Upcoming Events
Communion Sunday -
Feb. 7
Office Closed-
Feb. 15
Pantry -
Feb. 12 & 26
10 - Noon
Ash Wednesday -
Feb. 17
Visit our
Calendar of Events
for more information or get the PDF version.
07.05.09
Today the Ashtabula Presbyterian Cluster Youth Mission Group arrived at about 3:30 at the First Presbyterian Church of Dimondale Michigan. We were immediately welcomed by Rev. Sharon and several church members, whom prepared a delectable dinner for us all. Much of the food was donated or made by members of the First Presbyterian Church of Dimondale (FPCD) Michigan. I believe I speak for all Cluster missionaries when I say our reception was one of the best we’ve received in the four years I’ve been going on mission trips with them. To be honest, I expected nothing less from my church : )
In opening, I am going to attempt to blog my perspective of the Ashtabula Presbyterian Cluster Youth Mission (APCYMG) Mission Trip of 2009, to the best of my abilities. I hope to have each entry posted by noon of the following day. For those of you, who are not familiar with what is currently happening at the FPCD, we are being invaded. God has sent my church a mission group from Ashtabula Ohio. A group that has come to be here by very unordinary means (long, extraordinary story on its own). I’m a member of FPCD, I’m also participating with the APCYMG for the fourth year, concurrently. Enough about me, back to the important stuff!
The group is currently sleeping but this afternoon they took a five hour drive here, unpacked and begun to break the ice. Seen as it’s the 21st century we are not allowing the participants to have any contact with the outside world, except for quick calls home. No facebook, no email, texting or calling friends. Many have begun tech detox, and as a result they are developing new friends. Tonight it was lights out by 10:30 and tomorrow the real shock comes when these guys get woke up nice and early, well… compared to what they’re used to anyway.
Throughout this week they the missionaries will participate in two devotionals per day, one in the morning and one in the evening, they will also work throughout the afternoons and in most cases have some type of event in the evenings. Tonight, was mainly filled with down time, to allow everyone to get to know each other. So far, I would say the group gets along rather well!
For the evening devotion we were asked to list five things we hope will happen during this week. Here is what I have listed:
That’s about all for today. The Cluster missionaries will get shook awake at about 6:30am tomorrow, eat and be off to their first worksite by 8:00.
Here is a link to a quick article about our groups fund raising tactics for this year’s trip http://www.starbeacon.com/local/local_story_115002102.html
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Email me at webmaster@fpcdimondale.org
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07.06.09
The APCYMG swung into full action today as work began and the spread of hope ensued. Just as planned the group was woke at 6:30am, on to devotionals by 7:15 and work by 8:00. There was very little confusion, considering this was our first day on the job. One group stayed close to the church today. Their job was to stain a deck for a FPCD church member but from what I understand, they did a little more than that.
Just to give some background. The church member that the local area group went to help suffers from MS. This makes it difficult for his family to take on the daunting tasks involved in large home repairs. By the end of the day, not only had the group stained their back deck, but they also weeded, raked, partially mowed their yard, cleaned patio furniture, gutters and rinsed all concrete walks, patios and drives. All our work was greatly appreciated!
In the evening the entire APCYMG went shower, then on to a baseball game at the Lansing Lugnuts home stadium. The Lugnuts took on the Sliver Hawks in a semi-pro show down, in which the Lugnuts prevailed. One of our members even received a free baseball via drawing! The entire group appeared to have a great time cheering on the Lugs.
Our morning devotional talked about representation. We are here to not only represent our churches, selves and community but to represent God. No matter our original intent to come on the trip, we were selected to be here and accomplish work in the name of God.
The evening devotional impressed upon us the notion that one of the most important things we have to give is hope. Our presence here is the way in which we are giving hope to others, whether we realize it or not. Every outing we take brings questions and looks from locals which may ultimately translate to hope for them. We are also providing hope to all of those we help in a more direct way.
Well, that about sums it up for today.
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Email me at webmaster@fpcdimondale.org
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07.07.09
Soon after finishing another fantastic meal, which was prepared by our very own fine dining master, APCYMG was sent to the streets to shine the Lord’s light. We had groups travel as far as Charlotte and Lansing, representing Jesus Christ all the way. While heading out, our group was asked to think about what it would be like if we did not have the light to guide ourselves and others.
The group of the day did in fact stay at FPCD. It was their job to prepare dinner for the other missionaries and help build characters for FPCD’s very own vacation bible school (VBS). The group accomplished many tasks such as cutting out Styrofoam characters and making decorations that comply with this year’s VBS theme. They also took some time out to vacuum and tidy up here at the church.
In the evening we had some relaxing time. After eating dinner we all walked over to the local ice cream shop and had a snack which was paid for by a member of FPCD (thank you so much!). After returning from the ice cream shop the missionaries were give the option to go swimming at a nearby pool (opened to us by an FPCD member (Thank you!) or stick around the church and relax. Of course many went to the pool and had a great time!
Around 10:00 we all regrouped at the FPCD sanctuary for our evening devotion. Our devotion talked about how as a representative of God we are a conduit through which his work is carried out. Our presence here provides the area with many things it needs, many of which only God understands but we may not. After devotionals, everyone collapsed in bed except for the lowly blogger : )
On a personal note I would like to point out some differences I’ve noticed in this trip from others that I’ve been on. This year’s mission trip is the first I’ve participated in at home. This difference in location has had a profound effect on my experience thus far. In the past, due to lack of familiarity with the surrounding area I’ve felt that I have lost a multi layered safety net. It really makes one rely on the group that there with, the last safety net, for everything. When you’re in or near a home town you’re nowhere near as removed as you are if you travel away. You know who to call for immediate help if something goes wrong or how to find your way home when you’re turned around. You also feel more comfortable – too comfortable. It seems to me that being uncomfortable really stirs you up and gets you to look at the same old things from a new perspective. This is very important to individuals lasting impressions from the trip.
I could say more but nah, I’m going to bed!
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Email me at webmaster@fpcdimondale.org
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07.08.09
Okay I’m exhausted; tonight’s post will be a little short because I need some sleep!
Today’s spotlight group traveled to downtown Lansing to help the Lansing City Mission. Their task was to dig a 60ft long by 18in deep and 18in wide ditch for the installation of new communication lines. These lines will provide internet access and phone lines for an old elementary school that is being converted to a housing development. Believe me when I say this job was no easy task! The group had to chip their way through some extremely rocky soil and dried clay. This project will save the Lansing City Mission over $300, which is a great thing for them because they have to run on such a tight budget. The new housing project is being done because the City Mission is running out of space for women and children. The new facility will be able to house upwards of 120 people and it’s going to cost around $3 million. When finished, this facility will also house a large free clothing giveaway store and a safe park which will be monitored.
This evening APCYMG ran out to the Meridian mall, in Lansing. This was a great opportunity for everyone to hang out, relax and enjoy each other’s company. It also made a fine time to wear our mission shirts and show our presence here to many people.
God bless!
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Email me at webmaster@fpcdimondale.org
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07.09.09
Our daily schedule is now beginning to become routine for the APCYMG as we settle into bed for the end of day five. Today, just like all the others so far, we woke at 6:30 and started work by 8:00 (Siren group goes around 10:00). Next everyone broke for lunch at about 12:00, at their various job sites and then went back at it when ready. We all ended the work day at about 3:45 (except for our Siren work group) and began to break up into groups for showers. Group one goes around 4:15 and group two goes about 25 minutes after. Finally group three arrives somewhere around 5:00 for showers, they come directly from Siren. Once we all make it back to the church we get to eat and tonight, after eating, we relaxed for a couple hours by either hanging out at the FPCD or going to the pool. By 10:00 we all had to be in the sanctuary for devotionals and then its lights out by 11:00.
Don’t get me wrong when I mention relaxing time this evening. Each of us has multiple tasks that we must complete by the end of the week, including a one minute or under summary of the Bible, a hand written letter to each group member and other miscellaneous tasks. Welcome to the life we get to know for eight days!
Today’s spotlight group is working at the Lansing Food Bank. They have accomplished many tasks there thus far and are currently breaking down a bulk delivery of frozen pizzas into boxes of 12. These boxes are then being handed out to those in need. In accomplishing this task with missionaries, other volunteers are freed up to complete other jobs around the Lansing Food Bank facilities.
We learned from a fantastic devotional tonight about hope, faith and love. After defining each of these three words as a group we related them to the work we did at our job sites today. We then talked about the importance of each. We also discussed how faith and hope rely on love. Without love (for an individual or for God) we have nothing to have faith or hope in. We then talked about the difference between loving and liking. The best way I can put it is, comparing love and like is like comparing a peach to an avocado. They are both fruits of the same plant family but one is much sweeter than the other. Finally, through discussion we discovered that it is not possible to have proper ministry without love for God tells us to love everyone and to deny love is to forget God’s word.
APCYMG moral is high but eye lids are floating dangerously low as the week wears on. Unfortunately tomorrow is our last day of full work groups. Saturday will be a bit different than what we have done so far. But on the bright side, tomorrow has a special planned outing which many of have been looking forward to all week.
Until tomorrow
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Email me at webmaster@fpcdimondale.org
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07.10.09
The spotlight work group of the day is the Siren group. The Siren complex in Charlotte owns a main building and multiple houses which are filled with many women and children who are recovering from domestic abuse. First our group went to one of the houses and weeded a playground and garden, and trimmed some trees. They had lunch with some of the women who lived at Siren and then they went to the main building to help with the safari day camp for kids. The kids did crafts and a story time with the missionaries. At the end of the day they also helped take down decorations for the day camp because the camp came to an end.
This evening, the APCYMG went to the West Side Community YMCA. We all had the choice to either swim, roller-skate, or play basketball. Many of our group members spent their time relaxing at the pool. We also used the Y as an opportunity to take showers, which was nice!
Our devotional for the night covered prayer. We talked about how many of us either have a hard time praying or we don’t know how to pray in the first place. Many times we ask for things that extend beyond our understanding and it can be best to pray that God’s will be done instead. It’s important to have faith in God’s will for he will ultimately make the right decision. We may also have a hard time praying sometimes because of hardships in the past or for other reason which is why we must remember, though times may be tough, God is always on our side!
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Email me at webmaster@fpcdimondale.org
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07.11.09
Today was our last day of work. The group did some things here at FPCD and a few people went out into the neighborhood to finish a painting project that was started previously. Much of the work that was done at the church was cleaning inside, weeding, and sweeping outside. It was great to have chance to give back to FPCD because they have been such great hosts! Work stopped around 1:00 and we all had some time to relax, shower and eat dinner before our final devotional. We also had a surprise birthday for one of the APCYMG members.
I would tell you all about the devotional that we experienced tonight but I would instead like to challenge you. For those of you that have followed this blog from day one, or for those of you who are reading it after the trip has finished. I would like for you to email me at webmaster@fpcdimondale.org or if you know another trip participant, talk to them. We all would love to tell you our story. Remember, no two participants experience will be the same, if you are so inclined ask several of us. Come prepared to listen and learn. Part of the reason we were here was to return and share our experiences. We are each a representative of Christ and we only hope that you find hope and love through our experiences on this trip.
Tomorrow we will stay at FPCD for church. Once the communion service is finished we will head back home.
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Email me at webmaster@fpcdimondale.org