Mission Trip 2009

THE NEED:
In June 2008, the Midwest state of Iowa experienced wide-spread flooding due to severe storms and continuous rains. Entire towns were evacuated and 80 of the 99 counties in Iowa were declared disaster areas. The town of Cedar Rapids was severely hit and is in the process of recovering. Our mission team will work primarily in the Cedar Rapids area.

CEDAR RAPIDS PARTICULARS:
        10 = Number of square miles that flooded
18,623 = Estimated number of people in areas that flooded
  5,390 = Homes damaged
  1,049 = Businesses damaged
        18 = Industries damaged
        30 = Faith organizations damaged
        55 = Non-profits damaged

WHAT WILL WE BE DOING?
DAYS:
Because work in disaster recovery is flexible, we do not have an exact idea of the work to be done. Most of our work will focus on rebuilding: roofing, drywall, painting, etc. What we do will depend upon the skills of the group. Another important part of the work we will do is listening to the stories of the victims and the stories of relief workers. Some people will feel more comfortable working on houses; others will feel more comfortable being a listening presence with homeowners. PEOPLE WITH ALL DIFFERENT SKILLS AND GIFTS ARE NEEDED!

** SPECIAL NEED **
We would like 1 or 2 persons whose job for the week is to stay behind
at the church and help with meals, laundry, etc. If you are not interested
in hot, labor-intensive work, but still want to be a part of the mission
experience, this job is for you!

EVENINGS:
Each evening will include dinner, free time, and group time (debriefing, devotions,
and prayer).

FREE DAY
Sunday, May 31 will be our free day on the trip. We'll worship at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church and then head to the Amana Colonies for the afternoon.

AMANA COLONIES
The Amana Colonies consist of seven villages whose history as a religious communal society is among the longest-lived and largest in the nation.
The history of the Amana Colonies began in the 1700's in Germany and moved to the United States in the 1800's due to religious persecution. The colonies themselves were founded in 1854 by Inspirationists, a people dedicated to family life, religious freedom, tradition and hard work. They were skilled craftsman and women who labored to make fine furniture, woolens, wines, beers, meats, cheeses, and baked goods that remain at the heart of the Amanas.
Though no longer actively practicing a communal way of life, the Amana Colonies today represent a simpler way of life and a hospitable spirit. The mission team will spend the afternoon at the Colonies - listen to great music; dine on specialty foods; enjoy arts and craftsmanship; shop general stores; and enjoy the simple way of life. We'll gather for dinner at a German-style restaurant where the food is locally grown and absolutely delicious!

BASIC TRIP INFORMATION
WHO:
6th graders to adults (intergenerational!)
Note: 12 year olds and younger must bring a parent on the trip.

WHAT:
A week of mission in Iowa

WHEN:
May 30-June 6

WHERE:
The host church is St. Andrew Presbyterian Church of Iowa City, Iowa.
The church is equipped with showers and a large kitchen.
We'll stay in an air-conditioned room on bunk beds/cots

COST:
(includes transportation, food, lodging)
$125 for Youth (active in FPC youth activities)
$175 for Adults/others

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Registration Deadline - Monday, March 30
$25 deposit (with registration form)
Registration forms can be found by clicking the following link:
Mission Trip 2009 Registration and Skills Form
They may also be found in the First Presbyterian Church offices, or the Narthex.

2nd Payment - Monday, April 27
$50 payment for YOUTH
$75 payment for ADULTS

Monday, May 18 - Final payment
Note: $50 is nonrefundable after Monday, April 27

PRE-TRIP MEETINGS FOR MISSION TRIP PARTICIPANTS IN FELLOWSHIP HALL:

SUNDAY, MAY 3 ~ 12:15 p.m.
Information meeting for ALL trip participants. Youth must have a parent/guardian at the meeting. A light lunch will be served

SUNDAY, MAY 17 ~ 6:45-8:30 p.m.
Group building for all trip participants.

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Below are photos taken during our time together on the 2008 Mission Trip to New Orleans.

Eating at "Tunk's" in Alexandria, Louisiana

The house the mission team roofed during the
2007 Mission Trip to New Orleans.

Erlene and her mother have moved back in!

At Parkway Presbyterian Church in Metairie, Louisiana - our host church for the week.

Early morning wake up - 5:00 a.m.!!

Beth Huber's House - Work Team #1
- Sheet Rocking!

Learning to sheet rock.

Noell, the construction manager,
with her prayer shawl

Cooling off!

Working for "Beacon of Hope"

TALL weeds!

Finished product!

Denise's House

Galen's house

Elvie's house

Prayer Shawls made by members of our church were received gratefully

Fun in the historic French Quarter!!