Interns Cory and Julie both made remarks about the “soulful” worship we experienced at St. Ann’s on Pentecost Sunday. Follow the links below to hear the Rev. Martha Overalls Sermon as well as musical samples from the service!

Pentecost Sunday Sermon by Mother Martha Overall, Vicar of St. Ann’s

“Give Thanks,” led by the musicians and congregation of St. Ann’s

Playing in Central Park on Saturday afternoon

Dining at Le Pain Quotien

We made it safely to New York on Saturday morning! Below is Hannah Renfro’s personal reflection from the first few days. Hannah designed our awesome mission t-shirts this year!

On Saturday, we got here smoothly, for the most part. When we arrived, we got our rooms, and several of us took a nap, and then we headed to Central Park. We walked past lots of flowers, and on bridges over the lake. It was really pretty out, so lots of people were boating. We came upon a “roller disco” in the park which included loud techno, and people spinning rubber chickens over their heads. Then we came to the fountain, where lots of people were performing, including “Thoth.” We left the park, and headed for Whole Foods for dinner. They have a variety of foods such as an Indian bar, and “comfort food” bar, and sushi. I had sushi and a cupcake.

On Sunday, we got showered and dressed, (a pretty big ordeal when 35 or so people are competing for 12 showers), and headed for St. Ann’s for worship. The service is pretty similar to St. John’s, except, when we say the peace, everyone moves around the room and hugs one another. Then, we took the subway to Fine and Shipiro, a Jewish deli for lunch. We had our choice of soup (most people got Matza ball), a sandwich, potato Latkas, and cookie. Afterward, we split into two groups and headed to either the Cloisters or the Museum of Natural History. I went to the Cloisters, which is a Medieval Art museum set in castle, surrounded by gardens along the Hudson. Awesome. Most of the building is not old, but some of it is made up of ruins from Monasteries and Churches of Europe, all incorporated into the structure of the building. After returning to the hotel, we all had a little time to rest before a big evening. We headed for Times Square to Carmines’ restaurant. Everything there is “family style,” meaning they bring large plates of food for everything to share. We had several pasta entrees, and a salad, but my group’s favorite part was the “Titanic,” a gigantic sundae shaped like a boat, smoke stacks and all. After dinner, we split up into groups to shop in Times Square, and then met up at the M&M store. We all headed back to the Y for the evening, and got some sleep before our first big day at St. Ann’s.

Monday morning, we split up for breakfast, and then headed for the Bronx. When we arrived, we did our devotion, which was a discussion of our task this week, and we learned a new song: Tim Hughes’ “God of Justice,” which is based on Micha 6:8—“…And what does the Lord require of you?” To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God…”

After our devotion, we started our work in the garden, weeding, and digging up a large stump (which became Garrett’s job). Several of us left around 2:15 to pick up the kids. They had their snack, and we helped them with homework. This year, since we have such a large group, all of the teachers have already gone to Knoxville, so we were each assigned to a class. The kids split up and did different activities. I was assigned to the computer lab, where they can play games, or do assignments. Yesterday, it was math. Then we headed outside to play games because it was a beautiful day. I played hopscotch and made daisy chains with the kids. At 5:30, the kids went inside for dinner, and then parents came. After they left, the group left the Bronx, and took the subway to Le Pain Quotien, a French restaurant near the hotel. Then, we went back to the Y to get some sleep.

This year’s youth mission to St. Ann’s Church and After-school Center in the Bronx is scheduled for May 31-June 7!  Please check back periodically for mission updates and remember to hold our young people and adult sponsors in prayer as they prepare to do God’s work in New York!

If you are interested in helping through a donation of time or money, please contact Paul Ruff:  pruff@stjohnscathedral.org

Pictures coming soon!!!

Well our 8th grade confirmation is back from a fantastic experience working with the folks at the Woodland in White Oak, TN.  The Woodland is a non-profit organization that holds a large portion of land in trust for residents who wish to return to the area which was largely vacated after the major industry (the coal mining business) left town.  We spent the week working on a variety of projects throughout the community including the construction of a new deck, building a chicken pin, making a perennial garden bed, painting, tiling, and ripping up carpet.  In addition, we all had a wonderful time making new friends with community members of all ages!  It was incredible to hear especially the older folks tell all about their experiences and stories from growing up in coal mining families!  While the people we ministered to this past week had very few material possessions, they had very big hearts, very generous hands, and deeply faithful spirits!  Our youth were truly humbled to be in their presence.

Moreover, there was NO CELL PHONE SERVICE!!!  While a nightmare at first, in the end everyone appreciated the experience of living so simply and free of distractions and subsequently felt closer to the Lord and his creation.  It was a fantastic week of hard work, ministry, and fellowship as our eighth grade class continued to consider what confirmation meant to them.