St. Michael's Parish

Judy Rice's Homily 2/27/11

2011-02-28T14:15:00.000-08:00

Jesus’ admonition to “not worry about your life” always speaks to me each time I hear it for I am a worrier. In my role as trip leader for the last two Mission Trips there has certainly been much to worry about – who is going, what will we be doing, how will we get there, how much will it cost, where will we stay, what will we eat. These are details I don’t take lightly for it is not only my own experience that rides on everything coming together but also the experience of the entire group and indirectly the people of New Orleans who we are going to help. Although I try to “strive for the kingdom of God and his righteousness” and know deep down in my heart that “all these things will be given to you”, there have been many times over the past two years when everything seems to be going wrong and I can hear Jesus chiding “you of little faith”. Although I pray daily to be preserved “from faithless fears and worldly anxieties”, it is still hard for me not to worry.

But seriously, when have I ever had to worry about if I was going to have enough to eat or warm clothes to wear or somewhere to sleep? I think of the people at the New Orleans Mission for the homeless where a few of us volunteered one day. The most moving part of that experience for me was standing outside waiting to be picked up. The three of us huddled together with the homeless men milling around, the smell of urine and vomit overwhelming, the rain beginning, people lying on the sidewalk under blankets. Although homelessness is an issue in every major city the homeless population in New Orleans has tripled since Katrina while at the same time funding has dropped.

I also think of Joe and Gloria whose home we worked in for several days, still displaced 5 ½ years after Katrina. Gloria, who lost her job and tries to keep up her social work ties in a home office where all her belongings were thrown in every which way until we helped organize it. Joe, who tries to split his time between his contracting business and supervising the volunteers who come to help him fix up his own home. I think of the concerns they have about the toxic sheet rock that covers part of their house and will now have to be removed. I think of them running out of money for insulation until we came and were able to purchase the needed materials. I think of them not worrying about their own lives but instead providing us lunch of jambalaya and red beans and rice, their way of being people of faith and knowing that God is truly taking care of them.

I think of the list of weekly murder victims we heard read both at St. Andrew’s and at St. Anna’s churches where we worshipped, mostly young men in their late teens and early twenties. I imagine what it must be like to be a mother of a young man that age in New Orleans, to worry about whether my son’s name will be read aloud next week. I think of the people who are tired of worrying both about their own situation and those of their neighbors, who just want life to return to what it was before Katrina when the lives of the entire city were disrupted, who want to forget.

But I also think of the people of St. Michael’s who won’t forget, who take the words of Isaiah seriously “for the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his suffering ones. Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palm of my hands”. St. Michael’s, you have inscribed the people of New Orleans on your hands through your love and support and they thank you. Let us pray.

Oh God, when I have food help me to remember the hungry,
When I have work, help me to remember the jobless,
When I have a warm home, help me to remember the homeless,
When I am without pain, help me to remember those who suffer.
And remembering, help me to destroy my complacency and bestir my compassion.
Make me concerned enough to help, by word and deed, those who cry out for what we take for granted. Amen.

John Duff's Homily 2/27/11

2011-02-28T14:14:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate enough to make my second mission trip to New Orleans. This time I worked in a home that has been unoccupied since Hurricane Katrina. That’s almost 5 ½ years ago! My co-workers during the week were Lorraine Dee, John Ahonen and George Thomas. We were led by our young crew chief David, a 23 years old from the mid-west. I was impressed once again by the leadership and commitment of the young volunteers that have worked for a year or more on this rebuild project.

During the week we installed window sills, molding and kitchen cabinets as well as painted walls and ceilings. As the week went on and we got more accomplished, I felt excited and so greatful to be part of this group of people- including the whole St. Michael’s family that sent us-which was helping to get Miss Johnson back into her home after such a long time. When we left this home it was just a few weeks away from completion. She could be in there now!

Even though I saw some of the devastation that Katrina did to this city and its neighborhoods, I cannot feel inside what Miss Johnson and the other people of New Orleans have felt.

Can you imagine? Living in your home one day, and the next day everything you own is gone! You don’t know where to go, where to turn or if and when you will be back.
It is a frightening thought. Miss Johnson has been living in Atlanta since the hurricane. Her daughter stopped by the house while we were there and she could not stop thanking us for our help.

We did not need to be thanked. We were sent there to assist and comfort the people in need. I feel I was serving God and we all were serving God in our actions there.

The readings today talk about wealth. I feel richer having gone on this mission trip. I gained the wealth of the Holy Spirit in my soul.

If we help feed the hungry and the homeless you are wealthy where it counts, in God’s eyes. And that’s what really matters.

Sheila Monks' Homily 2/27/11

2011-02-28T14:10:00.000-08:00

This morning I'm going to tell you about a conversation we all had in New Orleans. It has everything to do with today's Scripture readings, and after the service I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter, how you reconcile
it all in your minds and your hearts....
Here in Milton, we are quite protected. Almost all of us live in a bubble of safety, where we don't have to relate too closely to the desperately disadvantaged. True, some of us volunteer at the Food Pantry or the Monday Lunch Program, or even consider prison ministry, but that's for a few hours and then we are home again.
Then there's New Orleans, where the poor, the homeless, the permanently jobless, the mentally ill, are right in your face. You aren't going to get away . Even when you meet those who seem comfortably off, you are aware of the pain in their eyes. They have experienced a trauma they can't forget.
Most of you have heard that our group stayed in a large, very attractive parish hall belonging to St. Andrews Episcopal Church. It is in a very "nice" section of town. We had only been there a short while when we heard a knock on the door, and when we opened it, we found a couple on the doorstep asking for money. One of our group gave them some of their own money, and they went away.
The incident sparked an immediate debate. We all sat down together and talked. We were guests in someone else's place, after all. Perhaps it was not their custom to give money to people at the door. Maybe if we did that, there would be a never-ending stream of people coming to the parish hall asking for money. Maybe some of them weren't legitimate. Maybe they would spend the money on drugs and alcohol. Anyway, none of us could afford to just give and give and give to the poor. If we did that, we would soon be one of them ourselves! ---But wait a minute! what did Jesus tell us to do? Wasn't he always talking about giving to the needy, even to the point of having nothing left? Look at today's Gospel, one of the most powerful passages in the New Testament: "Jesus said, you cannot serve God and wealth. Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear". Aren't we mandated to give as much as we can---and then some--to someone in need?
This is of course one of the great Christian dilemmas. And in New Orleans we didn't come to any real decision at all. The rector of St. Andrews, Mother Susan, met with us and asked us not to give money to anyone at the door, but to offer food instead. My own inclination? I would give the money. But the problem is, I just can't be what Jesus asks me to be. I worry about my bank account and my food and my clothing. I worry about my health and my security. I just can't give it all away. I am serving two masters. I like to be comfortable. A lot.
Meanwhile, the need in New Orleans goes on. The only way I can I can even begin to address the dilemma in my mind is to keep thinking about it. It's certainly beyond us, in our human frailty, to make everything better. Even the beautiful, magical bayous are suffering on a gigantic scale, so that the marsh plants you all so generously paid for and we repotted, help, but aren't enough. But we have to do something. We have to try in our small way. That's about all we can do. That's about all I can think to do. And what would Jesus do? I think he would tell us never to stop trying.=

The Hollygrove Neighborhood

2011-02-11T19:49:00.000-08:00

Surrounding the Bayou Rebirth site is an area of extreme poverty and much damage from Katrina. This area is one of the lowest lying areas in the city and was compromised before Katrina. Most of the houses you see in these photos are examples of the inablity of the residents to return. The atmosphere is one of desolation.

However ,we did see some glimmers of hope - the Saints' banner is a brave attempt to make life feel normal again and the pink house is actually restored to its former charm.

A final note, this area has been without sewage disposal since Katrina. We were able to talk to a private contractor, who with a team, was restoring services to the neighborhood. The Lower Ninth Ward gets alot of attention in regards to the "wrongs" of Katrina but the Hollygrove neighborhood suffered almost the same level of destruction without the media or Brad Pitt's attention

On Our Last Night...

2011-02-11T17:42:00.000-08:00

Our week of labor is over but the need is still strong. We have left an impact on a city that needs lots of help. We are glad that we have made a difference. We were here doing God's work and we are satisfied.

God bless - John Duff

Meeting with Pete & Dinner with Beverly

2011-02-11T16:19:00.000-08:00

Sheila, Julia and Mary with Beverly

Mary and Beverly

Last night we meet with Pete Nunnelly, the volunteer coordinator (among many other things!), for the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana. This gave us an opportunity to learn about the current "state of the city" and to ask him many questions.

We talked about the barriers and complexity that homeowners have in getting back into their homes. City, State and Federal regulations and the "strings attached" to grants and funding continue to keep many away from coming home. We talked about the high demand for volunteers like us to come to New Orleans and provide countless hours of light labor that includes - painting, sheet rocking, insulation installing, etc. This is fundamental to getting people back in their homes.

Pete mentioned that the funding channels are getting more difficult to find. In this economy, government funding is rare and many private sources are drying up. Please know that your support went (in part) directly to providing supplies to the families we worked with. When Joe and Gloria ran out of insulation, it was your support that purchased the addition bundles they needed to complete the project.

We were able to talk with Pete about the Gulf oil spill and he simply said, "The oil spill was just bad." We discussed at length the how's and why's of the oil spill and the politics around it. Basically jobs were lost, lives were put on-hold and now Louisiana is fighting a major image problem. One way we can help is to advocate for Louisiana's seafood. It is the freshest and safest known - thanks to the watchful eye of the FDA.

In addition, we talked about our Ministry of Presence, which is our ability to be present for people as they share their stories and to be totally in their listening. This week we have heard many people's stories. One in particular comes to mind - Earlier this week, we all listened to a man weep openly as he shared in detail his experience of Katrina and what he witnessed post Katrina. His beloved city was destroyed and he has been mourning its loss. It was powerful and insightful for us to be reminded that even those who did not loose their homes are suffering too.

At this point in the discussion, our dinner guest, Beverly, arrived. Last year we painted the exterior of Beverly's Gentilly home. In an earlier blog posting, Jean described Beverly as a gracious, hopeful woman - which is so true! Like Joe and Gloria, we all fell in love with Beverly and her dog, Sweetie, immediately. I have prayed for Beverly daily and it was pure joy to be with her again!

Beverly shared with us news about her family and her neighborhood - All of whom are well! She has a big family with many generations and with it she said, "There is always a little bit of drama!" Her neighborhood is almost completly rebuilt with the final house in her block that was recently demolished and is under reconstruction.

In addition, she shared with us that since we saw her last, she was called out of retirement to support the backlog of social work cases pending in Loiusiana. She asked that we all pray for one of her clients. "Mary" is a young grandmother who is caring for her murdered daughter's young children. Please pray that "Mary" and the children can stay together as a family and thrive and prosper for many days, months and years to come.

Beverly thanks God every day for the work we did for her and for all who brought us to her. She is thankful to be back in her house and able to serve others. Please know that your supporting our work in New Orleans has and will continue to help many.

With blessings and love to you all - MARY

Bayou Rebirth

2011-02-11T16:02:00.000-08:00

For two days we worked for the non-profit Bayou Rebirth http://www.bayourebirth.org/ . The Bayou Rebirth mission is to restore the bayou and to educate the citizens of Louisiana about the importance of the bayou. Bayous are disappearing at an alarming rate of an acre per day.

The group propagates plants native to the bayou that will replace plants that have been destroyed. Many of you made this work possible through your purchaes of virtual plants bushes and trees. This week we planted the real thing!

Our assignment in the Hollygrove neighborhood was to create a model flood mitigation pond. With alot of effort, we dug a 10'x30'x3' hole that we learned was the former foundation of a house. We learned it the hard way by unearthing countless bricks and cement blocks - some which were blue!

We then filled the pond with various native grasses and decorated the outline of the pond with bricks. The plants will grow in the pool and will fill with rainwater run off. The roots of the grasses will act as sponges to absorb the water and keep it from flooding the surronding area.

The goal of this project is to demonstrate that flood water mitigation can be obtained through natural means rather than pumps and pipes. Our leader, Andrew, shared with us that 60% of New Orlean's carbon emmissions currently comes from the water pump system.

Bayou Rebirth

2011-02-11T15:57:00.000-08:00

Thoughts from Jean

2011-02-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Red Beans and Rice on Monday. Yeah! Southern Fried Chicken like none I have ever tasted along with Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage and hamhocks. Red beans and rice the best! Until you have Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce. Gloria and Joe's hospitality speaks volumes of the indomitable spirit of these people.

Another experience of this spirit and hospitality was our welcome at Marian and Robert's gracious Garden District home. Their King Cake was the best!

My best experience was meeting Miss Beverly. She epitomizes to me the spirit and hope of the New Orleans people. I cry now even as I think of her.

My New Orleans and St. Michael's friends remind me once again of a special prayer:

Let me be hurt
But not be broken or destroyed
Allow me to be bruised, but
Not my spirit to be overcome
I know of suffering and
I do not fear it.
I only fear my strength to carry it.
I ask not to escape from the doubts
And the pain; I only ask that I might
Carry them with GRACE; with HOPE;
With LOVE.

The Kin-dom of God aka NOLA

2011-02-11T07:15:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what the exact connection is, but as we got busy working at Joe and Gloria's house this past Monday--a song popped into my head and heart and it has remained throughout this experience: "Seek ye first the kingdom (Kin-dom, as we are all kin) of God and its righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you; Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you-Allelu-Allelulia." But...the truth is...for as many folks who have asked for help here in New Orleans, there are at least five more (here and elsewhere around the globe) that desperately NEED help...and it seems to be somewhat slow in coming? This trip faithfully reminds me, every single day, that care, compassion and empathy happen one moment at a time, one day at a time, one house at a time, one person at a time and one shovelful of dirt at a time. Allelu=Allelulia. respectfully and humbly submitted-The Rev. Karen Maleri

2011-02-09T22:43:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday a group of us went to visit the Lower Ninth Ward. Sadly this neighborhood has become the poster child of what went wrong in New Orleans post-Katrina. There are many groups who have worked hard to move this neighborhood forward and to get those who were displaced back into their homes. The following are just two of many......

2011-02-09T22:38:00.000-08:00

Make It Right (www.makeitrightnola.org) is the non-profit Brad Pitt formed to rebuild 250 sustainable homes in the Lower Ninth Ward. To date, 50 homes have been completed. The group was thrilled to see the progress in this project. Last year there were only a handful of homes completed.

2011-02-09T22:33:00.000-08:00

Common Ground Relief (http://www.commongroundrelief.org/) is another non-profit that has made great improvements in helping the citizens of New Orleans rebuild their lives.

2011-02-09T22:30:00.000-08:00

Despite all of the progress we did see in the Lower Ninth Ward, there are blocks and block of empty lots where houses once stood. The work needs and will continue until New Orleans is back.

2011-02-09T22:23:00.000-08:00

One group (9 of the 13 0f us) arrives on Monday to Joe and Gloria's house. They have added onto the back of the house and are living in the front section of the house. The front section had been renovated soon after Katrina and only recently did they learn that the sheetrock used in the renovation is toxic. As soon as the back of the house is competed, they will need to gut the front of the house and renovate it for a second time. They opened their hearts to us by sharing their Katrina stories with us and we fell in love with them immediately.

2011-02-09T22:18:00.000-08:00

Barb, Judy, Julia, Sheila, Mary, Lana, Randy, Jean, Karen & Rick outside Joe and Gloria's home. The 9 of us from St. Michael's along with Randy from the St. Paul's Homecoming Center, and a group of 6 people from Minnesota were given the task of installing sheetrock, insulation and vapor barriers in the back end of the house.

2011-02-09T22:12:00.000-08:00

The Lowes delivery truck was unable to deliver the 130 pieces of 12' sheetrock as close to the house as Joe had hoped. All 16 of us quickly stepped into action to move 70 pieces to the second floor via the second floor deck. Joe built some staging that helped us hoist the sheetrock up to the second floor. The remaining pieces were moved into the first story Kitchen/Family Roon through the back porch sliding door.

2011-02-09T22:10:00.000-08:00

Phew! We got all of the sheetrock into the house, Now it's time to get down to work!

2011-02-09T22:07:00.000-08:00

Barb cranking the sheetrock installer. Boy, did that save our arms!

2011-02-09T22:05:00.000-08:00

Karen and Rick teamed up to install vapor barriers on all of the outside walls.

2011-02-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

Barb and Judy during one of many supply trips to Lowes. We were on a first name basis with the cashier there by the end of our first day at Joe & Gloria's house.

2011-02-09T21:56:00.000-08:00

The insulation installing started with Julia, sheila and Judy in the Pantry and continued with....

2011-02-09T21:54:00.000-08:00

Judy in the Laundry Room....

2011-02-09T21:52:00.000-08:00

Julia in the Master Bedroom....

2011-02-09T21:50:00.000-08:00

and Barb in the Master Bedroom too.

2011-02-09T21:44:00.000-08:00

Sheila, Jean and Lana helped to make Gloria and Joe's living room liveable by organizing their closet and personal items.

2011-02-09T21:39:00.000-08:00

Gloria volunteers on many community service groups including her neighborhood association. Here Jean is in the midst of organizing all of Gloria's community paperwork in the small area of the house that Joe and Gloria currently live in.

2011-02-09T21:33:00.000-08:00

Randy, volunteer coordinator from St. Paul's Homecoming Center, and Mary building a closet for Gloria.

2011-02-09T21:31:00.000-08:00

Julia, Gloria, Lana & Barb on a brief break from installing insulation.

2011-02-09T21:26:00.000-08:00

Mary, Julia & Rick with Joe & Gloria - a wonderful couple who are going to be back in their home soon!

Wednesday in New Orleans

2011-02-09T19:15:00.000-08:00

Today Sheila, Jean and I decided to take a break from insulating (although we missed being with our homeowners Joe and Gloria) to explore life at the New Orleans Mission, a shelter for the homeless in the downtown area. Although it was a tad intimidating walking in, we were warmly welcomed and put right to work sorting clothes. At lunchtime we had a chance to meet some of the other volunteers, guests and staff and learn about the many services offered - shelter for up to 300 on a cold night, meals, clothing, a recovery Bible study three times a day, and work programs. We were very inspired by the people there and hope to support the mission both by volunteering there again as well as financially. Leaving we were dismayed to see the many homeless who were lying on the sidewalk on blankets and sleeping bags and the disparity between the mission and the luxurious homes we passed in the Garden district on our way back to Chalstrom House.

Tonight we all went to St. Anna's for worship where we were further challenged by the Gospel regarding the issue of giving to the poor (great preaching down here!) We all left feeling that we were meant to have been there. The rector thanked us (and you) for coming and not forgetting them after so many years. We had first thought of going to Cafe du Monde but since it was pouring rain (better than snow!) we decided to pass. I wonder how the homeless are doing outside tonight....

Update from Your Team in New Orleans

2011-02-09T14:50:00.001-08:00

On Sunday Sheila and Mary overheard the following conversation on Bourbon Street:

Guy: "Dawn, do you pray?"
Dawn, who is no more than 17 and with dead eyes, said, "No, never."
Guy: "You don't pray? Don't you ever talk to God?"
Dawn, shook her head NO.

Update from the rebuild team--- from John Ahonen
Great progress has been made on the house we're working on in East New Orleans. George and John D concentrated on putting in kitchen cabinets while Lorraine and John A painted two rooms with a final coat of paint. In addition to our work, we got to hear David (our supervisor) play the ukelele while we ate our lunch (EDITOR'S NOTE: They sang Happy Birthday to John A - 57 today!). We can see a major difference in the house from when we started on Monday. Lots of caulking, small carpentry work such as window sills and molding, and painting has been done.

Update from Rick Lindequist
A group of us drove over to view the Lower 9th Ward before going to our daily assignment. I am a new member of this mission, and have never been to New Orleans. The majority of the others in the car this morning have been on this mission either once or both times before, and they shared much of what they had learned about this area, and commented, thankfully, on positive changes they had seen since their prior visit. For me, it was an unreal picture of devastation even 5 years out! I am still dumb founded. Thankfully, members had seen definite progress, particularly in the Brad Pitt backed sustainable construction project of new homes.

2011-02-08T19:54:00.000-08:00

This is Julia McIntosh sending you greetings for Nola. Being here is certainly an eye opener regarding the devastion from Katrina. The citizens need a great deal of help and I am happy to be here to lend a hand. We are having a grand time putting up sheet rock and insulating walls for a great couple name Joe and Gloria who are very thankful and greatful for our help. Will tell your more another day. Bye; bye.

Hi this is Sheila and Mary - Here is a bit more about Joe and Gloria. Katrina hit New Orleans a week after they were married. The house that they had just completely renovated and furnished to start their new life together was located near one of the levee breaks. The house was filled with nine feet of water and they lost everything. Rather than spending the end of August and early September '05 on their honeymoon, they spent it with Joe's parents in a Houston hotel room.

The house we are helping them with is Gloria's Mom's house; it is located in Gentilly. Gloria's Mom is in an elderly housing unit in Texas, loves it and plans to stay there. During Katrina, Gloria's sister was staying at the Mom's house along with her two dogs. As the water began to rise, one of the dogs, a black lab, swam happily around the house. While the other dog, a chihuahua, got very nervous. The water got several feet high and rose as high as her chin. After witnessing other dogs swimming by the house and fighting the current, she saw a boy clinging to a stop sign. The boy was unable to swim and she doesn't know what happened to him.

She was eventually rescued by the National Guard who broke into the house. At first the National Guard would only take her if she would leave the dogs. This was unacceptable to her and only when the dogs were part of the rescue party, did she agree to leave. She was taken to the Superdome but she refused to go in. She spent many nights living outdoors with the black lab "on guard" at her side and the chihuahua picking fights with all of the pit bulls! The only way she could get the dogs and herself safely out of New Orleans was to play the part of a blind woman with her guide dog, black lab, and her pet dog, chihuahua. We hope to meet Gloria's sister tomorrow (and her two dogs too)!

When Gloria and Joe were able to return to Gloria's Mom's home, it was in ruins. They renovated it only to learn that the sheetrock they had used was toxic and has to be removed. (Toxic sheetrock is wide spread throughout New Orleans.)

This is where we come in. Together Gloria and Joe along with Gloria's Mom and their extended family have pooled their resources to renovate (again) and expand the house. Right now it is just a shell. They are living in it with all of their belongings in piles, in closets and in crawl spaces. We (9 of us along with 6 people from Minneapolis) are working together to get them back into their house as quickly as possible. In the past two days we have become expert insulation installers and sheetrock hangers. (We'll be available for hire soon!)

In addition, we have listened to them tell their stories, cried with them and prayed with them.

To All Of Our Friends, Greetings from New Orleans.

Thank you all for this opportunity to reach out and help our brothers and sisters here in New Orleans. It's been 5 1/2 years after Katrina and progress is being made but the signs of this devasting disaster are still very present. The need continues.

The group is split up and working at 2 houses. I am working with George, John A. and Lorraine. We are at a home that is about a month from completion. It is owned by an elderly woman who has been in Atlanta, Georgia since Katrina. We are installing window sills, moulding and painting. It is exciting to think about how this woman will feel when she gets back to her home.

God blesses us every day. Thank you all for helping us share our blessings and gifts with our brothers and sisters here in New Orleans - John Duff.

We're Here!

2011-02-07T17:24:00.000-08:00

We arrived safely Sat evening in New Orleans and were thrilled to see palm trees, green grass, blooming flowers, and best of all NO SNOW! After renting cars and picking up sleeping bags and pillows, we settled in at Chalstrom House, the parish hall of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Sunday morning we attended church next door where we were warmly welcomed by all. Lana, Barb, and I enjoyed the choir singing the Tallis piece "If ye love me" which we have sung so often as members of St. Michael's choir. Mary noted that St. Andrew's was taking up a collection to restore their organ so we all chipped in to add to their fund. After church we enjoyed the fellowship of coffee hour and several of us partook in an informal sermon group where we discussed the rector's theme of radical hospitalitiy. This was put into real life experience when some of the homeless of New Orleans came to our door and we had to figure out exactly how to put the Gospel into practice. Sunday afternoon was a beautiful day - sunny around 60 (are you all jealous???) so we took the streetcar downtown to walk around the French Quarter and see the sights of which there are many! Internet access at the parish hall was not available which is why we were unable to update the blog before now. Off to bed for all so we can start our first day of work bright and early Monday morning.

We're on our way!

2011-01-31T16:47:00.001-08:00

After 6 months of planning it's hard to believe that we'll be leaving for NOLA this coming Sat morning! We are so appreciative of all who have supported our efforts by "buying" plants - marsh grass as well as the various bushes and trees that grow in the bayous of coastal Louisiana. You have all been extremely generous and we are so greatful. We are looking forward to working with the Bayou Rebirth project for two of the days that we will be there as well as helping to restore homes for those affected by Katrina. Please keep us in your prayers and check the blog daily to find out what we have been up to!

Mission Trip 2011 - John, Lorraine, John, Rick, Karen, Julia, Sheila, Barb, Jean, Judy, George, Charlie, and Mary (and Bill in spirit!)

Mission Trip Homily - Mary Truslow

2010-03-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

Recover, Rebuild, Rebirth

New Orleans is arguably one of the most culturally important cities in America, but because of history, tradition and lack of foresight it had fallen far behind most other American cities in terms of economic opportunity and basic services and infrastructure, even before Katrina.

During our visit we learned that New Orleans and Louisiana has embarked upon a new beginning to build a solid foundation upon which the residents of not only the Lower Ninth Ward (the area most directly affected by the levee breaks and flood waters), but all of the other affected neighborhood as well, can stand as they recover from the storm and remake their communities stronger than before.

This new beginning is best encapsulated in the blue and yellow banners displayed throughout the city – Louisiana Recover, Rebuild, Rebirth

RECOVER

Here are the “facts”, as best we could gather as to what New Orleans is recovering from:

Three days after Hurricane Katrina, 80% of New Orleans was flooded. Whether a house was flooded with 1 foot of water or 10 feet, the damage was the same – total ruin. The number of housing units damaged, destroyed, or inaccessible in New Orleans because of Katrina: 250,000. To date 30% of these units have been restored.

Since Katrina there has been: a 45% drop in the population and a 32% drop in employment opportunities

In 2008, 86 of the 130 public schools were in full operation and student enrollment is about 60% of what it was pre-Katrina.

Only 1 of the 7 hospitals that serve New Orleans is operational again.

REBUILD

Here’s where things start to get better with the rebuilding process. We interacted and worked with many groups. Bill, John and Will are going to share with you some of our experiences.

We learned that every one of the ministries and organizations we worked with has shifted. No longer are they just addressing post Katrina recovery but rather a larger vision of community rebuild and improvement.

All of these organizations need our help. With this shift away from just post Katrina recovery comes a new phase of funding. We witnessed funding cuts first hand, when Jesse, one of the young men staying in the house with us lost his job with the Episcopal Community Services.

We will have a full list of these groups and their contact information on the blog and in the newsletter. We encourage you to learn more about them and support them.

REBIRTH

We were in New Orleans at a time of rebirth. We were there for The Saints and the Super Bowl, Marti Gras and a newly elected mayor. He received 60% of the votes and ran on a slate with 10 other candidates.

In closing, I want to share with you two stories.

You may have seen on the parish blog pictures of Beverly and her dog, Sweetie. Last Sunday, on Valentine’s Day, Will and I sent her an e-mail along with some photos of Beverly, Sweetie and Will.

She responded by saying, ”Thanks so much for the wonderful pictures! The parades and all the hoopla about the New Orleans Saints and Super Bowl have really transformed the city with a whole new outlook for 2010 and beyond. Well, after waiting for 43 years you can just about imagine how the fans are celebrating to the max. And of course, add in Mardi Gras madness and things are at a fever pitch!! The energy has rally provided us with the feeling of a new beginning for New Orleans!”

One night Will & I wanted BBQ. We got a ride from a cab driver who had been driving for 30 years. We took her to a part of town where she questioned whether we were misinformed as to the recommended restaurant was located. When we got there and Will verified that we were at the correct place, she touched my arm and looked into my eyes and said, “I want to thank you, your group and your church for being here, for helping and for not forgetting us. We need you. Thank you and bless you all.”

Thank you everyone for supporting the Mission Group and the people of New Orleans.

2010-02-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

Good Morning. I was on the Rebuild project with George Thomas, Lorraine Dee, and Jim Sasso. The rebuild program began as a volunteer house gutting operation by the Episcopal diocese of LA. In 2007, the rebuild phase was launched and so far 60 homes for families have been rebuilt. All work except electrical and plumbing is done by volunteers. Work includes insulation, sheet rocking, painting, flooring, and installing trim and cabinets.

We were assigned a house in the Gentilly section of New Orleans. It was owned by a family of 6 who were displaced to Little Rock Arkansas. The father died from cancer while in Little Rock so 5 will be returning to the house. From the stories we heard, health care costs made it impossible for them to return to their home. Eventually, a social worker brought their case to the rebuild program. We also heard there may have been some contractor fraud with this house which was (and is) quite common.

I didn’t know what to expect arriving at our site. Water was at the 10 ft. mark in this neighborhood and the yellow mark above the door and windows still remains on the house. I would say that about 50% of the homes in the area have been rebuilt. This particular house was nearing completion. George and Jim were assigned the light carpentry work while Lorraine and I were the painters. Building closets were the priority for the week.

Two supervisors were at our site. They were just out of college and they had been there for about a year. The program is currently working on 15 houses and has 20 supervisors. At the end of the program, we met with Liz who is one of the managers of the program. She told us how funding has been cut back for this year and there are great concerns about funding going forward. They did receive a grant from the state which will allow them to finish the homes started (about 15) and do a few additional homes. The name of the organization has actually changed from “disaster response” to Episcopal Community Services”. As she said…“How long can a disaster response be?” I look at the neighborhoods and I wonder if the remaining people will ever come back to their homes? How many people want to come back but can’t due to financial issues? What will happen to these gutted out homes? Will the govt. eventually take them over?

All these questions went thru my mind as I was painting but now I think a lot about what Liz talked about….FUTURE FUNDING. She’s worried because she just knows there are more families that want to come back but can’t due to financial constraints. Although it has been 5 years, there is just so much more work that needs to be done. I also hope and pray that the funding continues….. ECS is really doing some good work!!

For myself, I got to know Lorraine, George, and Jim at a much deeper level and I’m grateful for that. We were together every day! I’ve never met such a meticulous person with the paint brush as Lorraine. I’m also grateful for the chance to help restore one house for one family so that they may finally come home. Thank you St. Michael’s for your support to make this happen.

John Ahonen

Mission Trip Homilies - 2/21/10

2010-02-21T11:00:00.000-08:00

Today’s Gospel lesson from Luke tells us that “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness”. The Mission Trip to New Orleans was also full of and led by the Holy Spirit in so many ways, from the moment we received the parish blessing from Sam and the passing on of the Superman T shirt from Sheila to our trip home as we flew safely above the storm accompanied by Bishop Harris.
Each member of the group offered their own unique gifts, not only to the people of New Orleans but also to the group itself. I think of Anne who after lugging all our sleeping bags and pillows and driving 13 hours straight to miss the snow storm went right to the grocery store so everyone else would have food for breakfast the next day. I think of the Rebuild Group of Lorraine, George, John, and Jim who arose early every morning to spend the day building and painting a homeowner’s closet and returned to do dishes after dinner every evening. I think of the Beacon of Hope group including Lana, Cece, and Fred who painted all week both inside and out and entertained us with their humor and stories.
I think of homeowner Bev and her dog Sweetie who graciously welcomed us into her home and her life and were so thrilled that Will was able to put 3 bookcases together for them. I think of Barb and Marilyn who spent countless trips going back and forth to the paint stores with Bev to decide on the color of her house and who also spear headed our delicious and creative dinners. I think of Mary who each evening took it upon herself to get both pictures and write-ups on the blog so that all our supporters could be involved in what was going on while we were there.
I think of Bill who organized the Bayou Rebirth project of repotting trees and got us all interested in how important the issue of restoring the Bayou is. I think of Patti’s cousin Nick who not only welcomed us with his red dress and cookies but also brought a few of us out on a trip to actually see the Bayou. I think of going out with Patti, Mary, and Will to feed other volunteer groups rebuilding homes throughout the city as well as a community of people living with HIV/AIDS, the working poor, and the homeless and the privilege of listening to the stories of all who we met.
But most of all I think of the people of New Orleans – how despite all their struggles of the past 5 years and before are able to maintain an incredible spirit of hope and love. Despite the poverty, violence, little progress in rebuilding, and lack of resources they continue on, believing in the spirit of their community. We were fortunate to have been there at a time when not only Mardi Gras but also the Superbowl was coming up. The excitement was everywhere and the love of the people of New Orleans for their city was overwhelming. I was struck by how happy they were just to have made it to the Superbowl and how if the Saints won it would only be “icing on the cake”. That sense of appreciation was extended to us as well by every single person we met, who thanked us not only for coming down but for most importantly, continuing to remember them. Thank you St. Michael’s for making that possible once again.

Judy Rice

Mission Trip Group

2010-02-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

A fellow parishioner suggested that we put the names of those who went on the Mission Trip on the blog since he didn't know who had actually gone (and I'm sure he isn't the only one!) - good suggestion. Stay tuned for the group homily (don't worry, not all of us will be speaking!) on Feb 21st.

Lana Agnew
John Ahonen
Anne Aylward
Fred Carter
Marilyn Cheney
Lorraine Dee
Cece Lindequist
Bill Mullen
Barb Phinney
Judy Rice
Jim Sasso (friend of the Thomases)
Patti Thomas
George Thomas
Mary Truslow
Will Truslow

2010-02-05T20:44:00.000-08:00

Today's Loaves and Fishes lunch delivery went to two places. One was to Project Lazarus, a supportive housing community for 24 men and women with HIV/AIDS. www.projectlazarus.net. The home is located in the 7 ward and was severely damaged by Katrina. The house has been restored and is surrounded by beautiful gardens ands and water fountains.

In addition, the group delivered 75 lunches to volunteers who were doing rebuild work through Rhino and Habitat for Humanity.

2010-02-05T20:42:00.000-08:00

These houses have been built since last year's St. Michael's group delivered lunch to volunteers on this street. Patty and Judy were thrilled to see the progress!

2010-02-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

The last two Habitat for Humanity houses that will complete the street of 10+ houses.

2010-02-05T20:39:00.000-08:00

Will, Mary, Marilyn, Judy and Patty - today's Loaves and Fishes crew!

2010-02-05T20:37:00.000-08:00

Some of the Rhino volunteers (from upstate New York) getting specific instructions on using a circular saw!

2010-02-05T20:34:00.000-08:00

During the afternoon, Patty's cousin, Nick, took some of us 45 minutes south to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

2010-02-05T20:32:00.000-08:00

At the preserve we walked a raised boardwalk and saw exhibits about the vanishing bayou habitats and a wonderful movie about the unique bayou culture.

2010-02-05T20:31:00.000-08:00

Plants included palmetto, cypress and spanish moss.

2010-02-05T20:28:00.000-08:00

We heard more brids than we saw - including flickers, flycathers, blujays, chicadees, egrets, crows, and turkey buzzards.

2010-02-05T20:27:00.000-08:00

No snakes or alligators at this time of year!

2010-02-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

Near the end of the boardwalk thru the bayou.

2010-02-05T20:19:00.000-08:00

Cypress Knees

2010-02-05T20:17:00.000-08:00

We got into the moss!

2010-02-05T20:16:00.000-08:00

All kinds of moss!

2010-02-05T20:15:00.000-08:00

And more moss!

2010-02-05T20:14:00.000-08:00

Moss and ferns!

2010-02-05T20:11:00.000-08:00

On the way back from the Bayou, there was a caravan of Mardi Gras floats! We're off to a Mardi Gras parade tonight!

Photos posted by MARY

It's been a wonderful wonderful week

2010-02-05T15:27:00.000-08:00

Judy here -
My first blog from New Orleans (although it looks like I have been writing a lot it really has mostly been Mary!) It's Friday and I can't believe our time here is almost over - it has gone so quickly! We would love to stay longer...so much more to do, so much more to see. It has been a wonderful week with great group dynamics and everyone has worked really well together. It is so interesting to see everyone's unique gifts contributing to our time here.

Loaves and Fishes has been my favorite thing to do - I have had a chance to hear so many different stories, to meet so many different people, and to see so many different parts of the city. We have fed so many people from the homeless congregating outside the New Orleans Mission, to the different volunteers rebuilding homes, to a community for people with HIV/AIDS.

It is so sad to see that so much of the city has not changed at all in the year since we were last here. I can't describe the feeling of seeing so much devastation and hopelessness. Lot after lot is either empty or with an abandoned falling down house. Today I did see one area where I had brought sandwiches to last year where great improvement was seen. Last year there were only a few houses built - this year the street is full of small beautifully colored homes with only a couple more left to complete.

But despite all the sadness and frustration the spirit of the city is incredibly strong (helped along by the Saints and Mardi Gras) - everyone is so excited and so proud to be from New Orleans - Go Saints, Who Dat, and Mardi Gras decorations are everywhere. And everyone without exception that we have met thanks us for coming and helping. As the priest from St. Anna's said, showing up is the most important part. All of the work we have done is helpful and appreciated but most important is that we came (thanks to all of you) and that we have not forgotten them. Your prayers and financial support have been so important every step of the way from the inital planning of this trip way back last summer to our days here this week. I can't wait to come back again next year!

2010-02-04T20:13:00.000-08:00

Fred with Jaime, the proud home owner of today's painting project in Gentilly. The team did mostly ceiling painting.

2010-02-04T20:10:00.000-08:00

Bayou Rebirth team, including Amanda the project coordinator. Repotted mulberry trees are to the right of the group.

2010-02-04T19:54:00.000-08:00

The Loaves and Fishes volunteers bumped into Reverend Dr. Michael C. Kuhn, Headmaster of Trinity Episcopal School, dressed as the Zero Hero for the preschool. Today was the 100th Day of school and the Zero Hero, an anti-bullying character, visits the students to celebrate this important day. Gentle, Generous, Truthful, Kind, and Brave are the core values of the school.

2010-02-04T19:35:00.000-08:00

Cambre Eagan, from Trinity Episcopal Church's Mobile Loaves and Fishes (http://www.trinitynola.com/Page.aspx?pid=224) and Thom Pepper, Operations Manager, Common Ground Relief (http://www.commongroundrelief.org/?q=node/25) . Two very worthy groups who are actively providing New Orleans important services and resources.

Cambre is native to New Orleans and Thom moved to New Orleans from Miami two years ago. They are truely dedicated to making a difference.

Wednesday, February 3rd

2010-02-03T20:21:00.000-08:00

Good evening all -

tonight it really is Anne blogging. All previous postings from "Anne" have really been from Mary Truslow - your excellently chosen new warden and my 3rd cousin once removed (that's a factoid I bet few of you knew!)

The weather in New Orleans today reverted to gray - with a raw chilly wind. This weather means we could not have continued to paint at Beverly's house , so we felt less guilty about moving on to spend the day with Bayou Restoration - a group that is committed to trying to restore and revegetate the swamps and bayous that buffer New Orleans from the Gulf. The ecological story is fascinating and way too much for a blog. We transferred 300 mulberry trees from small test tubes into pots for transfer to the bayou. We worked so fast that we had completed the day's assignment by lunchtime and moved on to other tasks! But it was cold!

Our four "Rebuilders" returned to the house where they have labored all week and continued to move it back to habitability. I heard stories of more closet painting and someone was smart enough to draw on George Thomas's skills as a mason to get some brick repair done. They will return for more tomorrow.

Judy Rice and Mary and Will Truslow dedicated their day to food ministries - returning to the Dragon Cafe and Loaves and Fishes where Judy worked last year.

At the end of the day most of the group went to the evening service and dinner at St. Anna's and ended the evening with beignets at the Cafe du Monde.

For me, the most striking difference from last year is that organizations and indivudals seem to be moving on. Don't misundertand, the work still to be done is overwhelming, but as several have observed to us, anyone who is still not back in their home after 4 1/2 years is clearly dealing with other issues. So the church and others are realizing that the issues now are the underlying issues that have been laid bare by the Katrina crisis. On a more positive note, I am struck, as we were last year, by the young adults who have chosen to come to NewOrleans to help and by how many of them are choosing to stay - as one said to us " We are becoming a seriously blue city in a very red state - we have the chance to re-invent this place" (not an exact quote, but close enough...). Interestingly, getting a correct census count is a very big deal, as is the mayoral election next Saturday.

But the BIG, dominating news is the Saints and their bid in the Superbowl. You all would be reminded of the first Patriots and Red Sox wins - car flags, banners, tshirts, sweatshirts, slogans. A former sports reporter (now deceased) apparently vowed that if the Saints ever made it to the Superbowl he would walk through downtown in a dress - on our Sunday tour we witnessed many men in dresses - reminded us of the St. Michael's auction!

We hope Ranjit and Johanna are having a safe trip. We miss them and all of you who were here last year - we are grateful for the emails from the parish and look forward to sharing this experience when we come home.

Sorry to go on so long! Anne (hopefully others will add pictures from today, tomorrow!)

2010-02-02T20:53:00.000-08:00

Beverly and Sweetie! We are blessed to have shared these past two days with you!

2010-02-02T20:51:00.001-08:00

Entry by Mary

After many tries and paint swatches, Barb and Marilyn helped Beverly determine the third color for the entrance section of her house.

Our Final Day with Beverly and Sweetie

2010-02-02T20:39:00.000-08:00

Entry by Mary

Today we had a beautiful, sunny day to continuing working at Beverly's house. Will assembled three bookshelves.

Sunday's Tour

2010-02-02T17:00:00.000-08:00

Lana reporting:

After the 10 AM service at the Cathedral, around the corner from where we're staying, we went on a 3 hour tour by Dixie Tours, the same outfit who took us around last year. We were driven around the various neighborhoods, starting with the Garden District, which was damaged mostly by winds during Katrina. We "vets" noted that in a year's time, not too many homes had been rehabbed in the Lower Ninth. Progress seems excruciatingly slow. As our tour guide said...'we need people!' Many schools remain closed because the families have not moved back. NOLA can use more people in different professions, & of course, volunteers are really needed & appreciated. We feel so blessed to be here, helping in any way we can. Thank you SO much for making this all possible. I sincerely hope that St.Michael's continues to remember & support
NOLA!

2010-02-01T21:28:00.000-08:00

high on ladders, helping Beverly get her house back!

2010-02-01T21:26:00.000-08:00

All of us were either on the ground or...

2010-02-01T21:24:00.000-08:00

Our job assignment, through the Beacon of Hope, is to put the final coats of exterior paint to Beverly's House.

2010-02-01T21:21:00.000-08:00

Our work begins at Beverly's house. She has six grown children and is a retired social worker. She and her dog, Sweetie, have been rebuilding their Gentilly home for years.

2010-02-01T21:20:00.000-08:00

Angel of New Orleans

2010-02-01T21:18:00.000-08:00

It didn't matter whether houses were flooded with two feet of water or ten feet, everything had to be taken down to the studs.

2010-02-01T21:11:00.000-08:00

So many houses empty and boarded up.

2010-02-01T21:09:00.000-08:00

One of many abandoned houses in the 9th Ward.

2010-02-01T21:07:00.000-08:00

The sign "Flood" says it all.

Day 1 - Gumbo Ya Ya & MIR NOLA

2010-01-31T18:42:00.000-08:00

Day 1 - Gumbo - a little bit of everything blended together to make something wonderfully new and unique. Known as a yummy stew and a blend of cultures.

Gumbo is so New Orleans - both past and present. And it is a great way to describe the state of mind for this absolutely unique and beautiful city which is rich in both culture and complexity.

Today we had a true orientation to New Orleans. Most of us started the day by walking around the corner to the Christ Church Cathedral to be warmly greeted curbside by both the priest and vestry greeter! The service included amazing music that was preformed by a multi-generational choir and a brief but stirring sermon by the cathedral dean. We were all impressed by the many outreach programs the cathedral is actively involved the Haitian Relief effort, Heifer International and local food pantries. During announcements the priest spoke eloquently and sympathetically about Haiti. We were all moved by his compassion and understanding of the Haitian people. We were warmly greeted during announcements and coffee hour. Many parishioners made sure to thank us and everyone who is supporting our being here for the ongoing support we are providing to New Orleans.

During the afternoon we took a 3+ hour van tour of the city historical sites as well as the surrounding areas. We saw a little bit of everything - dress clad men celebrating the Saints' entry in the Super Bowl to the direct impact of Katrina upon the neighborhoods of New Orleans.

Gumbo ya ya - everyone talking and no one listening. To me it is empty house lots where people want to rebuild and move back home but can't because of existing laws and regulations that keep them from being able to do so.

We got to see the wonderful work that Habitat for Humanity is doing. They have committed to building 2,500 homes in New Orleans. Also, we got to see the wonderful work that Brad Pitt is doing through Making It Right for New Orleans. Through his foundation, he is building "green" homes in the 9th Ward.

Our tour guides lost their homes to the Katrina floods along with all of their belongings. They shared with us their stories and told of those who not as lucky. The impact of these stories, make us want to get started in helping even more.

Changes Changes and we haven't even left yet!

2010-01-27T14:44:00.001-08:00

Well it's the Wednesday before we are leaving and believe it or not many things have changed since I last wrote 2 weeks ago! We are not staying at Chalstrom House (St. Andrew's parish hall) which we just found out about yesterday. Instead we will be staying at the Urban Ministry Center which is a former bed and breakfast on the edge of the Garden District. Our church plans may be changing too since we won't be right next door to St. Andrew's but there are many Episcopal churches in the area to choose from (Christ Cathedral, Trinity, St. George's to name a few).

Our plans to go to St. Anna's for worship, dinner, some jazz, and to make a donation to the food pantry are also in flux! Apparently jazz is on a hiatus until after Easter and the food pantry is inactive for some unknown reason. We are still planning on going for worship and dinner as it stands now. We may have to find somewhere else for music and also to make our donation to those in need - the two feeding ministries that we will be working at rely on donations to keep going so those are possibilites - stay tuned!

The group is now comprised of more new members than those who went last year. Nine of the fifteen are going for the first time, including one youth. The additional feeding ministries that we had hoped for fell through so now most of us will be working at the Beacon of Hope doing painting, yard work,etc. We have four members now working at Rebuild which just moved their warehouse we found out today! A number of people will also be working at a nursery (the plant kind).

It has been somewhat challenging as the trip leader (alias Elisha or Superman) but everyone in the group has been very patient dealing with all the changes. Many thanks to everyone in the parish and to all our supporters for all your support both spiritually and financially. You will truly be with us every step of the way. I hope you got to hear the terrific Mission Moments the past 3 Sundays from Barb Phinney, Anne Aylward, and Mary Truslow. Special thanks to Sam, Sheila, Heather, Vicki, and the Outreach Commission for always being there for advise, support, and assistance. Please keep us in your prayers as we journey off into the unknown (more so every day it seems!) and stay tuned to the blog!

NOLA 2010 - It's getting close!

2010-01-16T18:37:00.000-08:00

MISSION TRIP 2010

It's hard to believe that the mission trip for 2010 is almost here - we have been thinking about it since we returned last Feb and now it is almost a reality. There have been some ups and downs but things are coming together and it should be another great trip. Fourteen of us will be boarding the plane on Saturday January 30 and returning on Saturday February 6 (one will be driving - thanks Anne for bringing our sleeping bags down again!) About half of us went last year and half are going for the first time. The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana is setting us up with our work assignments as well as our housing. Most of the group is interested in working with the St. Paul Homecoming Center which does landscaping, yard work and painting, helping residents finish up the work around their homes. The next biggest group will be working in the feeding ministries (similar to the Monday lunch program and the food pantry) since the need for food is always great and there are a few hardy souls who will be doing construction, rebuilding homes for the residents who 4 1/2 years later are still displaced.

In addition to working hard for the 5 weekdays we are there, we are also planning on attending church Sunday morning at St. Andrew's Episcopal church in whose parish hall we will be staying. That afternoon we will be taking a tour of the city to see what has changed since we were there last. We also plan to attend church Wed night at St. Anna's, have a simple dinner there to listen to some local jazz musicians, and make our donation to their food pantry which was closed last year due to no food.

Although only 15 of us are boarding the plane the entire parish of St. Michael's as well as our family and friends are coming too - without your support both spiritually and financially this trip would not be possible. Thank you so much, please keep us in your prayers, and check the blog daily to find out what we are up to! (You can access it through the St. Michael's website).

Judy Rice

2009-08-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

2009-08-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

2009-08-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

Beautiful

2009-08-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

B-Safe volunteers and participants

2009-08-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

Last Friday's field trip

2009-07-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

I went to bed last Thursday night with a sense of foreboding due to the forecast. Friday we'd planned to take the B-SAFE campers to the Blue Hill Observatory and then to Houghton Pond afterward for swimming and a picnic.

As I was awakened Thursday night by the sound of howling winds and torrential downpours I realized my sense of foreboding was unfortuantely not for naught.

For a type A organizer like myself a last minute change of plan like this is -- well, less than ideal at the least.

But on to plan B it was - bowling at Boston Bowl.

Getting 75 kids into rental shoes and connecting them with the right size bowling balls was an interesting feat - but soon enough I saw 15 lanes of kids with big smiles on their faces, some flinging the ball (and occasionally themselves) down the lane at breakneck speed, while the smaller kids would have had time to run and grab a snack after rolling the ball and could have still been back to the lane in time to see it hit (or more accurately, gently nudge) a pin or 2.

Afterward we enjoyed that cure-all tonic known as the pizza lunch. You've never seen 25 cartons of pizza disappear so fast.

With Michael Theobald reporting that Houghton Pond was a pond even where it wasn't supposed to be a pond, it was on to plan C for the afternoon. We dumped all manner of balls, bats, frisbees, rackets etc. onto the parking lot and had at it.

Soon I found myself talking trash with Ranjit and 5 or 6 other kids in an entertaining game of touch football in the parking lot. (We all know Ranjit to be kind and considerate but trust me, football brings out his competitive side!)

As I looked at the faces of these kids throughout the day in the context of my own fretting about plans changed by weather I was reminded that the the point of B-SAFE isn't where you go or what you do - it's simply spending time with a lot of really great kids. For me the most fulfilling aspect of B-SAFE for both the kids and we volunteers are those simple and informal but important and direct personal encounters. I am certain that the kids won't remember or care that the way we spent our day was a plan B due to rain. But I like to believe they'll remember a lot of those personal encounters. I know I will.

Thank you so much to the very large group of enthusiastic and committed volunteers who gave their time to this week of St. Michael's B-SAFE support.

Randy Wambold

Thursday's B-Safe lunch at Church of the Holy Spirit

2009-07-24T03:47:00.000-07:00

In your wildest dreams who would've thought mac and cheese could be so complicated! Well, when your serving it up as the main course for 65+ kids, volunteers and adults and need 75+ plates ready to go all at the same time and you've got " too many cooks in the kitchen" complicated it can turn out to be! Fortunately the master chefs took control, everyone else took their lead and the mission was gracefully accomplished! With a slice of confusion and a dash of chaos we did it perfectly! The executive decision in the heat of the moment to run out and get french bread to add to the menu was a tremendous hit. More bread please, more bread please was heard throughout the lunch room. The other huge hit was the peach idea- on the side of their mac and cheese they had celery sticks, tomato slices ( didn't hear much about them ) and one half of a huge peach, wow! delicious, ripe, sweet and fresh. They loved it! Dessert was an assortment of various flavored brownies and cookies baked fresh with lemonade to drink which topped off a perfect meal. These kids are so appreciative! These kids are so adorable, thankful, hungry and happy! Their spirits are definitely in the right place! When Thursday's lunch was all said and done and their tummy's were full we got a thunderously loud, in unison: " Thank you "!!
What a rewarding experience filled with enthusiasm, gratitude,

fellowship and love!
Stay tuned for the adventures of Friday's fieldtrip!

Tuesday, June 21st---Church of the Holy Spirit

2009-07-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

A rainy day but the children's faces are all sunshine. They clearly love being here. They are polite and sweet. and I wish I could think of more to do for them. We met earlier in the kitchen of Our Saviour and made ten pans of ziti with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil, a wonderful, chaotic group effort, bumping into each other and yelling directions. Sam had a messy twenty minutes grating mozzarella balls, while others stood over huge boiling pots of water and pasta, or tore up basil leaves and talked. The children liked the ziti (it really wasn't bad, if I do say so myself!). We served it to them with celery sticks and for dessert, great brownies baked by Judy Rice, Mary Stubbs and Barb Phinney. Some of the kids wanted seconds on the ziti, and some of them actually wanted more celery! I have never been thanked so enthusiastically for anything I have ever done. The children stood and screamed and waved and clapped. We were all grinning from ear to ear. A beautiful day. Sheila Monks

Heather Putnam's Mission Homily

2009-03-09T08:01:00.001-07:00

Beacon of Hope

To say I was totally shocked to see the devastation in New Orleans three years after hurricane Katrina struck would be an understatement. When we arrived, we took a tour of the areas hardest hit by the hurricane from the 9th ward to the surrounding parishes. The 9th was hardest hit when the levees broke..all we could see there were slabs upon which homes once stood, a few green homes, built by Brad Pitts Make it Right Foundation and a few homes being repaired by homeowners themselves. We also toured the middle class parish of Gentilly Homes were still standing but in tremendous need of repair The polluted water rose fifteen feet and stayed for 3 weeks . On many doors we could see red Xes..that meant no one alive was still inside. These put there by the crew of rescue boat s who patrolled the area .Seeing the xes stays with you along time. Some homes were fully repaired but most were not. Many were boarded up and abandoned. The people had given up, had not received insurance money yet or couldn’t afford to rebuild as they had no place to stay while doing so Rents were sky high.
Five us were sent into this parish to work under the auspices of the Beacon Of Hope Resource Center. Founded on Valentines Day ,6months after Katrina, the purpose was to serve as a lifeline for all homeowners who seek information and resources to rebuild. Their mission is to provide a sanctuary to everyone looking for a way back home. 34,000 residents have used the services of thousands of volunteers who come to the city on a weekly basis. In one week alone, 2000 volunteers from Starbucks cleared and rebuilt a park complete with a new playground for children to enjoy.
Our first 2 days were spent finishing up a home that was to become in March a center where volunteers would stay. We painted, stained doors, scrubbed floors of paint and grime, cleared brush and overgrown vegetation and hung new blinds ( Sam’s an expert) At the end of the second day we began to move furniture in and help make it a welcoming place for new volunteers. On the third day we put in an instant garden for Raymond and Yvonne, an elderly black couple who had finally rebuilt their home but had never had a garden. A couple from Missouri helped as well They had driven down with a thousand volunteers Yvonne didn’t have enough flowers and so took Deb Rodman and myself to Lowes to pick out more. The look on her face was one of pure joyas she went from bench to bench We picked out a large holly tree and planted it in her garden-our gift from St Michaels..Her comment through tears was: I don’t need a tree to remind me of what yst Michaels has done for us!! The garden looked beautiful when done. A bright beacon of hope…as most homes surrounding hers were badly damaged and boarded up..just waiting for more volunteers like us to help them.
Our final assignment with the Beacon of Hope was to help rebuild a home of a pastor from the Assembly of God. He was in the direst of straights both monetarily and emotionally. He showed us all a video of what his home had looked like upon his arrival back It looked like a bomb had gone off..the house was standing but everything inside was totally destroyed. He was trying to clean out and rebuild alone while his wife and daughter had moved to Tennessee to stay with Relatives. He was lonely and alone.-until Beacon of Hope came along. He desperately needed to tell someone, anyone, his story. We just listened. We painted, put up paneling and helped him clear debris.Over lunch on his stoop, he told us he had been robbed of materials . 13 times This man was trying to move on but ever so slowly. He was tired, emotionally fragile and very very lonely. The Beacon of Hope is the only thing he has going for him right now. There are hundreds like him..all waiting to be helped. Many wanting to retell their story.This organization represents the very best of how volunteers can help others. My last day I worked with the crew who had been rebuilding a library in a new charter school. There was a sign hanging in the hall with a quote from Barack Obama that seems appropriate to all volunteers who come to help rebuild New Orleans. Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. I am deeply grateful to have been sent to New Orleans to help make a change. St Michaels presence indeed made a difference.

Sheila Monks mission homily

2009-03-04T13:45:00.000-08:00

I'd like to tell you a little bit about what it was like to be part of that group of 15 who lived together in the parish house of St. Andrews Church in New Orleans the first week in February.
We were a pretty mixed group. Some of us knew each other pretty well, but there were a couple of brave souls who had barely met the rest of the group when they signed up. Few had been to New Orleans before, and none since the hurricane. You may remember that we weren't sure what we would find once we got there, or exactly what we were going to do each day. We had some real doubts about our capabilities, and most of all we wondered: what could we possibly do to help in the face of so much need?
It was a mixture of very different personalities, ages, and interests. But there wasn't anything particularly special about us. We were---and I'm really speaking for myself here---hopeful, but fallible and vulnerable: ordinary human beings.
By the end of the week in New Orleans, that motley crew, floundering and well out of their comfort zone, had come together and forged an extraordinary and powerful bond. I saw something wonderful happen: we were supporting each other in love. Because we were enabling each other, we had the strength
to go out and do much more than we ever imagined we could. And it was all through small acts of kindness.
Someone went to the store late at night after a long day of physical labor to buy bread so we could all make sandwiches for lunch the next day. Someone cleaned a bathtub the group before us had left dirty. We lent each other clothes, aspirin, shampoo—whatever was needed. When I was tired, someone carried my suitcase. I am an early riser, so I was among the first in the kitchen each morning. Someone had always filled the coffee maker the night before and left a note: “Plug In Coffee!” Can you imagine how wonderful that felt? Some figured out how to get around the city and some drove the vans and some swept the floor and some chopped onions for dinner. It was my favorite piece of scripture in action, from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit, and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
When you stop to think about it, what we did for the people of New Orleans in our short week there were just small acts of kindness. It wasn’t a lot. In the words of George Stevens, the Assistant Rector at St. John’s Church in Beverly Farms, one of our early mentors, “You aren’t going down there to change the world.” We just tried to show some loving support to let people know they weren’t forgotten.
There are some other important acts of kindness—some small and some not so small---that I want to mention. I am referring of course to the loving support of this parish that enabled us to make the trip. Every pair of socks you bought, every donation you made, the t-shirts and the beignet mixes and the trips to the airport, every encouraging word you gave us, helped us to come together as a group and to stay focused and inspired because we knew you were with us. We all thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We couldn’t have done it without you.
That’s what it’s all about: small acts of kindness that are paid forward. I won’t forget the coffee pot ready to be plugged in or the suitcase taken out of my hand without my even asking. Hopefully some of the children whose library we renovated won’t forget and will do something like that for someone else some day. Each of us doing something for someone else with the gifts that God gave us. With all due respect to George Stevens, maybe that really is how you change the world.

John Duff's Homily

2009-02-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

It's been a couple of weeks since we returned from our mission trip to New Orleans. The many images of this trip are stilll fresh in my mind and will be for a long time. Yes' the Downtown area, The French Quarter, Garden District and other neighborhoods are in great shape, but there are still areas of devastation. It's been over three years since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast and in some locations it looks like nothing much has been done.
I saw first hand of how sections of the city have been destroyed and how many people have lost everything they own. I can understand why people still have not come back to there homes. The State and Federal Government have let the people down. It's going to take years! Unfortunately it usually takes a tragedy to open people's eyes. Fortunately, that's not the case here at St. Michael's. I am very proud of all the people that went on this Mission Trip. Their dedication their hard work and their determination were amazing! It was a blessing to become even closer to these very special people.
I worked in a small two bed room home along with Lorraine and Joanna. Everything about the house was destroyed except for the cinder block foundation. The owner of the home had paid some contractors to do the work but they took the money and ran. The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana has an organization that helps rebuild homes that were damaged and also people who were ripped off and therefore further delayed in getting back into their homes.
When we first arrived at the home, we didn't know what we were going to do. We were greeted by three young adults around 21 years old. There was Kelly from Texas, Gerard from Rhode Island and Molly from Los Angeles. They had all taken some time off from college to help with the disaster relief. Molly was in charge of this job site. Other volunteers working on this home were a couple in their late fifties from the Buffalo area and a man around thirty all the way from Holland. Working with volunteers from all over the country and even around the world gives me hope and joy. It shows me that people really care for each other and this is the world that God wants.
The exterior of the home was all done with a new roof and new siding by previous volunteers. Molly gave us some instructions on what we would be doing for the week. Our job was to plaster and sand the interior walls that had just been sheet rocked. Molly had one request, that we would be respectful and discreet about taking pictures of the house and the owner if she showed up.
The work got very tedious and boring as the week went on. About midday on Wednesday, the front door open, and there stood an elderly black woman in a long, bright colorful dress. We all stopped working and stood there covered in plaster dust. Molly greeted the woman and assisted her with walking around the house. As she passed everyone, she reached out and gave us all a hug and a kiss. When she was finished, her lips and face were covered in white dust. She didn't care. She was so happy and thankful. It was so special to actually meet the woman who would be living in this house that we had been working on. This was my highlight of the week! To me, that moment made the whole trip worthwhile.
It was an incredible experience that I will never forget. Thank you to the whole parish for your support. I hope we get the opportunity to do it again.

John Duff

Mission Trip Sunday

2009-02-22T13:13:00.000-08:00

“Greetings to you from the Diocese of Louisiana. As you know, for the past three and a half years, we have been called into new and uncharted territory after Hurricane Katrina turned our lives upside down. Episcopal Relief & Development gave us grants to set up the Office of Disaster Response soon after that, and the Episcopal Church has become a leader and a trusted voice in the recovery. Our team of 25 staff does everything from gutting and rebuilding homes to organizing thousands of volunteers who continue to visit the Gulf Coast.”

These are words from Bishop Charles Jenkins of the Diocese of Louisiana and it pretty much sums up the work of the Episcopal Church down there. I have always been proud to be an Episcopalian but never more so then when I was in New Orleans. I saw first hand the impact the church is making there, not only by caring for the residents but also in providing support and work opportunities for the volunteers who come to assist. Some of the programs we were involved in such as the Rebuild Program and the Beacon of Hope are managed at the diocesan level but others are run by individual congregations throughout the city. All these programs rely on donations of time, talent, and treasure.

This was first evident at our arrival at the parish of St. Andrew’s which provides housing for different volunteer groups each week throughout the year. Not only did they put us up in their parish hall and make us welcome at Sunday services, they also invited us to Super Bowl parties at the homes of parishioners. Although St. Andrew’s is an active relatively well off parish much like St. Michael’s, they are still feeling the effects of losing one third of their parish family who have yet to return since Katrina.

For two days we helped at the Mobile Loaves and Fishes which is run out of Trinity Church. This program feeds over 2000 people a month 6 days a week bringing lunches to not only the homeless and needy but also to the many volunteers helping to rebuild homes. In addition Trinity provides pastoral counseling to those throughout the city who are trying to deal with the devastation of their lives. We also spent two evenings at the Dragon Café, a Monday Lunch type program run out of St. George’s church which feeds 150 poor and homeless as well as volunteers who may not have kitchen facilities where they are staying. This program gives people a chance to “relax, share a story” and be together in fellowship.

One evening we all went to the parish of St. Anna’s where we enjoyed a worship service, simple meal, and jazz by local musicians. This is a weekly event at St. Anna’s which also provides at the same time a clinic for medical and social assistance.

Archdeacon McManis of Louisiana says “We ask for your prayers as this will be a long journey as we serve Christ by serving those in need among us”. The journey has been and will continue to be long but thanks to the work of the church, there is still much hope and joy in New Orleans. “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me”. Thank you St. Michael’s for serving Christ through helping our neighbors in need.

Judy Rice Reflects on New Orleans

2009-02-17T19:18:00.000-08:00

New Orleans was wonderful! Such a beautiful city - I know now why the people are so proud of it and did not want to relocate after Katrina. I was expecting sunny skies and warm(er) temperatures, but the green grass, blooming flowers, flowering trees, and palm trees were a wonderful surprise. Everyone kept teasing me because I kept saying "this is so amazing!" We were welcomed and thanked by all we met - even down to the clerk at the gift shop at Trinity Church. They were so appreciative that we came - thanks to all of you we were able to.

I did a variety of things while we were there - the animal shelter, the charter school library, Loaves and Fishes (making and bringing lunches to both homeless and volunteers throughout the city) and the Dragon Cafe (think Monday lunch program except it's at night). I can't wait to go back again. Despite all that has been done, there is still so much to do. Everyone we met was affected in some way.

The spirit of the city is still strong, despite all they have been through. They are looking forward to Mardi Gras (decorations have been up for weeks) and they just love having tourists come as well as the many volunteers we met from all over the country. Hope you can join us this Sunday to taste, see, and hear more about our trip. Judy Rice

Green Charter School

2009-02-17T13:41:00.000-08:00

Hi, Everyone,

I wanted to say a few words about my experiences in NOLA before I left for vacation. I won't be around for the special service next Sunday or the beignets & coffee with chicory afterward, unfortunately, so I can't share in person.

I chose to work in the Green Charter School, K through 8, my whole time in NOLA, since I am a librarian by profession, & a group was needed to get the school library up & running for its grand opening in a few weeks. I wound up sorting books & priming & painting two enormous bookcases with over a hundred shelves. Our group worked hard, along with two grad. students from Tulane, trying to find places to prop the shelves to dry, without spoiling the newly laid carpet. We also barcoded books & classified them according to reading level. There were scores of boxes of donated books to process.

I was really impressed by how well the children, all African-American, were cared for. There was much discipline, but much caring & affection shown by the teachers, who, for the most part, were white & under 40. The atmosphere was calm & felt safe. Although the school was built in the twenties', it was clean, brightly painted & pretty well maintained. The inspirational posters & children's artwork decorated the halls & classrooms, altogether a cheerful place. The children, in the afternoons, have choices for "enrichment," e.g. sports, arts, such as dance, & working in the beautiful, organic garden, which the teachers & students put in. They grow vegetables, which they get to eat in the cafeteria. The cafeteria doesn't serve "junk" food. Apparently, unlike other schools, they don't consider chicken nuggets "food." There aren't any soft drink vending machines about either.
Occasionally, the instructors take the children out on field trips. While we were there, a group went canoeing on a nearby bayou.

In this school, which, others from our group will describe in better detail, I saw hope for the future of New Orleans. I saw young adults from City Year, Tulane, the young teachers, working hard to give the children a better start in life. I hope the children noticed too, & will "pay it forward" when they grow up. I would love to return to see the new, improved library, & help where I'm needed. Thank all of you at St. Michael's and beyond, for making my contribution possible. I'll never forget the experience. Lana

2009-02-13T08:18:00.000-08:00

2009-02-13T08:11:00.000-08:00

Last Day in New Orleans

2009-02-06T21:49:00.001-08:00

Good Evening All -

It seems impossible that this was our last full day in New Orleans. It was a great day. The weather was stunning - sunny, clear, and warm. We turned out early to our project sites and had the satisfaction of finishing the projects we had set out to do. Our satisfaction is seriously tempered by our understanding that there is so much more that needs to be done. But nonetheless, the organizations with whom we worked strucured our work well, so that we are leaving feeling that we have helped, if only a little.

Most of us had time this afternoon to take the streeetcar downtown and for the first time just be tourists and visit the French Quarter and do some shopping. But even there, at a very touristy (but great) bookstore, I heard a customer leave saying how much she looked forward to putting the book she had bought on a shelf in her den. The saleswoman who had helped her sighed and said "I can't wait until I can move back into my house and have bookshelves." The impact of Katrina displacement is everywhere, even where you least except to find it. Needless to say, I bought many books.

We gathered together for a final dinner at a local Lebanese restaurant (great food!) after stopping at the neighborhood RiteAid drugstore to buy several bottles of wine (passing by the full hard liquor selection across the aisle from the chapstick - the liquor distribution system in New Orleans is pretty bizarre!)

Wake up call tomorrow is at 6 AM and the group will leave by 8 AM to reach the airport in time for their flight home to Milton. I will hang out for a bit to wash towels and clean out the fridge and then drive north for a visit with my daughter Sarah, who is teaching writing skills to 7th and 8th graders in northwest rural Mississippi.

My suggestion to my travelling companions is that over the next few days they each compose a short message about what this trip has meant to them and either post it directly or send it to James to post for them.

Our thanks to all of you for you support!

love from us all, Anne

Can it really be Thursday?

2009-02-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

Good evening all -

this was maybe our hardest day - we were all aware that we had only two days left to finish the tasks we had committed to doing and (for many of us) the unaccustomed physical labor and uncomfortable beds are taking their toll.

We ordered pizza in for dinner tonight, but now our party people (Ranjit and Johanna, John and Diane) are out for local music.

So forgive us for this meager blog tonight. Thanks for all your encouraging notes. More tomorrow.

Anne

2009-02-04T22:15:00.000-08:00

2009-02-04T22:13:00.000-08:00

2009-02-04T22:08:00.000-08:00

From Sheila and everybody

2009-02-04T20:57:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody,

We had a very busy day, we spread out across the city.
Lorraine, Johanna and John sanded at the Rebuild Project for five hours, they had the pleasure of meeting the homeowner, and even though
they were covered with dust, she insisted on hugging and kissing each of us.
Quite moving!

Meanwhile, back at the Beacon of Hope, Debbie, Sam, Heather, Diane and Ranjit
were cleaning, painting and hanging shades for a house for volunteers. They planted a magnolia tree, did some landscaping, etc. Because of our contributions this house was finished on time, so that other volunteers could move in on time.

At the Charter School, Cece, Sandy, Sheila, Lana and Anne and a couple of gorgeous hunks from Tulane, almost finished painting a huge bookcase and there 126 shelves.

We went to two new sites, "Loaves and Fishes and the Dragon Cafe,"
and at both sites, we made food to pass out to volunteers and to hungry folks.
Tonight, we attended a service at St. Anna's Episcopal Church where we heard Gospel Music.

And what is especially prominent is the way in which St. Anna's holds in prayer
the most recent victims of violence in New Orleans.

After the service, we took part in a meal that was for
the community but was directed towards the most needy. The evening was a carefully planned interplay of worship, jazz, free medical care and legal services that were provided by local professionals. As we entered, we noticed a sign that read 'Food pantry closed due to lack of food,' so we decided to make a cash donation.

We celebrated our hard work by going to the French Quarter and feasting on some beignets, coffee and cocoa and a glass of milk, (with some Zantacs by the fistful) at Cafe Du Monde. Mmm....yum.

We ended by reflecting on a spectacular day!