The entire Mission to St. Ann’s has FINALLY been documented in it’s entirety on this blog!  Be sure to check out Thursday and Friday in New York!  Also, ConfirMission updates begin June 23!!!  Additional photo albums from NYC will be uploaded to the St. John’s Cathedral Website in the next couple weeks!

We made it (even if a day late) through another incredible mission to St. Ann’s!  Thanks so much to everyone how supported our youth and adults throughout this journey!!!  ”Stay tuned” for updates from ConfirMission ‘08:  ”The Woodland”–June 23-27!!!

Pictured below:  St. John’s NYC Mission Team under the rainbow at St. Ann’s playground (Click to enlarge)

The mission team boarded the plane from NYC to connect in Detroit at 9:00 Saturday morning.  After sitting on the plane for an hour and a half, we were told that the left engine starter wasn’t working and had to be replaced.  The repairs took 3 hours.  We were given the option of staying on the plane, after they made it very clear that there were “extremely limited beverages and NO food.”  We chose to exit the plane and eat lunch in the airport.  We finally made it to Detroit around 4:00.  However, our connecting flight left us behind.  We had to choose 11 participants to return to Knoxville on Saturday night, and the rest of us stayed.  The final group is currently waiting in the Detroit airport waiting to board our plane home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday was a bittersweet end to another phenomenal mission!  In the morning we made a quick stop to the Home Depot in Manhattan (which happened to be next door to Urban Outfitters, another popular shopping destination) to pick up some shelves for St. Ann’s.  Once we got to St. Ann’s, we spent the morning and early afternoon completing our various projects.  By the end of the week we had renovated 3 now-fully functional classroom spaces in addition to extensive gardening and yard work!

Pictured below:  One of two “Hope” paintings created by Emily Ruff that will be posted on the rainbow in the St. Ann’s playground (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Around 3:00 we went to pick up kids for the last time this year!  All the students were very excited with anticipation for Fridays events because they knew their friends from St. John’s Cathedral were hosting an old fashioned field day and barbeque for them!!!  Complete with hot dogs, a water balloon “toss” (it was more of a war), face painting, sack racing, Miss Patsy’s famous brownie pizza, and best of all, ICEES!!!–We hired the icee man around the corner to come with his cart and provide cold treats for each student

Pictured Below:  Kelley Kee leads a water balloon war!  (Click to enlarge)

It was a fun-filled, joyous afternoon for everyone involved.  At the conclusion the St. Ann’s kids sang their trademark “good job, good job” rap and many hugs and tears were exchanged.  We can’t wait for next year!

Pictured below:  Kerry, Andrew, and Theresa serving hotdogs (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictured below:  Hannah, Ashley, and Diane painting faces!  (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On our way back to the YMCA the exhausted St. John’s Mission Team stopped in Central Park for evening devotion and closing prayer.  Kerry led some spirited singing after which the youth reflected on how they had seen the light of Christ at St. Ann’s and in each other throughout the week in response to Jesus’ statement:  ”You are the Light of the World…” Before heading back for a relaxing dinner, the entire youth group gathered around the recently graduated high school seniors for a special blessing and commissioning.  It was an emotional and intimate closing to a life-changing experience!

Thursday all New York Schools were out, so we spent a day in the city (not before sleeping in ’til 10!)  First on the agenda was the Statue of Liberty!

 

After leaving the Statue of Liberty we explored China Town, Little Italy, and SoHo for lunch and SHOPPING!  :-0  A few brave souls even ventured “behind the wall” in some China Town shops for special deals on designer merchandise! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After leaving Chinatown, this jam-packed day was far from over!  Next we ran back to the hotel to freshen up before going to see Mell Brooks’ Young Frankenstein on BROADWAY!!!  Although we have few pictures, it was a brilliant show!!!  After the show we were hungry, so we went to Juniors-a hip, urban diner in Times Sqaure-for a late dinner at the suggestion of Andrew!  It was a great atmosphere with delicious food

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday was yet another great day working at St. Ann’s!  After morning devotion led by Hannah and Caitlin, the group went on a surprise excursion to H&M-a favorite of many in the group!  Afterwards, we headed to the Bronx for another day of work.  Progress continued on our projects despite the gloomy weather.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Later that evening, Miss Norah and her husband treated the entire group to an AMAZING Italian dinner at Bella Luna in Manhattan!  From the fried calamari and bruschetta appetizers to the chocolate mousse cake and gelato for dessert it was a fantastic meal!  Thank you Miss Norah!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  

Galatians 3:26-28

Pictured below:  Paul oversees operations in St. Ann’s classroom remodeling project (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday was a great day!  First we went to “The Rock” for Devotions.  Paul Ruff suggested that humans really want two things in life–love and acceptance, and that they go about finding it in one of two ways: either clashing with each other or embracing each other.  During our reflection time many of the youth remarked on their observations of the paradox that is New York City–rich and poor, black and white, Christian and atheist folks all living together in harmony-choosing to embrace rather than clash.  For instance, it was incredible on the first day to see one rock in Central park that was basically providing housing for a homeless person next to another rock that was used as a lounge chair for an affluent business man basking in the sun.  Others commented on the friendly and welcoming attitude towards our group while walking through the Bronx, despite the pre-conceived notions and stereotypes portrayed by the media.  Moreover, how is it that the kids we work with posess so much joy in such a broken world?

To bring things closer to home, in a church youth group that serves students from so many different schools, social cliques, and walks of life, the challenge becomes mirroring these NYC examples of harmonious living in the midst of vast differences and difficult barriers.  One way we do this, of course, is through service!

Pictured below:  Kiernan and Ashley gardening (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday was very much a day of service.  We arrived at St. Ann’s around 11:00, with nearly 4 hours before the kids arrived.  Thus, we spent the early part of the afternoon gathering supplies and fixing things up around the St. Ann’s campus.  A group of strong young men went out to the yard to remove a gigantic stuump!   (St. Ann’s has more green space than just about anywhere else in NYC.)  Others stayed indoors cleaning, painting, and ripping up floors in a variety of projects.  Kerry and Patsy got their hands in the dirt and started pulling up weeds.  Rebecca was amazed to find that the black window frame was indeed silver! Who knew!!!  In just a few hours the group made considerable progress!

Pictured below:  The Very Manly Men remove gigantic tree stump!  (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For lunch we ordered 8 LARGE delicious authentic New York Style pizzas from Golden pizza up the street from St. Ann’s.  It was another fun day with the kids as they started arriving at around 3:00!  After homework time “Miss Patsy” helped a group make homemade strawberry jam!  Others played kickball and other playground games outside…

After leaving St. Ann’s the group got on the subway and headed off to the Yankee Stadium for the Yankees/Toronto Blue Jays game.  A particularly honest girl from St. Ann’s commented to one of our youth,  ”I know when there’s a Yankees game because that’s when people your color ride the subway!”  In it’s last season, the atmosphere at the Yankees stadium was electric as we chowed down on hotdogs, ice cream and cracker jacks!  The Yankees lost, but we still had a great time!

Scenes from the game: #1, #2, #3 (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Matthew 6:21

Well, it was the day–the moment–we had been waiting for.  After a half-day at school, 100 of the brightest, friendliest, happiest, flyest kids came running through the door, grabbing our hands and welcoming us all!  In case you’re still a little unclear about what we do, heres the deal…

The Bronx’s St. Ann’s Episcopal Church is a predominantly African-American congregation in the heart of one of New York City’s roughest neighborhoods.  The unique thing about St. Ann’s is that they are not simply a “Sunday morning” parish.  Their primary ministry takes place every day throughout the week as they run an after school program for highly at risk children living in extreme poverty.  St. Ann’s provides a safe place for them to learn valuable life skills, socialize with their peers, and ultimately have a chance at a future.  It truly changes lives and transforms their community!  In fact, as we were chatting with Mother Martha, the rector, we were delighted to discover that many graduates of the St. Ann’s program were going on to accomplish truly remarkable things–graduating high school and college, being awarded scholarships, being admitted to prestigious universities, etc…

So those are the facts.  But to truly experience St. Ann’s you have to see it for yourself.  In morning devotion 1st time missioners and old-timers alike shared their expectations for the week.  Still, even those for whom this is their fourth trip to St. Ann’s were utterly astounded to feel the joy in the room as the children walked in the door.  These are kids that by our society’s standards have every reason to be, for lack of a more powerful word, sad–Kids that have every reason in the world to be mean–Kids that have every reason in the world to be slow to trust.  They have very few books, but very eager minds-very few things but very big hearts…

Scenes from St. Ann’s… Pictured below:  HOMEWORK TIME!!!  (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So anyway, Monday was a half-day so the kids arrived early.  The first thing the St. John’s folks do is walk around the Bronx and help pick up kids from their schools.  There are probably 10 schools within a five block radius from the church and the area has very much a community feel.  Once the kids arrive the St. John’s youth help with HOMEWORK TIME!  Every kid is required to do homework FIRST, no matter what.  If they don’t have homework, they must participate in an educational activity such as reading or playing with multiplication flash cards.  St. Ann’s is staffed by a dedicated team of teachers, notably Miss Nora, and Miss Dale.  After homework time the kids have snack and then break off into their grade level groups for activity time.  Our youth have a blast playing games and making crafts.  Theresa Gilmore’s rousing game of Bingo with PRIZES was a huge hit!  St. Ann’s doesn’t ever dismiss before making sure that each student eats a decent meal before they leave.  They actually receive federal funding to prepare a well-balanced dinner each day, which we of course help serve!  The St. John’s youth left on Monday with a new perspective, big smiles and lively stories!

Pictured below:  Diane, Allison, Kiernan, Chris, and Dorian working with students at St. Ann’s (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLAYTIME!!!  (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Playtime is Jennifer’s favorite part of the day!  (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday evening the group enjoyed a fantastic meal at the infamous Whole Foods store.  Whole foods is a massive center of freshly prepared foods with creations from around the world-Indian, Italian, Sushi-you name it!  Everyone found something to their liking!

Pictured below:  Dinner at Whole Foods (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We finished out the night with a trek to the top of the Empire State Building.  

Check out the sweet views!  #1, #2, #3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good morning!  Everyone is well rested and ready to go meet the kids!  They have a half-day today, so we will be picking them up from school at noon!  We ask your continuing prayers for us, the kids, and the St. Ann’s staff members who are currently refreshing and retraining at the Alex Haley farm in Knoxville  as part of our completely accidental yet more-than-coincidental exchange program!

Almighty God, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to reconcile the world to yourself:  We praise and bless you for those whom you have sent in the power of the Spirit to preach the Gospel to all nations.  We thank you that in all parts of the earth a community of love has been gathered together by their prayers and labors, and that in every place your servants call upon your Name; for the kingdom and the power and the glory are yours forever.  Amen.  

Thanksgiving for the Mission of the Church, BCP p. 838

The folks at St. Ann’s were happy to see us again, and returning missioners were just as excited to see their friends–Mother Martha, Miss Dale, and Harold–once again!  While our group more than doubled the size of the congregation at morning service, the worshippers were high in spirit!  Several of our youth were asked to present the communion elements during the offertory.  We are looking forward to our return to St. Ann’s tomorrow for our first day with the kids!!!

Pictured below:  The group on the steps of St. Ann’s Church–Can you tell we’re together??? (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We even got to meet some of the kids…(Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By the time we got out of church we were very hungry!  A bus and a couple subway trains later we found ourselves in Chelsea Market–A first for St. John’s group!  We chose between a diverse variety of freshly prepared foods from restaurants including Thai, Italian, Seafood, and Deli style menus.  A favorite was the homemade Italian gelato!!!

After lunch we toured Ground Zero and St. Paul’s Chapel, a sanctuary of hospitality for firefighters, police officers, and literally thousands of volunteers who helped to clear the debris and search for survivors after September 11, 2001.

Pictured below:  A memorial altar dedicated to missing persons following the tragedy.  (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Chapel Interior… (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chillin’ in the cemetery of Historic St. Paul’s Chapel… (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next stop:  The Brooklyn Bridge–We traveled halfway across and back. Lame, we know, but we were TIRED! 

Check out this great view!  (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walkin’ together… (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally after another LONG DAY out exploring the city, the group retreated back to the YMCA before enjoying a relaxing dinner out at a little French cafe around the corner

Pictured below:  Scenes from dinner and dessert!  (Click to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOMORROW is our first official day on the “Mission Field!”–(meaning our first day with the kids!!! Woohooo!)  AND we get the rare opportunity to sleep in until we meet up at 10:00 for morning devotion before picking up the kids from a half day of school at noon!  But for now, it’s BED TIME!!!