|
There are lots of exciting events happening this summer, but it is all based on the commitment level we can provide. I know everyone has a busy summer and I have done my best to plan our Mission and Disney summer trips BEFORE all the sports begin to the best of my ability. Also, it has been almost a decade since our youth has taken a missions trip and the missions fields themselves have drastically changed over the years.
I am so excited to finally share that we have partnered with the Church of the Good Shepard in Lake Wales, Florida. The Reverend John Mottis, currently serves as a Deacon in the Church of the Good Shepard as well as serving the Diocese of Central Florida as disaster relief chairman and also is on the Board of the Lake Wales Care Center. The Care Center will be hosting our group for the mission portion of this trip. The project managers are putting together age appropriate tasks for the youth to complete around the Care Center. We will likely be helping with their community garden as well as stocking their pantries, and there is also a possibility that we will be helping in their thrift store as well. Here is the link for you to take a look at at your convenience.
Lake Wales Care Center
It is a fascinating place that has so many veins into their mission of spreading the light of Jesus. Information on accommodations in Lake Wales is coming soon, so stay tuned for that portion of the trips detail. We will depart from church on June 7th and head directly to Lake Wales, an eight hour drive. Currently, I have two minivans (holds 7 each) on hold for traveling. (If you have any thoughts, suggestions, connections on traveling, let me know!) This portion of the trip is an excellent way to give back and to experience life outside of Mobile. I realize there are tons of needs around our town and I am planning to add those through the upcoming year as well, but with most of our students having to commit to service hours for school, I thought it would be a cool idea to see another place. Often times, getting out of our town allows our eyes and minds to open on how big our world really is. (I am very happy to sign service hours for this trip though, they will definitely deserve the credit.)
The second component of this trip is meant for connection! We will be staying at Sarasota Springs in the Walt Disney World Property and will be headed out each day for FUN! I have TWO villas on hold here, each holds 9, including a chaperone. The portion of this trip will include, the dining plan for each kiddo, the accommodations for each kiddo and their ticket into the parks each day. The Villa is a great set up as it has a full kitchen. We will plan to have breakfast every morning along with morning prayer to start our day. The dining plan will cover their lunches, snacks, and dinners in the park. I am in the process now of making the reservations and it has been the highlight of my day, I must admit.
This is going to be a fabulous experience, and I am looking ridiculously forward to spending time with our youth. The church has set the portion of $550 for each child and we will fundraise to make up the additional amount. In order to know exactly what the trip will cost, I have to know exactly how many children will want to attend. I have had a few folks outside of our church inquire and I have let them know that this will go out to our St. Paul’s Church members FIRST. I will need to send our exact number by April 17th. This way we can determine if we will need additional vehicles/space. This trip will cost approximately $25,000 so it is important that we begin fundraising immediately.
If your child is already planning on going, please let me know!
Here is what we are planning on that we could use your help with ….
- April 21st is a brunch Sunday. We would love to have youth volunteers to help serve breakfast following the service. The theme is “Brunch with this Bunch” and we will have bagels and all the fixins 😊
- We will make tri-boards that have envelopes, available to put in the offertory and/or the boxes in the parish hall.
- We will sell t-shirts for the children to wear to church in the summer.
- Catherine Tubbs is working on an event at Red or White.
There are so many opportunities to help get this off the ground, and I look forward to working hard to ensure this trip is successful and an option for everyone who would like to join!
Blessings,
Miranda
| 
