (Becca) was wide awake for most of theride…

So, in short, Kingdom Bound was an amazing, worshipfulexperience!!!

~Becca and Will (Mostly Becca)

Children of the Corn August 4

2011-08-04T18:29:00.000-07:00

OK, how about children of God in the corn. Pastor Jeff writing. Will Becca and I went back to the Chautauqua Rural Ministry today, planning to move furniture in their warehouse. I know that sounds really exciting. When we got there it was decided that it was so much more important for us to sort clothes hangers. For a half hour we mastered the coat hangers - then we moved furniture. Actually what we did is set the thrift furniture store back up after it's space had been painted. So we got to use both creative spacial skills and mindless back breaking work. By lunch time we were done. Yay! Josh from CRM said, "Hey, would you folks like to glean corn?" 'Yeah, that would be great," I said while Becca and Will were trying to get my attention with their shaking heads. "Oh come on it will be fun!" Off we went to the town of Sheridan. An hour and a half later, much dirtier and much sweatier we had 16 large bags (about 50 pounds each) ready to go to feed the local needy. It was a hard day, physically, but a good day that was capped off by Ron from LCLC treating us by taking us sailing and allowing use to kayak.

August 2nd - St. Susan's Kitchen

2011-08-02T13:51:00.001-07:00

Hi Saints!

Judy here! We began the day by celebrating the birth of Meghan. Happy 17^th birthday, Child of God! Every candle on your cake makes our world brighter.

Breakfast grace was sung to the tune of Superman.

Thank you Lord, for giving us food! Thank you Lord, for giving us food!

Thank you Creator! Thank you Redeemer!

The gender-specific language led us into an animated discussion of God’s gender. No surprises – nothing was resolved.

Will, Amanda, Meghan and I went to Saint Susan’s – a busy soup kitchen in Jamestown where we sliced, diced, mixed, served, bused and scrubbed. We met some amazing volunteers! The young man who worked in the scullery with Will is unemployed and spending his time volunteering while he awaits work. The others were all older retirees like me. Many give one day a week year round to this labor of love. We saw God’s light in their willingness to serve.

This soup kitchen feeds between two and four hundred folks a day. Spaghetti, the freshest of salads, cantaloupe, mandarin orange slices, soup, beverage and dessert were available. We saw infants and the elderly, those infirm of body and those wounded in mind and spirit. We saw families and those who arrived, sat, and left alone. Some sat with downcast eyes and avoided our gaze. Others sought our smiles. A fellow in a bright Hawaiian shirt engaged us in enthusiastic conversation. Many were grateful for the lunch. Many were not. Many were helpful and brought their trays to our bussing station to save our poor legs.

A hundred and fifty years ago H.G. Wells believed that the revolutionary new technologies would allow mankind to wipe out sickness, ignorance and poverty by the beginning of the 1900’s. But Jesus said, “You will always have the poor around you.” We don’t see them in Clifton Park. Today was a startling reminder.

Having grown up Protestant, I associate saints with the Roman and Episcopal churches and always wonder about what a saint did. Saint Susan, I discovered, was a saint just like you and me – a believer, a worker for the kingdom, “nothing special.” She was simply a young woman of 21 who was fatally injured in an accident in the area, and spent her final days being cared for by the skilled and compassionate staff of the local hospital. In gratitude, her family created Saint Susan’s in her memory. Like yours and mine, her simple life was not filled with great deeds, astonishing miracles or intentional self-sacrifice. Yet each day the poor and the cast-down, the spat upon and the ratted on are greeted by her angelic smile and are fed in God’s name.

As the detritus of the luncheon meal was cleared away, a fresh batch of volunteers arrived to begin work on the supper meal and we left to restore our souls beside the still waters of Lake Chautauqua. Will got us home without benefit of a map by listening to an angelic female voice coming out of nowhere telling us when to turn right or left. Is it magic?

August 1st- Joint Neighborhood Project, Day One

2011-08-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

Written by Meghan Berman and Amanda Gibson

Today we traveled to the Joint Neighborhood Project Daycamp, to help counsel children ages 4-11. At the start of the day, we joined the six and seven year old campers in an invigorating game of kickball, followed by bracelet making with the girls, while the boys made collages. Soon after, it was time to eat lunch. Many lovely women served us, as well as the children, pizza and homemade chocolate chip cookies. During lunch, Amanda and I were able to get to know all of the campers and gain a sense about their home lives. Although the children spend their summers in a daycamp, they were really loving and were quick to get to know and accept us.
After lunch, many of the campers took a local field trip to the YMCA to go swimming, while others traveled to the musical education center, Infinity. Amanda and I accompanied the campers to Infinity and assisted the counselors in making splatter paintings with toothbrushes and participated in a Zumba class with a local dance instructor. The campers were very grateful of the opportunities presented to them and after class, somehow still had energy to play a game of four square.
Spending the day at the Joint Neighborhood Project daycamp taught us that although some children may have hard lives, God is always looking out for these children, providing them with opportunities to be loved and to live their lives to their fullest potential.

The Friendly Kitchen - Dunkirk, NY

2011-08-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

Hey all, Will here with an update on our progress so far. It's about 4:00 in the afternoon and Pastor Jeff, Ministry Associate Becca and yours truly have just arrived back at Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center from our first day out doing God's work this trip. Today Jeff, Becca and I worked at The Friendly Kitchen, a community kitchen project run by Chautauqua County Rural Ministries of Dunkirk, NY.

Originally we were supposed to be helping move furniture around for another one of their ministries but it seems the Lord wanted us to be in the kitchen today instead because someone (unknowing to the coordinator) told the kitchen staff to not come in today because volunteers were going to be running the show all by themselves (panic!) Thankfully, God made sure one of the regular staff came in anyway to give us helpful hints. Today's meal was meatball subs with cheese, carrots and french fries. With the exception of the french fries (which we burnt a little), we were able to successfully serve about 80 adults and children in Dunkirk.

Our mission today may actually end up being a dry run for tomorrow's mission when some of our team will head over to St. Susan's Kitchen in Jamestown, NY where we will be helping to feed more mouths. As I finish writing this, I hear all the young (and young-at-heart) members returning from their mission to the Joint Neighborhood Project Day Camp and we are all just so excited to hear how it went. I will be putting together a photo album later tonight after we grab some dinner and head down to watch Chautauqua Idol.

God's Peace,
Will

Presque Isle

2011-07-31T18:22:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Becca Ehrlich here. Later today we went to Presque Isle to hang out at the beach. Lake Erie was beautiful-- and the temperature was perfect! We all got to swim and jump into the waves.

My favorite part was when we did a spontaneous remembrance of our baptisms in the lake. Pr. Jeff said the words that were said at our baptisms, this time in past tense. And we were dunked. It was awesome! I had never seen immersion baptisms in a body of water before, so it was neat to experience it as a remembrance.

Sunday Morning

2011-07-31T08:38:00.000-07:00

We just got back from worshiping with our hosts at Immanuel Lutheran Church. I have to say it was good to be able to worship without worrying about leading! Also great to see old friends from Immanuel and to hear about their plans for a parish model of ministry with other Lutheran congregations in Jamestown. It is so good that they aren't waiting for crisis before making changes but are proactively and prophetically looking to the future with vision for mission. In a few minutes we are off to Presque Isle near Erie, Pennsylvania for an afternoon at the beach.

Jeff Silvernail

Mission leaves for Jamestown, NY Saturday

2011-07-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

Our 2011 Mission Team departs at noon on Saturday for a week of service in Chautauqua County, NY. The team includes: Meghan Burman, Becca Ehrlich, Amanda Gibson, Judy Lees, Joey Moronta, Kristian Moronta, Will Platnick and Jeff Silvernail. The team will serve with the Joint Neighborhood Project Day Camp and St. Susan's Kitchen in Jamestown, NY and with Chautauqua County Rural Ministries of Dunkirk, NY. In addition the team will attend Kingdom Bound a mojor Christian Music Festival at Darian Lake, NY on Wednesday. Prayers for the team and their ministry appreciated!

Finishing Well - Ride to Rochester

2011-06-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

Here in Rochester at last, after 340 miles on the bike, numerous mishaps and lots of bumps, bruises and scrapes we are here. We shared out story with St. Timothy, Geneseo and then on the bikes. Just 30 miles today and no mishaps! Thanks you Mike Faville for leading us through. Tomorrow we officially ride into the convention center and tell our story. It's been a long haul. Will I do it again? Not right away! But next year... There is always next year. Anyone up for a challenge?

Thoughts on the Last Morning

2011-06-05T03:03:00.000-07:00

It's 5:30 am, our host home is still, but it is Sunday and my internal clock says I should be up. I have no fresh adventure to report only a quiet reflection. Why do we ride? Why do we push ourselves through pain and crashes, flats and headwinds, mile after mile? The answer is different for each rider but we are all passionate about the ministries that will be funded by the Feed the Roots of Leadership Capital Campaign. Pastor Mark Frickey will tell you that he has been involved with outdoor ministry for 21 years, half of his life and without those experiences he would not be a pastor. Vicar Becca will tell you how campus ministry helped guide her in the paths that led her to seek to do ministry with youth and then seek ordination. I will tell you that it is not easy to answer God's call and go to seminary. It's not easy academically. It's not easy to uproot your life. It's not easy financially. The Upstate NY Synod was there for me to ease the path with support in prayers and in grants - every year. I want us to be there for current and future seminarians who are seeking to faithfully answer God's call. If you feel God has blessed you and you would like more information on how you can share that blessing through Feed the Roots of Leadership see http://www.upstatenysynod.org/capital-campaign

Day 6 - The Saga or Falls, Rain and Lost Rider

2011-06-04T18:29:00.000-07:00

I guess it was too much to expect 2 uneventful days. We left this morning in a misty rain. Not a half mile from the hotel both Amber and I were taken down by a wet, diagonal railroad crossing. Amber struck her head on the pavement - thank God for bike helmets! The helmet did what it was supposed to do, it broke instead of Amber's skull. I was a half second behind her and went down taking the brunt of the impact with my elbow. Meanwhile, Becca witnessed it all in the rear view mirror. What a way to start. We rode for a few hours as the misty rain turned steadier and colder. By 20 miles out I was beginning to get the first signs of hypothermia. It was my turn to ride in the Jeep until my core temp recovered and everything was working again. Then came the saga of the lost rider, Jeff Kane. Somehow he missed the rendezvous and his phone ran out of battery. two hours after our arrival time at St. Timothy, Geneseo we heard from him and sent out the rescue party! With his detours he managed to put 71 miles on. At last we are all present and accounted for. One last ride to Rochester tomorrow afternoon after worship with St. Timothy.

Friday - 5th day of the ride

2011-06-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

I write after soaking in the hot tub at the Holiday Inn in Waterloo. Ahhhhhhh! We are getting better at this, no crashes, only 1 flat, and 56 miles. We even had the chance to surprise Bishop Marie and the Synod staff as we arrived at the Synod office unannounced. Tonight is our down night, then we are off to St. Timothy Geneseo where we will speak at the Sunday morning services reminding all of why we are crazy enough to do this ride. 275 miles down, about 80 to go. See you in Rochester!

57 on Day 5

2011-06-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

I'm writing tonight from Fayettville. Thanks for the prayers, we made our longest leg to date with no major mishaps! Well there was one tumble... and one rider with a bum knee spent most of the day in the Jeep - but all in all it was a great day. The weather has turned. Instead of the high 80s we rode in the 50's and 60's. I was actually cold most of the day, even with my cold weather riding gear. The wind could have been a problem as it was strong and in our face, but we were able to ride about 2/3s of our 57 miles on the Canalway Trail which was helped by good tree cover. Meanwhile, Becca was busy hauling subs and coffee to our meeting locations. Tonight we were wonderfully hosted by Good Shepherd Fayettville and were invited to participate in a great Bible study on the Book of Acts. Keep those prayers coming - our longest ride is tomorrow, 60 miles. One last thing, we bid farewell to Mark Fricky who had to return home to preside at a wedding (come on Mark, get your priorities straight!) But we did welcome Don Mills who will be joining us from Fayettville to Rochester.

Day 4 Bridging Troubled Waters

2011-06-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

Today was an exciting day though I have to day that I hope tomorrow is a little less so. We left our new friends at St. Johns St. Mark in Canajoharie - they treated us marvelously well. Hitting the road, Amber and Mark thought they might start the day off with a crash. Skinned knees and bloody hand later we were on the road again, for about a mile then there was the flat tire. Shortly after that Jeff Kane's knee was too sore to continue. He took shotgun in the Jeep. A little later a severe thunder storm came, entertaining us with nearby lightening strikes. And then Mark fell. Come on people let's get praying! To top the day off the skies cleared and we were met with a 20 mph plus headwind for about 20 miles. Becca was our support for sure as she needed to pick a few of us up for the last few miles to our host church. Tomorrow has to be a better day. We did have delightful food and hospitality from the people of Our Savior's in Utica - and wonderful accommodations at St. Margaret House. Off to Fayetteville!

Day 3 - Tumble, Turtle and Tree

2011-05-31T16:25:00.000-07:00

Last night and this morning we were treated to the wonderful hospitality of the folks at Our Redeemer in Scotia. After getting stuffed full at breakfast we headed out on the trail. Maybe a mile later Jeff Kane fell right in front of me. Lock the breaks, turn toward the ditch. God was watching over us. Instead of Pastor Jeff K being my speed bump it was able to stop about 2 inches from his head! The team worked together to make sure Jeff K was OK and ready to continue the ride. Fast forward about 30 miles; riding along the trail, there is a beautiful turtle right in the path. Easy to hit if you aren't paying close attention. Amber and I stopped and rescued and showed off the turtle who rewarded my kindness by peeing on me! A few miles later a tree blocked the path. We made sure each of us got over with bikes intact. Meanwhile all along the way Vicar Becca has been ready to meet us with fresh water, snacks and supplies. See the theme, through it all we are in this together. We in this Synod at in this together for now and the future. That's why we ride, that's why there is a Capital Campaign. We are in this together for now and for those who will come after us. Jeff Silvernail

Day 1 and 2 Ride to Rochester

2011-05-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

For me it's been 70 miles and 2 presentations with one more to go tonight at Our Redeemer Scotia. I have to say that yesterday was a tough day for me. I was already tired after church, then only a little time for lunch and off on the bike to Castleton-on-Hudson. It was hot but I figured going east at least I'd have the wind. I did, only it was in my face the entire way. In addition that 20 pounds of luggage strapped on my bike that seemed like a good idea at the time was not such a good idea. By the time I got to Castleton, my legs were cramping and I was rolling around on the lawn of the elementary school in agony. Why am I doing this? Because the ministries are that important! We had a great crowd and wonderful food and we told our stories of why we are crazy enough to ride across the state. Today was much better, except for Amber's flat tire. But in 15 minutes the new tube was in and we were rolling again. We were delighted that some people actually came to our lunch at Prince of Peace, Clifton Park. And then 11 more miles on to Scotia. It was hot today, tomorrow will be hotter, but we look forward to another great day.

Ride to Rochester

2011-05-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

We're having trouble with the blog for the Bike Ride so for now updates will be posted on this blog. Riders are gathering at Trinity, 70 Green, Castleton-on-Hudson for dinner and program tonight at 6 pm. Right now I'm going to take care of my final packing and get on my bike and ride there from home in Scotia. You can meet us for lunch at Prince of Peace, 70 Norhtcrest Dr. Clifton Park on Monday, or at Our Redeemer, S. Reynolds, Scotia Monday evening at 7pm.

Jeff Silvernail

First Week Summary

2010-07-10T14:40:00.000-07:00

Outreach & Cultural Exchange Program
AMERICAN CHURCH in BERLIN
June 2010

June 11-13, 2010, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Fifteen volunteers from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Clifton Park, New York stepped off the U-Bahn, walked out from under the Bülowstrasse bridge and looked up to see the spire of the American Church in Berlin (ACB). It is an imposing structure, this late 1800’s, neo-gothic church near the heart of the city. Joined a day later by eleven more from St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in San Francisco, the group soon discovered that it is not just imposing but inspiring as well, and not only to the Americans who came to work, but to the neighborhood and larger community as well.
This is a church community whose mission is clear to everyone who worships and works within its reach…to be a presence, a real and positive presence on behalf of what is good in God’s world.
Fatigued from jet lag and lack of sleep, the Sunday morning service was at once embracing and energizing. The church’s Outreach and Cultural Exchange Program for 2010 (OCEP) mission had begun!

Monday, June 14, 2010, Monday

Nine OCEP volunteers arrived for the first day of their mission work at the INA Kindergarten a bit late after starting out with breakfast and devotions at the church. It was a sunny day and the pre-school aged children were outside playing in the yard. The energy there was free flowing, upbeat and noisy. The OCEP group that morning included one adult and five teenagers from St. Mark’s along with one worker from Prince of Peace. The volunteers were dispersed among the teachers and their classes, everyone a little hesitant and shy at first. The group leader from St. Mark’s jumped right in. He’d brought his guitar and broke the ice sitting on a ledge singing a children’s song, which absolutely invited interaction. The children, from a range of ethnic and religious backgrounds, responded with laughter and enthusiasm. For most of the children German is not their primary language and few among the staff spoke English. Not many in the OCEP group spoke German, but the day proved that even under these conditions communication can be and was established, a communication, which was to grow and build in remarkable ways over the week.
On site at ACB, the team assigned to paint the narthex and nursery decided instead to begin their mission cleaning up, pruning the trees and mowing the lawn around the church at Dennewitzplatz. This turned into an all-day job, since the grass had been left to grow quite tall and there was quite a lot of garbage to be picked up. Part of Dennewitzplatz is owned by the city, which had obviously succumbed to economic reality and not attended to it in quite some time. This detour of OCEP’s assigned tasks proved to be definitive. It announced the OCEP 2010 Team’s presence in a very real and tangible way. At the end of the day Dennewitzplatz was transformed. In a larger sense the clean up and mowing also served to transform those who came to work, strengthening their understanding of the mission: that to be a presence would model God’s love for his world and its people.
Meanwhile, students drifted into the church for its afternoon Learning Café, offered to adults who are improving their English language skills and to school-aged children who are just learning the language. Several OCEP volunteers joined the adult class; the non-English speakers benefited from hearing native speakers and were encouraged by being readily understood by the Americans. An ACB member noted that the presence of young people would serve to focus the younger students’ attention to the lessons. The teenaged volunteers seemed to be encouraged by the willingness of their young tutorees and ended the session with a puppet show for everyone present. Applause and smiles abounded. After feeding the mind, other mission workers fed the body with delicious, homemade soup. Even on the first day of the mission, the group was making a difference.

June 15, 2010, Tuesday

Five members of the OCEP Team worked at the PallasT, a facility that provides services to an immigrant, largely Turkish community a few blocks from the ACB. Team members’ assignment was to prep and paint two rooms on the second floor, which will be used as an office and small classroom.
The group had worked the day before and this morning was offered coffee as a gesture of friendship and perhaps in recognition of their good work the previous day.
While the group was working, two women approached and asked if the painters were available for private hire! Wonderful! This was a terrific opportunity for a conversation about why the OCEP volunteers were is this place. The women were taking a break from their German lesson being offered by PallasT. They interacted with the Americans on a variety of topics including the concept of doing for others, family and children, and even feminism, all the while practicing their German. Others arrived, including a man from Macedonia, a woman from Poland and the teacher of the class who specifically asked why the OCEP group was doing this work. And while they did not immediately recognize the name of the American Church in Berlin, they did know of Dennewitzplatz and the Lutherkirche; they had made the connection with the work already done to improve the area.
The painting continued. While to some, it may seem that painting a classroom is less significant mission work, it again became a visible sign of outreach to the community. One painter saw it as supporting the work of the center, which supports the surrounding community. Another noted that the group was “building bridges” between cultures just by their presence and work ethic. At this facility, work of this kind is not budgeted and is usually accomplished by the employees in their free time and without extra pay. One of the youth center’s employees was especially appreciative of the OCEP team’s efforts explaining that fresh paint sends a message of welcome that the space and those who use it are well cared for. ACB’s involvement as part of that process, widens the circle of caring.
Painting was this day the focus of work on site at the church as well. The lawn mowers had moved inside to the narthex, filled the rollers and climbed the scaffold. Curious passersby looked in to see what the activity was all about. ACB‘s presence continued this week albeit with more visibility than usual.

June 16, 2010, Wednesday

Every morning volunteers arrived at the church to a typical German breakfast of fresh broetchen, meats, cheese, jam, muesli, fresh fruit, juice and coffee. It was all prepared by members of the church and OCEP working together. Their preparations fed the group and devotions fed the soul as each went out for the day’s work.
At FIPP, a youth center of varied activity in the after school hours, there was more painting. With preparation work and primer coats of paint finished the reading/tutoring/crafts room and the stage area were ready for additional touches. Nine OCEP volunteers arrived to find the table already set with broetchen, cookies and drink. What a welcome! Some worked on second and third coats of wall paint. Some worked on the carpet tile design, which would be placed later in the day. Two worked on creating a painted-on-the-wall frame of an existing wall painting. A couple finished up the work in the girls’ bathroom, adding floral decoration.
The team leader reflected, when asked what gives meaning to his work, that the group was helping and doing things for people who did not have the resources, time or talents to do it. That was his reward. Another in the group hoped that others might follow the example set this week and mow, paint, clean up, maintain and care more about their world.
The director was amazed at the group’s work ethic and skill, telling Denise Banks-Grasedyck, OCEP founder and organizer that she appreciated our working with such “heart”.
Wednesday evening offered a mid-week chance for reflection and dinner. True to form, this church dinner featured home cooked pasta dishes, delicious and plentiful, with plenty of conversation and grateful appreciation for the opportunity to come together to do this work. What followed was a church service, which included various musical offerings by the ACB Praise Band, Prince of Peace Choir members with additional volunteers and piano pieces played by Martha Chin from St. Mark’s. Make a joyful noise!

June 17, 2010, Thursday

Devotions this day began with the question of what experience so far had brought joy to group members. As the day progressed and people began to see how well projects were moving toward completion, the morning’s question came to mind again.
At FIPP the last carpet tile was laid and the stage mural completed. At PallastT final paint was applied and plants were restored to their window shelf space. At ACB doors were given a second coat and the paint cans and brushes put away.
One result of the group’s coming and going was that people from the congregation, from the facilities and from the neighborhood grew more eager to interact with the volunteers. At FIPP the director even readied a presentation of thank you letters, balloons and cookies in gratitude. At PallasT those who only observed earlier in the week approached those working to look more closely, making comments (all in approval, I might add) and asking questions, one among them being “you came all the way from America to paint?” At ACB neighbors were noticing, coming in to observe and joining the conversation. A volunteer noted that “the paintbrush and the chisel were both effective in making a big difference.”
The kids will be “begeistet” one of the social workers at FIPP said. They were, but with no fanfare, not two minutes after the OCEP folks were finished, the children had retaken the newly renovated reading/tutoring/craft room. That simple act brought satisfaction to the hearts of those volunteers working there. Time to move on.

June 18, 2010, Friday

This last day of OCEP at the church saw the volunteers spread out to their worksites for any finishing work, including Pastor Charles Lindholm, the catalyst for the New York group who, with one volunteer assistant, has been laboring at library of the Evangelisches Zentral-Archiv in Berlin. Their mission was to research the history of the American Church in Berlin for a book Charles is co-authoring. With an assistant twice the number of ACB records that are in the library can be read, reviewed and copied.
The PallasT contact presented the Americans with a thank you gift as the volunteers returned for the last day of the week with American home-baked, chocolate chip cookies for the boys watching the U.S. play Slovenia in the first round of the World Cup Football championship.
A large number of the Americans joined congregation members in the late afternoon to assist with ACB’s Laib und Seele program, a once weekly food pantry offered to the community and generally supplying fresh food to about sixty local families in need. Some of those helping with distribution were once receivers of food and are giving back. One member of the congregation put it very well. “Practice what you preach. Feed the poor.” This is a most tangible way for this church community to follow God’s mandate.

The American Church in Berlin’s congregation does practice what it preaches. With OCEP it has founded and fostered an outreach that extends beyond the neighborhood and city. Its seeds are also planted in the volunteers from the United States and may be replanted there blooming in any number of ways across the Atlantic. The Word goes forth.

Tina Nicolay Greenfield
American Church in Berlin
OCEP 2010 Mission
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Clifton Park, New York, USA

Last Post

2010-06-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

June 25 4 pm

On the bus between Wittenberg and Berlin. The trip is almost over. Tomorrow morning we will be winging our way back to New York and our daily realities. Highlights of the day included the Luther and Melanchthon houses, the Staadtkirche where Luther was the preacher and the Castle Church where he nailed the 95 Theses to the door on October 31, 1517 beginning the Reformation and all of the changes that this movement brought to our world. At the Castle Church once again Charles managed to get us permission for a special service. There we sang Lord Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word and Beautiful Savior and Charles led us in Holy Communion. Tonight I hope in devotions to revisit the text we started with – Jesus sending the 70 in mission and reflect on our going, our experience and our returning.

Jeff Silvernail

June 26 9:30

We are sitting in Heathrow Airport, London waiting for our next flight. No one left behind time time – hopefully! See you at Prince of Peace this Sunday.

Jeff Silvernail

June 24 6 pm

2010-06-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

This morning we did Leipzig, primarily the Thomas and Nicholas churches. Johann Sebastian Bach was music director and is buried at the Thomaskirche but introduced most of his most famous work at the Nikolaikirche. I learned something new, that Felix Mendelson rediscover the work of J.S. Bach and without him it likely would have been forgotten forever. All very fascinating but what intrigued me the most was the recounting of the peace prayer service at the Nikolaikirche which grew to 70,000 on October 9, 1989. The police were supposed to crack down that Monday with guns to put an end to this movement, but as the protesters and prayers filled the Platz holding candles and sheilding the flames from the wind they gave no excuse for the police and troops to open fire. The DDR (East Germany) fell one month later in the peaceful revolution that resulted a year later in the reunification of Germany. It was special to be in the place where such a pivotal moment of history in my lifetime was made.

Tonight we are in Wittenberg.

Jeff Silvernail

June 23 4 pm

2010-06-23T13:18:00.001-07:00

This morning we were in Eisenach to visit the Wartburg where Martin Luther was hidden away as Junker Jorge to save his life, and where he worked on the translation of the new Testament in German. The Wartburg was also the home of St. Elizabeth who laid down her crown in reverence to the King of kings, Jesus and devoted her life to serving the poor and sick. Looking at the amazing ancient mosaics of Elizabeth's life the words of Chris Tomlin's “We Fall Down” played through my.
“We fall down, we lay our crowns, at the feet of Jesus
The greatness of mercy and love, at the feet of Jesus.
And we cry 'Holy, holy, holy'
And we cry, Holy, holy, holy'
And we cry 'Holy, holy holy, is the Lamb.”

At the room where Martin Luther worked we paused, read Scripture and sang, “A Mighty Fortress” in 4 part harmony, giving the German school children on outings a free concert.

Before leaving Eisenach we visited the Bach House and the Luther house where teenage Martin stayed while going to Latin school and now we are on the bus heading to Leipzig.

Jeff Silvernail

June 22 2 pm

2010-06-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

Back on the bus as we head from Erfurt to Eisenach. This morning we had a walking tour of the old city of Erfurt which is one of the best preserved in all of Germany with many medeval and renessaince buildings, and of course, many churches. We spent some time in the Mariondom cathedral. Then it was on to the Augustinian monastery where Luther was received as a monk, was ordained and celebrated his first mass. We had a very special moment as we gathered before the altar, sang, and shared in Holy Communion in the very place where Martin Luther so nervously for the first time said the mass. It was a holy moment.

Jeff Silvernail

Today was just as awesome as the previous. While touring Erfurt, we had the opportunity to take communion at the church of the Augustinain monastery. What a wonderful and moving experience to share Holy Communion together in such a special place. After touring the Mariondom cathedral and the monastery, we enjoyed a wonderful relaxing time in the Domplatz having lunch. What a special day we have been blessed with.

Roger Behrens

June 20 and 21

2010-06-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

June 20 3 pm on the bus

Hard to believe we have completed our week's work at the ACB and moved on to the educational portion of our trip. It is quiet on the bus, guess everyone is tired and resting up.
The concert last night was really spectacular. What could be better that hearing one of the great German composers, Brahms, played by the Berlin Symphony? We were again late in returning home, at lest by my standards, so it was another short night. The church service this AM was a very moving one with lots of great music. During communion, a small section of the congregation began singing “Just as I am” spontaneously in parts, The remainder joined in. What a spine tingling moment! Some of our choir members joined in singing with the ACB choir and others in a mass choir to sing a hymn as anthem. They have a great, enthusiastic choir director so it was not only fun, but a great sound. It was surprisingly easy to get attached to people in this short week. Nancy Kowalski was working with us and will beat us home. We will again see our friends from St. Mark's, San Francisco as they will take the same flight to Heathrow next week. More ways in which God intervenes to connect us as workers for Him. As Pastor Ben said this AM, we won't know the fruits from the seeds sown this week. It was a really good week, and many connections were made.

Nancy Hoelzer

This morning at church I got to practice greeting visitors. Not on purpose I was just there in time to greet Bob and Ann from Colorado who were on their way to the Oberammergau passion play. Then came Pamela from Australia who was looking for a place to get a cup of coffee before the service started. Here's something we can learn: both had seen the sign that invited them to the service while they were travelling by; and both were very willing to engage in conversation with a complete stranger – me. Pamela even sat with us in worship. What can we learn? Better more inviting signage is a great way to advertize and get people to walk through our doors and two, it really is not difficult to talk to people you don't know and make them feel at home.

The service was a farewell service for Pastor Ben and Margaret after 8 years at ACB. As you can imagine it was quite moving and brought memories of my own recent goodbyes. We were privileged to be invited to sing in the special choir but for me the most moving moment was when during communion the congregation spontaneously began singing Just As I Am. The Spirit was moving among us.

Many goodbyes and hugs for us too and now we are on the bus watching the countryside of the former East Germany rolling by on our way to Mansfeld and Eisleben.

Jeff Silvernail

June 21 5 pm

The tour has begun. Yesterday after a false start we found Luther's boyhood home and school in Mansfeld. Our stay was in the Kloster Hotel, part of a convent. Pastor Charles taught Baptism from the Small Catechism and we wrapped up the evening by singing Compline. In the morning we went into Eisleben for Luther's birth house and death house and all that is inbetween. At the church of his baptism we gathered in the chapel and had a brief service of Affirmation of Baptism. At St. Andreas where Luther preached his last sermon we gathered in the chancel and sang hymns from the Gasangbuch. Finally we made our way up to St. Anne's church the first church in the region to accept the Reformation. Our guide was Dorthea who is on the church council of St. Andreas who told us about long meeting mostly concerned with buildings and money. Sound familiar? Back on the bus where I taught on Holy Comunion and then on to the Lutherstein near Erfurt supposedly near the place where Marin cried out for St. Anne to save him during the thunderstorm, promising to become a monk if he was saved. Tonight we are in a modern hotel in Erfurt.

Jeff Silvernail

June 20, 8 am

2010-06-19T23:35:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Saturday, was a day on our own. Some went to Sans Souci. Nancy Kowalski took a small group of us to Sachsenhausen to join an English speaking Berlin historical club tour of the concentration camp there. A sobering experience. This was not an extermination camp, it was a labor camp, yet one fairly small slab of stone marked and covered the 16 tons of human ashes, with up to 60 tons believed to be at various sites around the camp. Though it was a labor camp it was also a training facility for the SS who would use what they learned elsewhere. With a ready supply of Russian POWs techniques were perfected to make sure that it took no more than one shot to kill an unsuspecting prisoner and clean up every 7 minutes. A shower room was used to find better gas mixtures. Not exactly a joy-filled outing, but something that should be seen at least once.

Later we went the the Berlin Philharmonie for an outstanding evening at the symphony. Before the concert we stopped at the Lindenbrau in the Sony Center for dinner. As soon as we walked in our waitress from a week ago recognized us. That's not always a good thing when the wait staff remembers you! But in this case she made sure we sat in her section so I guess we were OK.

This morning is worship at the American Church then we get on the bus for Mansfeld-Eisleben to begin the Reformation Tour.

Jeff Silvernail

June 18 10 PM

2010-06-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

In a conversation with a member of the American Church in Berlin (ACB) today I was reminded to “practice what we preach”. Or in other words, we are called to put our beliefs into practice.
The ACB Laib und Seele (Loaf and Soul) food pantry does exactly that, providing fresh food stuffs and other groceries to about sixty families on a weekly basis. Food is donated by cooperating groceries and distributed on site at ACB every Friday afternoon with help from church members and, this week, volunteer Americans.
If the Lord's directive is to feed the hungry, ACB does that in a most direct and tangible way, regularly and generously.
I am thinking that ABC does more than feeding the body. It also serves to feed the soul, and not only the souls of those who receive the food, but those who give out the food as well.

Tina Greenfield

Thursday June 17 4:30 pm

2010-06-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Berlin on Friday and today is Thursday already. Where has the week gone. It has been filled with excitement, gladness, sadness and much joy all rolled into one. We have done lots of sightseeing, walking and riding the buses, and trains. I have been working at an after school center painting, laying carpet and general “making the place a little brighter and better. The kids are curious and some try to communicate and that has been an experience by itself. We will leave the center a better place than it was when we arrived. Knowing that is a very satisfying and fulfilling feeling. I'm very glad that God put me in the right place at the right time and with the right people to have made this all happen for us. Zoe and I both are having the time of our lives.

Richard Walker

I have worked most of my time while in Berlin helping in the kitchen to preparing meals for the mission workers. I have met many women from the American Church in Berlin who have worked along side with me. We have interacted in a very friendly and positive way. They are very nice. I have learned a lot on how the Germans use their kitchen in meal preperation. I'm so glad and excited to be part of this mission.

Zoe Walker

Thursday June 17 8 am

2010-06-16T23:06:00.001-07:00

From yesterday:
Today when I was walking by a school I saw a group of Turkish kids emerge. I thought back to the 1960's when the few Turks in Germany were “Guest Workers” treated as second or even third class citizens. Today these kids will get a good education and have the advantage of two cultures – Turkish and German. They will truly be citizens of the world. This makes me smile.

Jim Greenfield

June 16 10 pm

2010-06-16T13:14:00.000-07:00

Today was an explosion of interaction at the Youth Center (Pallast). With the first two days of uncertainty and wariness, today many people of all ages sought us out to communicate. It was difficult to get working! My very bad German and their limited English proved to be an added feature to questions and answers.
Why do you come all the way from New York to paint? Can we hire you?
Why do we do this thing? How long are we here?
The American Church is a good thing for the neighborhood.
Directions for good places to visit or to go to eat.
Comparing schools, lives and seeing the differences, but embracing the similarities.
Compliments on a job well done.
Five days seems much too short a time, but bridges are being built – it is a wonderful thing.

Vicki Behrens

June 16 5:30 pm

2010-06-16T08:53:00.001-07:00

Since arrival in Berlin I have been struck by two things – the need here of mission work and the amazement of some of the people we are working with that we would make such an effort for them. To come to Germany to paint rooms and mow lawns! Why would we work hard in service to them? They approach us curious as to our motive. Once realizing it's just lovethey respond in kind. From a shy handshake to a little chocolate candy offered by a Turkish woman learning German at our work site. The wide smiles and giggles of the teenage girls at the center at my paint splotched glasses and hair. I'm sure they think we're a little crazy. The invisible walls between us being torn down just like the real physical wall that was torn down here. The paintbrush and the chisel, both effective in making a big difference. All we need is love.

Karen Stenzel

Guz gave me a book to read on this trip called, “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan. In preparing a devotion for this morning I used some of his thoughts on God's diversity and creativity. It is certainly prevalent on this journey. We've seen glorious peachy pink oriental poppies in the yards of the garden houses. There's a bird I've seen that looks like a crow, (only smaller) walks like a crow, sounds like a crow, but has a black head, beak, tail and wing tips but the rest is a smokey gray. The American Church of Berlin congregation includes members who represent over 25 different countries. The children in the kindergarten counted for me yesterday in English, Spanish, German, Turkish and Greek. Karen and I ate in a Latin based restaurant where the staff speak Spanish. Why did I think the US was the only melting pot? We are all diverse and creative in our approaches to our work here. Most are engaged in tasks for removed from our daily jobs. (Although I hear one of our painting crews was offered a contract by a passerby.) The ACB serves a wide range of needs for its community. Berlin is a cosmopolitan bustling city that is similar and dissimilar to others in the western world. God has brought us here to learn, love and work in diverse and creative ways. To paraphrase the Bible, “Rejoice in the Lord always again I say, 'Rejoice.'”

Nancy Hoelzer

Tuesday June 15

2010-06-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

June 15, 8 pm

From yesterday:
I just completed my first work day! What fun! I am lucky enough to have been assigned to work with the kindergarten. It is a pre-school for children up to 6 years old when they begin regular school. I worked with 3-6 year olds from Turkey, Afghanistan, Albania, Africa and Arabia that I know of. They all speak German, I do not, but we had a great time. They chattered and I attempted to respond with appropriate words and nods. We counted to 20 in English. By the end of the day, two of them were vying for my attention with picture books. I attempted to read one or two in German – no one walked away so it must have been OK. I pointed to some pictures and said, “Was ist das?” So I learned some German words from them. Who knows what I will learn by the time we leave! God has planted me here to grow.

Nancy Hoelzer

From today:
Today we got a good start on painting the entry way of the church. Rich Keil on the ladder, me on the scaffold and Linda on the floor. After a good day of work we are about 70% done and the narthex looks great. Just before Mittagessen (lunch), a man wandered into the church. Turns out he is from New Zealand. He saw the church from the U-Bahn and wanted to check it out. Peter stayed for lunch and we had great conversation. He is a train enthusiast at was trying to check out all the trains and streetcars in Berlin – a big job. He is also a passionate Christian and member of the Vineyard Church in NZ. Later a cashier in the neighborhood supermarket wanted to know what we are doing so we had the chance to witness a bit. Most of the group is off tonight to the Reichstag but Linda and I decided to have a quiet evening – dinner at the local Turkish restaurant and then relaxation.

Jeff Silvernail

Clearing and Cleaning the Park

2010-06-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

Pastor Ben told us the story of American Church moving to the Martin Luther Church Demmelwitzplatz 5 years ago. The area was known as Neddleplatz for it was home of drug users and prostitutes. The Sunday morning clean-up crew would clear away the syringes and condoms before worship. As the church has become established and accepted in this culturally diverse neighborhood by helping and being open the the neighbors, the neighbors in turn have helped reclaim Neddleplatz and the church property. The little park at Demelwitzplatz is still unkept and overgrown. Certainly it was nothing that would bring pride to the residents. I asked this morning, could we mow it and clean it up. The initial answer was “No, it belongs to the city and they don't want any one else to take care of it.”

But then the wheels were turning. Pastor Ben smiled and said “Let's do it.” So our first day of Berlin we broke the law!

The mowers came out and Rich Keil and I moved while several others cut and hauled brush and picked up litter. By the end of the day it looked good – our gift to the neighborhood.

Jeff Silvernail

[Note: we have no where to leave the computer at church during the day so it is hard for others to write at the current time.]

Sunday June 13th 9 pm

2010-06-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

Today was church at the American Church of Berlin then some more sightseeing. We went to two very old churches from the 13th century, Marionkirche and Nicholaskirche. From there we found our way to Check Point Charlie. It is part of our heritage since we are children of the Cold War, but it seems odd that so many are making money from the memory of such a troubled and tortured time. The day concluded with dinner at the Lindenbrau in the Sony Center.

Let me go back to church this morning. We met with Dr. Helmut Zeddies who was General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation in the former East Germany. One thing sticks out as he spoke of the fall of the DDR. Government officials of the Communist government said “We were prepared for everything except for people with candles and prayers.” The DDR fell without a single shot being fired.

With God all things are possible! Keep praying!

Tomorrow we begin our work.

Jeff Silvernail

June 12, 2010, 10 PM

2010-06-12T13:23:00.000-07:00

The internet issue has been taken care of as our landlady is allowing us to use her LAN. More sightseeing in Berlin today including the Jewish Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Berliner Dome cathedral.

A few thoughts on the Jewish Holocaust memorial. It is made up of 100's of concrete rectangles of various heights and angles set up on grids of walk-ways over a site of several acres. There are no inscriptions on the blocks. Pastor Charles asked us what we thought the significance was.

I walked in and spent some time by myself wandering among the stones. They start small. Soon though as you walk you find yourself surrounded by stones that tower over you. As the ground dips down you lose contact with the streets and the buildings.

The stones now loom over with their massive grayness. What does it represent? Perhaps the “little” antisemitism that was tolerated until the true evil of it dominated both the oppressors and the victims. How often do we tolerate a little evil and risk it coming to dominate us?

In the afternoon we were invited to a garden party in the outer reaches of Berlin. Lots of good food and drink and conversation. Now back watching the World Cup. USA! USA!

Gute Nacht,

Jeff Silvernail

Saturday June 12, 2010

2010-06-12T01:28:00.000-07:00

We are all finally in Berlin safely. Our flight from London was a bit late arriving, our next flight was in a different terminal building and we had to go through security again! With all that, Judy and Karen did not make the flight to Berlin. Of course with British Airways crews on strike there was not another flight they could get on until the evening. But finally all are here and settled in.

One note to blog readers, we do not have internet access in our apartments or at the church so posting of the blog will be sporadic at best.

Anyway yesterday, all but Judy and Karen, were met at the airport by Pastor Charles, Kumar, Denise and Nancy Kowalski from Prince of Peace who guided us through the public transportation system to get us to the church and then off to find our apartments.

Exhaustion is the operative word for yesterday. Those who were fortunate slept maybe 2 hours total. Most of us were not so lucky. So arriving at the church we are informed that we will leave post haste for a museum and city tour leading to dinner until 10 pm.

Rebellion rose among the ranks. A one hour reprieve was negotiated, off to shower and nap.

Slightly refreshed our gracious hosts Michel and Gabbi led us to the Story of Berlin museum, on the 100 bus through the heart of Berlin and to a restaurant in the old East Berlin where the featured dish was Spargel (white asparagus) which was included in all the entrees.

Back on the U and S Bahn and finally a good full night's sleep.

Mission one in the morning find coffee – success, pay the landlord and then off to the church and later to a garden party with the Greenfield's friends Ingeborg and Mannfred.

Jeff Silvernail

The Rhythm of Mission

2010-06-10T05:01:00.000-07:00

“The Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way...'

“The seventy returned with joy, saying, 'Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!'” Luke 10:1-3a, 17.

Go and return with joy! That's the rhythm of mission. It seems especially poignant right now. I'm writing the day before we board the bus to begin the journey that will take us to serve our neighbors in Berlin, Germany.

I wish I could say that I was ready to go, but, alas, a night and a morning of organizing and packing remains. Details, details...

But I am ready to serve! I love to serve. I'm not quite sure but I think this is the 14th mission trip I have been on. It is the 3rd one to a foreign country. Though the total numbers are a little fuzzy, with everyone of those trips I have returned with joy.

There has been joy over work accomplished, but far more joy over seeing Jesus in the face of others and in some way being Jesus to others. These are times of intentionally incarnating the love of Jesus. It is so fulfilling and uplifting. In fact one of the most common expressions of those I have known on mission trips is, “I received far more than I gave.”

It feels that good to serve in Jesus' name!

But we need not limit that experience to mission trips. Every day is a day in which you are in mission for Jesus. Every day is a day in which you can share the love and acceptance of Jesus. Every day is a day in which you can see the face of Jesus in your neighbor. Every day is a day in which you can practice loving the Lord you God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength; and love your neighbor as yourself.

Every day! Even today! Even tomorrow!

You've been called to be children of God and ambassadors for the gospel. You've been sent! Now go, then return to share your joy!

In Christ's Amazing Grace,

Jeff Silvernail

2010 Mission Trip to Berlin

2009-10-12T05:58:00.000-07:00

Coming soon - details on the June 2010, Prince of Peace Mission Trip to Berlin, Germany!

More Mission Opportunities

2009-07-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

September 20th (Sun) Regional Food Bank 1-230pm (aiming for 5 people- more are welcome)October 10th 1030-1pm Albany City Mission serve lunch meal (5-10 needed)November 14th 230-4pm Schenectady City Mission serve meal (5-10 needed) As always we will have sign up sheets up in the welcoming area. I'll have those ready by August. You can also email me if you are available. Katie Welter, RN welterkrn@hotmail.com

Mission Dispatch 6

2009-07-18T05:31:00.000-07:00

Staten Island 7-16-09 pm

Heather – Today we did a lot of work. A semi truck full of food was delivered to the food bank. We unloaded about 18 pallets and took them to the second floor where the food pantry is located. Once this was done we made sure all the shelves were stocked full. It was a very rewarding and fulfilling day. Throughout this whole trip I have realized that poverty is a lot bigger problem than I thought and its getting worse day by day. The funding for these pantries and soup kitchens are being cut by the government and it is making it harder and harder for them to feed the ever growing homeless and low income families. The first day that I worked at the food pantry we served about 400 men, women and children. The thing that stands out the most is that the people that we served were so grateful for anything that they received. This is a real problem in the city and nationwide and it is only going to get worse if the economy doesn't recover. We all need to do our part to help everyone in need. It doesn't matter how small we might seem to think it is. Every little bit helps.

Staten Island 7-17-09 am

From All: Thank you for your prayers and support. We made perhaps a small difference here but like the mustard seed these beginnings may sprout and grow in the lives of all those who have been a part of this mission. Let the branches reach up and out for the glory of God!

Meghan Berman
Darian Blanchard
Georgeanna Frasier
Kayla Frasier
Amanda Gibson
Ashley Latham
Heather Leavitt
John Leavitt
Chrisanne Pierson
Courtney Schadewald
Jeff Silvernail
Danika Simonson
Liana Thibault
Katie Welter

Clifton Park 7-17-09 pm

Jeff (10:30 pm) Though the drive was tough through heavy traffic and rain we are all home safely! See you in church Sunday!

Mission Dispatch 5

2009-07-16T14:03:00.001-07:00

Staten Island 7-16-09 am

Last day of work – may it be a fulfilling one. Grits for breakfast – yum!

Danika (8:05 am) Yesterday's drop in center was really neat! I understand why you have to be 16 to go to in-- there was a small quarrel between one of the drop-ins and the lady in the kitchen because he took a lunch out of a create. It was kind of surprising because there was some yelling and the man ended up getting kicked out of the drop-in center. The people were so gracious we were there to give them food. One lady I saw at the drop in center I saw again at the BBQ and she came up and said “nice to see you again”. It was pretty neat to be recognized!

7-16-09 pm

Danika (4:30 pm) I have found a new love in moping floors.

Chrisanne (4:30pm) Today I worked at the Food Pantry with the whole group. When we work there, we know we won be standing around just waiting for things to do. We unloaded a HUGE truck and we set in the 85+ degree humid weather! Some people helped out inside stacking, shopping and bagging. We hung out with the friends we met on Tuesday. We also again served in the soup kitchen and it as pretty rockin'. I enjoy helping people, I never thought I would but I do. I have never been so excited to work and willing to do whatever I am asked to do!

Jeff (4:35 pm) I have loaded and unloaded a lot of semi trailers in my time but that was with a fork truck. It is amazing how much is on 15 pallets of food and all of it had to be handled by hand multiple times. Lunch in the soup kitchen was also very busy. It took a long time before we could get far enough ahead so we could start eating. Not complaining – it was a good day and it seems that everyone feels that they accomplished much. At the end we took pictures with all our friends from the pantry – and then off to an hour on South Beach. Tomorrow we hit Lower Manhattan and then on home.

Katie(4:40pm) Today at the Food Pantry I helped with unloading the donation truck in the am. Then after lunch, Kayla, Amanda, Megan, and I made up 100 bags of canned goods and cereal to be given out on the mobile outreach. These were items such as vegetables, juice, milk, and individual cereals. We got a group picture with some of the regular volunteers who make the Food Pantry run as smoothly as it does every day after we were done with our work.

Mission Dispatch 4

2009-07-16T04:17:00.000-07:00

Staten Island 7-15-09 pm

Georgie (8:30 pm) Blessings:
What a blessing God has given me, my family, my job, food, help when needed, and all the other things that we all take for granted. Being here has shown me that we are all so blessed by God's love and grace. We all can share that with others at any level. Just giving someone a smile can change someones day. So go out and help someone today.

Jeff (9:10pm) Actually kind of an easy day for me. 5 of us worked at the Hospitality House (family housing apartments). Other than giving a top-notch cleaning to some pretty goady high-chairs there really wasn't much work for us. Then on to the food pantry – not much work there today either. The afternoon was capped off with a speaker on HIV/AIDS and off to the HIV/AIDS group bar-b-que. Lots of good food and I learned how to play spades by watching.

7-16-09
Jeff (7:00am) Not sure when we are coming back tonight so I'll send this out as a brief dispatch.

Mission Dispatch 3

2009-07-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

Staten Island 7-14-09 pm

Ashley and Chrisanne (6:38 pm) Today was a lot of fun! A group of us went to the food pantry and soup kitchen. We met a lot of new and exciting people. Mine and Chrisanne's job was to bag the food the clients “purchased” at the food pantry. The clients were so thankful for our work, in total we got like 100000 thank yous. Ashley also worked in the kitchen area with Courtney where we got to wear hair nets, aprons, and gloves preparing the food and dining area for the soup kitchen. The volunteers that work there were awesome; they made us laugh the whole day! Today we also served the clients in the soup kitchen which was very humbling. It was amazing to see how many people came to receive food...i believe that we served like 120-125 people which is awesome. The people were so grateful and kept telling us “God bless you” which was very sweet and really showed us how grateful they were that we were there to help them. Also, today we had a homelessness seminar which was very inspirational. It was really courageous for the people that told their life stories about their homelessness and drug use. Their life stories really opened our eyes to what homelessness was really like . I saw God's grace and strength through all of them and it was just amazing.

John (7:33 pm) Today I had a great!! crew with me; Darian, Megan, and Amanda. We went to the Hospitality House and out worked what they had planned for us. And the young ladies kept asking for more. They let us go early so we could get over to the food pantry earlier and help out there. It is amazing when you see how the same story of homelessness and substance abuse moves one person to tears while others barely seemed touched. The sagas today were so powerful. It makes one realize how blessed we are in our lives. It also makes me wonder what do I not see when I am in Albany, Troy, or even Clifton Park. Open my eyes.

True Freedom
Katie (9:00pm) Today I was at the food pantry with 9 other people. We helped many people get food to hold them over until the next month Items such as pasta, cereal,milk, frozen chicken, canned vegetables- basic staples that are needed for nutrition to keep you going. Many were very thankful to have the help, as they were new to the food pantry, others had been using the food pantry for some time and were familiar with it. In the afternoon we had a very moving talk by three individuals who have experienced homelessness. All three had common themes, even though they came from slightly different backgrounds and where they are in their journey is different.
All three had different life circumstances that influenced them to use drugs with their friends when teen peers suggested it. Some started with pot, others harder things like coke and heroin. All became addicted eventually, and the drugs were stronger than they were. Jail was their chronic home, and when they weren't in jail they were homeless. None graduated from high school- all had to get a GED at some point. Pride stood in the way of them getting the help they needed to get clean and get off the streets. Usually, someone broke through, and and they humbled themselves enough to realize they needed help to get sober. They humbled themselves before God and asked for help, and continue to rely on Him daily to stay clean. The physical jails they had finally been able to stay out of were one thing, now they were conquering another kind of jail- a mental and spiritual jail. All had achieved a freedom from that jail by letting go of their pride and relying on God. God's mercy at work in their lives was moving.

Devotions
Katie
Tonight we talked about 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for others in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” We discussed ways we had been examples to the people we had interacted with during the day.

7-15-09 am

Jeff (8:15 am) We are splitting up the teams differently this morning to make sure that everyone has the chance to work at other sites and with different people. The first groups have gone out to sort potatoes and then to work at their assigned sites. My group will leave a bit later to to maintenance at the Family Transitional Housing Center. Tonight we have a barbeque with a ministry group at another church so there will be no evening posting on the blog.

Mission Dispatch 2

2009-07-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

Staten Island, July 13, 2009 pm

Jeff (8:50 pm): We just finished devotions including praying by name for those whom we met today and for their concerns. Our eyes are open to see Jesus in all his many forms and disguises. We have been singing “The 21st Time” as a kind of theme song. Today was a good day – work, ministry, interaction – hands and feet of Jesus in action.

July 14, 2009 am

Jeff (7:30 am) 10 of us to the food pantry/soup kitchen today for distribution and serving lunch, 4 to the Family Transitional Housing building for maintenance and clean up. Later in the afternoon we have a seminar on homelessness and substance abuse.

Danika (7:35 am) The girls thought we would be very tired last night and fall asleep quickly... but oddly enough we were wired and stayed up quite late :)

Ashley (8:09 am) Yesterday was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed playing with the kids at the playground. It was so cute when the kid Tyreese(not sure how to spell it) took my camera and started to take pictures of all of us with it. He was a very good photographer. It was also very cute how him and his sister Precious were teaching some of the girls how to runway walk. They were making everyone laugh. The kids were very cute and full of energy and laughter. They definitely made my day.

Jeff (5:30 pm) Just back from a long hard day at the food pantry. Lots of families received lots of food though they say they had less available than other weeks. Finished out unloading a truck of smelly potatoes and listening to 3 very powerful stories of redemption from those who lived substance abuse, prison and homelessness.

Mission Dispatch 1

2009-07-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

July 13, 2009 Staten Island, NY

Jeff: (6:00 am) All is well for the POP mission team. We have settled into the Faith Methodist Church social hall and adjoining rooms. The ride down was smooth, found the grocery store, ate very good pizza, prayed about our goals, and sang praises to the Lord. We look forward to serving our neighbor today. So far we haven't found out how to access the wireless so we will post on the blog when we can. Now it's time for some coffee.

Katie: As we were getting ready to leave the shower area at 745am, an older woman approached us with her grandson (who looked to be about 4 or so). She handed us two children's books, one of which was titled “My Grandma has AIDS Annisha's Story”, the other one was “Cooper's tale” about a mouse who becomes homeless. She shared that the one about the grandmother with AIDS made her cry. I wondered if it might be her story, too. Well, we're about ready to start our first day, more stories to share later.

Jeff: (2:30 pm) Worked at the food pantry getting ready for food distribution tomorrow. Lots of fun working with the folks there. I heard a story of recovery and changed life as God's grace, working through caring people claimed one who was lost.

Danika: (2:40 pm) Today Darian, Georgie, Katie, Chrisanne and I went to the Family Center and pulled TONS of weeds on the street and parking lot. Our hands are callused and raw. It was a very different experience pulling weeds for people in need rather than for our mothers and fathers... my father especially! They were very gracious and giving; it was a neat experience. Gardening gloves would have been nice though! But the plastic gloves rocked! Oh and the juice they gave us was super awesome!

Meghan and Amanda: (2:44 pm) Today Amanda, Ashley, Kayla, Pastor Jeff, and I went to the Food Pantry on Bay St. and met Tony who helped us find our way around. We started off packing pasta and that lasted until lunchtime where we were graciously served “fillet mignon” and a macaroni salad. Afterwards we carried bread and joked around with the workers because we finished our work so efficiently. Apparently they use the broken pieces of pasta for the midgets and the flip tops of soda cans for soup. Afterwards the paper towel holder fell on my head! Tony wasn't too happy, but then we fixed it. :) They donated some food to us so that actually tastes good. Thank you!

Liana and Courtney: (2:58pm) Today we worked at the Drop-In, which is a place to go for people that are dealing with addictions, with John and Heather. We made sandwiches and packed lunches, then distributed them to the people staying there. It was really hot in the kitchen and Liana started to feel sick for a while. But the macaroni salad was really good. The people were really comical and we enjoyed serving them and watching them come back for more helpings.

Welcome to our Mission Trip Blog

2009-06-18T06:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the news feed for Prince of Peace Lutheran Church's mission teams. We start this endeavor with our Project Hospitality Mission Team serving the poor and those living with HIV/AIDS in Staten Island, NY. Our team of 12+ begins our mission on July12 and will return to Clifton Park on July 18. Check here daily during that time for updates and news on the mission and its participants.

Meanwhile here's how you can help:

1. We still have openings for those who want to participate. Please contact Pastor Jeff Silvernail at pastorjeff@poplutheranchurch.org for more details.

2. You can buy a share in the mission trip for $10 (3 for $25). Not only will you have the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting a great mission, but you will also be invited to a special ice cream social with the mission trip team members to hear their stories first hand. Shares are on sale Sunday mornings at Prince of Peace or call 518-371-2226.