Friday Fun

The Museum of Science and Industry treated us very well today! We learned lots of neat stuff and had tons of fun doing so.

The fun continued into the evening, when we walked across the street to Water Tower Place for dinner and dessert. 

The seniors put on a moving last worship, as they bravely and lovingly shared their testimonies with us. They have some extremely bright futures ahead of them!

Haley Ables wrapped up the mission trip traditions for us, when she passed down the infamous Cheese Danish to Sam VanMeter. She witnessed his light all week long when he enjoyed all
service activity and volunteered to take part in everything. The night ended with more card games and dance parties. Merry service trip to, and to all, a good night!

Thankful Thursday

As crazy as it sounds, we've made it through our last work day! It was a whirlwind in the best way possible. Students put their all into their last volunteer shifts as they sorted donations, packaged meals, played with children, and picked up beach trash. 

Following work, we had a special evening, as the summer staff from Fourth included us in a closing worship. Some students from the last small group even got to take part, making some additions to the schedule and leading their own activity. We reflected on Matthew 5:14-16, and how we have seen and brought light to Chicago, as well as how we can continue to shine once we leave. Students recounted memories from the week in which they saw and felt light, whether it was broadcasted by the people they served or the people they served with. To further express their gratitude and love for one another, they participated in a moving group activity. A small portion of the group took turns going around to the rest of the group laying one or two hands on either the other person's shoulders or head. Each hand and position had a different meaning: you are my friend; you mean a lot to me; you have made an impact on me; you play an immense role in my life. You could definitely feel love in the room. 

The love carried us through the rest of the night as we had Cookies with Ken, played card games, and dance (yelled) along to our favorite songs. No better way to end the last work day! Looking forward to our day of celebration tomorrow, as we head to the Museum of Science and Industry. 

West Virginia Wednesday

Day 3 can sometimes be a rough one: you're more tired than you were the day before; perhaps you're achy from all of the walking and working. Your body is used to the schedule at this point, so it's easier to fight it. Yet despite all of this, our students absolutely seized the day! 

Groups worked with diverse groups of Chicago residents and organizations today, from senior citizens to day campers, and food packages to organic gardens. During devotions tonight, the leading small group asked students where they saw light throughout their days. They came up with this idea after learning that Fourth Presbyterian was built in it's specific spot with the purpose to be The Light in The City. 

One student saw light when she was spending time with an elderly woman with dementia. While her memory was not what it used to be, light shone through as she was able to make connections with a new person. When time rolled around to leave, the woman started to well up, saying she wished she didn't have to leave. 

Similarly, another student got to know another senior citizen at a different residential place. They also enjoyed their time together so much so that, when the group had to move on to another worksite, the citizen took the student's hand and wanted to hold on. The student said she saw light in her new friend and was humbled to have had a part in helping it shine. When it was time to let go, the friend said, "I'll hold you with my hand open". 

One small group got their namaste on with some of the day camp kids that come to Fourth each day for an arts based education during the summer. They saw light in the kids with whom they made fortune tellers and practices yoga. The kids were beyond excited to play with them and show off their stuff, and their light quickly spread throughout the room to create an enjoyable time for all. 

After talking about all of the moments of light from the day, the group wrapped up their worship with the only song appropriate to bring everyone's light and spirit out: Bring Me Home Country Road. 

The theme of light continued through the night as we walked down towards the lake to see the weekly firework show put on at Navy Pier. Group C (pictured below) wrapped up our initially weary Wednesday with quite a bang!

Totally Tuesday

Day number two was one for the books! Students worked hard all day long, and they again reflected upon the things they saw and experienced. 

Throughout the day, our small groups of students sorted food donations at a food pantry; unpacked and bundled donated clothes and supplies for families with infants to young children; cared for a community garden; and picked up another beach. During our devotional time, the leading small group encouraged the rest of us to consider the impact that our work had on the organizations and communities within which we volunteered. They reached the general consensus that while their jobs could seem small and sometimes incomplete, they're all working pieces to a bigger picture. They don't have to do it all; they just have to do the best they can with the gifts that they individually have. Here's to continuing to recognizing and appreciating the little things and the big impact that they can have!

 

Monday Funday!

Monday Funday! Our group split up to tackle the morning in three groups. One group journeyed to Montrose Beach to pick up trash and recycling. The organiztion we worked with also asked us to take tally of the items we picked up, so that they could conduct research on the kinds of objects washing up. One student said that it seemed to her that "people don’t even realize the impact of one piece of trash. If you’re not kind to your world, it affects others."

A second group started at Fourth Presbyterian to sort donation and make sack lunches to hand out at a shelter nearby. A student reflected on the donation sorting process realized how complex of a process the giving/taking of these objects can be. "There was a lot to go through, so it felt good knowing that we were making a little bit of a contribution."

The third group went to Casa Central, a community center within a predominantly Puerto Rican neighborhood. Senior citizens from the community come to Casa Central to interact with each other and maintain physical and mental activity. Students played dominoes and other games with the folks there, and while there was a bit of a language barrier, they appreciated how the clientele tried their best to include them in this new place. 

After lunch, we returned to Fourth for a chat with Pastor Joe and an activity with the summer staff. Pastor Joe enlightened us about the unique, diverse communities of Chicago. His personal experiences with the various people and their cultures helped to give us a mental picture of what we might be able to expect throughout the rest of the week. Our perspectives were further educated through an activity that the summer staff led students through: a homeless simulatuon. Students were given various backgrounds (family, origin, monetary, job training, etc.) and different documentation. The goal was to gain housing. Only one student was able to achieve that goal, and while many got close, everyone experienced the same frustrations. Here's some of the insightful things they said:

--That was the worst game I've ever played. It felt like everyone was against me.

--It seemed unfair because everyone had different circumstances and privileges.

--The hardest part was having kids. I had to take care of them while also trying to wait in line all day for these documents.

--Some of the government officials were difficult to work with. It felt like they didn't understand.

--It was like people weren't seeing me, cutting in front of me and only worrying about themselves. 

--There was a collective "no" when they were asked if they think it's easy to get out of experiencing homelessness. 

All of these Day 1 Experiences, followed by discussion and contemplation during small group and devotion, mixed together to give us a great picture of what Chicago does and can look like, from various perspectives. We're excited to continuing learning and giving of ourselves to help this magnificent city tell a brighter story. 

Safe Arrival in Chicago

We have successfully and safely touched down in the land of Chitown! We got to know one another, along with the summer staff working here at Fourth Presbyterian, chowed down on some Chicago-style deep dish pizza, and assembled  our cots for the weeks’ slumbers.

Looking forward to a full day of work and fun tomorrow!

BOS 2018

The BOS (Burger of Service) originated in 2009 in Elkhart, Indiana, after an interesting adult grilling experience. A patty fell between the grates and became completely charred, but it did so much more than burn: it flavored the other patties above. The adults decided to award the BOS to a student who had a similar effect on the rest of the group: someone who worked hard and was a great team player. It is passed down each year, and tonight, the 2017 BOS, Noah Stubbs, awarded the new BOS with this coveted title. The tenth holder of this title takes home the actual original burger to its eighth home. We congratulate and celebrate Connor Buckley as the 2018 BOS! 

The BOS Family Tree

2009 - Claudia Benz - Elkhart, IN

2010 - Zak Aker - Louisville, KY

2011 - Ben Higgins - Indiana University

2012 - Olivia Benz - Hanover, IN

2013 - Alex Reese - Indianapolis 

2014 - Mary Stafford - University of Illinois

2015 - Nathan Higgins - Olney, IL

2016 - Sam VanMeter - Cincinnati, OH

2017 - Noah Stubbs - Purdue University 

2018 - Connor Buckley - Crawfordsville, IN

WYSIWYG Day 4

Our fourth day was filled with fun! We started our morning off right with scrumptious donuts from the locals' favorite shop, and then we set off for work. We wanted to give back to the community of Crawfordsville for being such awesome hosts, so we returned to Milligan Park to pick up trash. Students had loads of fun with it, and some turned it into a game. They finished so quickly, they had time to play and relax with each other.

After lunch, we decided to take a quick little tour around Wabash College, since it is so close to the church and is a significant part of the town. Students completed a scavenger hunt for buildings and items on campus; and some of them even ran into the college's president!

Adults were stuck in Relaxation Mode, so Domino's provided dinner. We followed up with a trip to another local favorite: the Dairi-licious ice cream stand. They had a Turtle Park next door, so we swung and slid as we ate our tasty treats.

After running off the sugar, we settled down for our last devotion. To wrap up, we lifted our prayers up to God in a unique way, with Wish Paper. The amount of time that students took to reflect was a true testament to how thoughtful and prayerful they all are. That being said, we are incredibly grateful for such an easy-going, compassionate, dedicated group of students. They worked so well together, and they had an absolute blast doing so. We cannot wait to see what they continue accomplish as they go forward, giving of themselves and gaining so much in return!

WYSIWYG Day 3

"Yes" was the word of the day today! We returned to the larger space for Pam's Promise to finish our painting, staining, and lawn care duties. Students were very flexible and took initiative in volunteering for odd jobs. From picking up and breaking sticks to reaching high to wipe down window and door frames, our middle school rockstars were always up for the task.

They were so excited to work and do a fantastic job; we ended up finishing our day earlier than we had anticipated we would! We cooled off in the pool at Milligan Park and headed back to the church for some delicious lasagna and thoughtful devotions.

Again, we talked about where we saw God today. Your wonderful youth responded: 
-In the excitement of getting a big project done so you could go help with the next one
-In one of the residents, who came out and commented on how nice the newly painted bench looked
-The faces of Stephanie, Annie, and Maddie when we surprised them with the finished porch
-The teamwork in pulling weeds, seeing how much we all accomplished at the end

We're looking forward to our third work day and fun evening to celebrate our hard work!

WYSIWYG Day 2

First work day was a grand success! We volunteered with Pam's Promise, a transitional housing program that works wonders within the community. Part of our group worked at one of the large houses that holds up to four families. They stained the deck, gardened and planted flowers, and painted a bench.

Meanwhile, the other part of the group went over to another housing unit and sorted over 20 bags and boxes of donated clothing. We celebrated our hard work with warm showers, a Taco Tuesday dinner, and ice cream treats for dessert. 

The students who led tonight's devotion asked everyone, "Where did you see God today?" Here are some of their answers:
-In the people at the house: the little kids who were happy for people to talk to and play with
-In the finished products
-In getting to know each other, in the teamwork
-In the little girl and her young siblings who were getting clothes. Their mom was really grateful
-The huge amount of clothes that were donated
-Pulling weeds together and getting to know each other

Looking forward for another fantastic, God-filled day tomorrow!

WYSIWYG Day 1

We had a great first day and night together. Students got to know one another better, shared a wonderful meal from our host church, and worshipped.
All are excited for our first day of work on Tuesday, and eager to see what God has planned for us.

WYSIWYG - Middle School Trip - Departure

And away they go for an incredible week of service and adventure. Please keep this amazing group of middle school students and their adult leaders in your prayers as they are away.

Hearts, eyes, and minds open.