tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79745700708385363632024-03-05T11:51:18.577-08:00Lutherans In TrentonLIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-80116649634367001932013-07-24T16:20:00.001-07:002013-07-24T16:21:07.204-07:00LiT Book!<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51B48tqdIiL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51B48tqdIiL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a>This summer we are also reading a book together and talking about it, and this time we are reading Rob Bell's new book <i>What we Talk about When We Talk about God</i>. We've already discussed the first four chapters, and next week we will be talking about the rest. YOU can join us in our discussion if you've read it by leaving your comments. Here is a summary of the book:<br />
<br />
<em style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">New York Times</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> bestselling author Rob Bell, whom the </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The New Yorker</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> describes as “one of the most influential Christian leaders in the county,” does for the concept of God what he did for heaven and hell in his book </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Love Wins</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">: He shows how traditional ideas have grown stale and dysfunctional and how to return vitality and vibrancy to lives of faith today.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor Rob Bell explains why both culture and the church resist talking about God, and shows how we can reconnect with the God who is pulling us forward into a better future. Bell uses his characteristic evocative storytelling to challenge everything you think you know about God. </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">What We Talk About When We Talk About God</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> tackles the misconceptions about God and reveals how God is with us, for us, ahead of us, and how understanding this could change the entire course of our lives.</span>LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-6917279613267579932013-07-23T09:50:00.000-07:002013-08-02T09:51:53.618-07:00July 23 - Sweating for GodToday wasn't very exciting, but it was productive. We spent the day at the Elect Saints Trenton<br />
location packing stuff onto a truck for storage and cleaning up, getting the building ready for sale. One<br />
part of the day that was kind of exciting was watching the guys move the piano from downstairs to the<br />
truck. By exciting, I mean terrifying. Still, by some miracle they got it up the stairs with no one getting<br />
seriously hurt.<br />
<br />
-RachelLIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-27402242435182011492013-07-17T16:04:00.000-07:002013-07-24T16:06:33.306-07:00Singing about God's love<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Today, July 17<sup>th</sup>, we
began our day of LIT by taking a tour of Resurrection Lutheran Church. Pastor Nelson gave us an overview of the
church; he explained the church’s mission as well as providing insight about
its congregation. We were then give an
assortment of different assignments and off to work we went. Despite the heat, Kevin and I worked together
and trimmed branches of a tree growing into the parking lot. Ed and Alexis worked on cleaning the various
windows of the church and the rest of the group helped package food. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Sweaty and feeling accomplished, we
headed back to St. Bart’s for our third night of VBS. Tonight our overall theme was that <i>trusting in God helps us to stand strong. </i>The kids were taught the story of Jesus’
death and of his resurrection. They made
crowns during the craft and were given a delicious dinner consisting of chicken
nuggets, mac and cheese, and green beans (even though many kids passed on
these). At the end of the day we learned
a new song called "the crazy song." It got
the kids excited and moving around. It
was really amazing seeing and hearing kids so happy while singing about God’s
love.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
- Matt</div>
LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-73087682303875476562013-07-16T09:55:00.000-07:002013-08-02T10:01:45.900-07:00July 16 - A day full of friends<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Our
Day at LIT started bright and early at Mercer Street Friends in Trenton, NJ
there we spoke to the Supervisor of the Program who gave us a very detailed
over view. She explained that Mercer Street Friends is non-profit
organization that was started by Quakers and is now funded by the state and
other private donations. Mercer Street Friends has an Adult Learning
Center which helps people work towards a GED and help get them job-ready. They
also work with children (they have a daycare), they have various food banks and
they help provide home health care for the elderly.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">After
getting the run-down on how everything works, we were to put to work. We
bagged over 75 bags of food for families. After we bagged food, we headed back
to St. Bart’s for the second day of VBS. The theme of the day was "Family and Friends helps us Stand Strong." We used the story of Queen Esther and
the King, and how Esther stood for her people and through her they were
saved. My favorite part of the day was hearing the kids reflect on
the day and how to see how they really understood the story and related to the
story.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> - Alexis</span></div>
LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-39347814617362597482013-07-15T09:58:00.000-07:002013-08-02T10:02:07.360-07:00July 15 - a Visit to St. Mark's and VBS at St. Bart's<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">A new week started for the LIT, and we continued
our journey visiting the rest of the Lutherans churches in our cluster. That
afternoon we </span>stopped<span style="font-size: small;"> by to visit St. Mark's in Hamilton, which we met Pastor Linda
Thurston. We had our daily midday worship her and then she showed us around the
building. She talked about when she stared worshiping there St.
Marks and their mission statement/goal of the church. We the LIT asked a few
questions about the church and more about the community that she worships at. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 12pt;">After
leaving St. Marks we went to start our first day of VBS and St. Bartholomew
Lutheran Church. We helped out cleaning and preparing the food for the
VBS kids that were attending that afternoon. We did songs with the kids, played
outdoor games, snack time, and story time with. The first day was fun and we learned a few things from the VBS program. After all was done, and the
kids went home we had our daily evening prayer, and we went home for the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">-Ed</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-72566489690283449672013-07-12T16:02:00.000-07:002013-07-24T16:03:27.530-07:00Experiencing Creativity in TrentonAfter
meeting at St. Bartholomew and having out morning devotion, we started the day
learning about a new kind of prayer. Pastor Aaron gave the eight of us a short
lesson on “how to practice Lectio Divina.” This was of praying is done by
reading a short passage of the Bible in a slow manner so that you can reflect
on something that stuck out to you in the reading. We read the story of the
good Samaritan, since most of us were familiar with it and could really pick a
part that stuck out to us. As Pastor Aaron read the story to us, we closed our
eyes and reflected in silence. The passage was read three times to really give
us a chance to think about it and hear new things to focus on each time.<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today was
also the last day of VBS with the Elect Saints congregation. When we concluded
out lesson we drove over to PA for Vacation Bible School. When all of the kids
arrived, we broke off into our groups according to age and had an overview of
what we had talked about that week. Since it was raining and not the nicest day
out, we had to come up with a couple inside activities. For our closing meal we
had chicken and rice that was cooking in a Liberian sauce - that was really good.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For our
last stop on a Friday evening we went to the 24-hour art show in Trenton. As we
walked through the building there were many wonderful painting of people in a
more abstract design. When we made our way through the building we were
introduced to the man who ran the showing and he escorted us out to the side
where they were constructing a garden with old, non-usable materials. It was
really interesting to see the way they were taking things that seem to be
useless and transforming an area with them to make it beautiful. Seeing a very
different way to help the area through art really stuck out to me. No many
people are familiar with the art scene in Trenton so it was great to see how it
can make a difference for a small area.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Kevin</div>
LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-45016637481883449802013-07-11T13:49:00.000-07:002013-07-13T13:50:10.697-07:00July 11: Pure Joy<div class="MsoNormal">
Today,
we first met at St. Bart’s to do morning devotion and some prep work for next
week’s VBS. We made decorations and did a lot of painting. We then headed over
to Elect Saints to do "park day" at their VBS. Today’s was held at the old
building, because the congregational meeting for the other church in their new
building was tonight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While
we were waiting for the kids to arrive, a game of shuffleboard started up.
Pastor Aaron and Kevin played against Lauren and Matt. After some of the kids
got there, Lauren and I played a round of Cups with one of the young kids. We
were all impressed with how fast he could go. (For those who don’t know what
Cups is, you can find a large number of videos on YouTube).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once
most of the kids were there, we took them to the nearby park. We had basketball
and a kickball game going, while most of the younger kids played around on the
playground. There were a few minor injuries, but the weather cooperated and the
kids had a lot of fun. For dinner, they had hot dogs with chips and lemonade.
The lemonade was very refreshing after spending the evening outside trying to
keep up with a bunch of kids.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There
was one thing that really stuck out to me today. There was a seesaw on the
playground, and the kids all wanted a turn. Most of them didn’t have legs long
enough to reach the ground, so we had to manually rock it back and forth from
the middle. The squeals of pure joy that came out of some of those kids
reminded me of my own childhood, and how I used to find joy in simple things like
that. It made me think about how we lose that as we grow older, and has made me
resolved to let my inner child breathe a bit more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Rachel </div>
LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-76664866833536636362013-07-09T13:45:00.000-07:002013-07-13T13:47:15.693-07:00July 9: Weeding and Spaghetti <br />
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/546802_674079034288_1999302196_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/546802_674079034288_1999302196_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Today, July 9, 2013 was a fun day for all of us in the LiT. We stared out the day at St. Paul's church on Hyw 130. Their sanctuary is beautiful and full of natural light. The rest of their church is full of functional and flexible spaces. We learned about their church community and about the many wonderful pastors who have spent time during their education helping run services at this very friendly and generous church. While we were there, we also spent some time weeding in their beautiful Memorial Garden.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On our way back to St. Bartholomew we had a minor car adventure. Matt's car sounded like it had a flat tire but when we pulled over to fix it we were perplexed when all the tires were intact. Only after a few circles around the car to double and triple check the tires did Matt notice a warning light on his dashboard. Apparently his traction assist and/or his Brake Assist System encountered and error. Once we looked in the owners manual we made our careful way back to St. Bartholomew's.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then we helped Elect Saints with their Vacation Bible school which went much smoother then the day before as we actually were able to put together a plan of action. For dinner we served the children delicious spaghetti with sauce made by Alexis' brother. YUM!! The spaghetti was a great hit and we ended the day with a closing prayer and discussed some T-shirt design ideas as well as our plan for the rest of the week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stuffed with yummy sghetti,<br /><b>- Emma</b></span><br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJPZU5tOyQQDKOwjmkkqn7c3R9FDCG7rzipEgTa5t9jlVdUeBOb33UlV3Gg8zPk69UO5jfxZFv3X4cgVGunz-hOqhdypwz6n9zOiVWYi1UR0HO-fG_xpH3CQVs8SKKC02fD2UX7bgWkU/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJPZU5tOyQQDKOwjmkkqn7c3R9FDCG7rzipEgTa5t9jlVdUeBOb33UlV3Gg8zPk69UO5jfxZFv3X4cgVGunz-hOqhdypwz6n9zOiVWYi1UR0HO-fG_xpH3CQVs8SKKC02fD2UX7bgWkU/s200/IMG_0148.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-31354686940852627502013-07-08T13:31:00.000-07:002013-07-13T13:38:19.930-07:00Monday July 8: "Let the children come"<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfD7ngb9xRyLAGr7EN-ZI4fxn0h5j116JIVDZMvDLSz2KM2rkhnT-ROPjF7CdLISlfEpkyPEl71k2RI0p9La4rlUj7y9yyoZf4af6JlEQMitlh62LcWKpn2GDqe1pSUHX1mRJSET3QpM/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfD7ngb9xRyLAGr7EN-ZI4fxn0h5j116JIVDZMvDLSz2KM2rkhnT-ROPjF7CdLISlfEpkyPEl71k2RI0p9La4rlUj7y9yyoZf4af6JlEQMitlh62LcWKpn2GDqe1pSUHX1mRJSET3QpM/s200/photo+5.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz269CuE4G7wGFkR0RStZmFObDL-hZhKNe4yfdMYGxZg-ZT0nBdAnWqNArk3FyPStSbybEn4Xnj_qbl-IeZyF_M1HbHzrgc5E3sMOi7x2AVTma2SKzwdMVyr-9QJaTlQjlv6IIZn6vsoU/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz269CuE4G7wGFkR0RStZmFObDL-hZhKNe4yfdMYGxZg-ZT0nBdAnWqNArk3FyPStSbybEn4Xnj_qbl-IeZyF_M1HbHzrgc5E3sMOi7x2AVTma2SKzwdMVyr-9QJaTlQjlv6IIZn6vsoU/s200/photo+4.JPG" width="200" /></a> Today was a very long but amazing day. First we spent the first part of our day at Living Waters (Lutheran Church) in Ringoes. Living Waters is a Mission Start Church and is a beacon of light and acceptance in a community that sometimes can be closed minded. After getting a tour of the church, Pastor Lee talked to us about some things LiT could help with this summer. She has a great idea for us to come back and work on a service project with the youth in her congregation. Of course there is always weeding as well, something we started working on today. Working with LiT, it is always important to remember that you are serving God no matter how small or unimportant your task may seem. Weeding is a great way of showing your love of God and the environment! And Living Waters looks better after we had put in a half hour of weeding and bonding. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfD7ngb9xRyLAGr7EN-ZI4fxn0h5j116JIVDZMvDLSz2KM2rkhnT-ROPjF7CdLISlfEpkyPEl71k2RI0p9La4rlUj7y9yyoZf4af6JlEQMitlh62LcWKpn2GDqe1pSUHX1mRJSET3QpM/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrjsbajK8QvTKgTm-7kpLCLP-jNBnvO1NRdP5UFCmJ4ub0RL_28SAw1JcCdNzmr4WL8FS9uH5NXM3pvJJACCHolCdzkQS8aGKlDIExoNVyTT9KobOuMNbCBz4842IugghNcZmKQsuruQ/s1600/mms_picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrjsbajK8QvTKgTm-7kpLCLP-jNBnvO1NRdP5UFCmJ4ub0RL_28SAw1JcCdNzmr4WL8FS9uH5NXM3pvJJACCHolCdzkQS8aGKlDIExoNVyTT9KobOuMNbCBz4842IugghNcZmKQsuruQ/s200/mms_picture.jpg" width="150" /></a>After the tour of Living Waters we drive over to Elect Saints new location in Moorisville (PA). We helped with running their Vacation Bible School. It is very different from what I am used to at my home congregation, but it was a blessing to see so many young children ready and willing to hear the word of God. The first night of VBS is always hard as the children to get know the adults and the adults get to know the children, and tonight was no different. We were all tired at the end of the day; however, all of us were filled with the spirit as we look forward to more weeks of Vacation Bible School. It is always joyous when you see the light of Jesus shinning in the eyes of children. And of course no day of LiT or Vacation Bible School is complete without pizza!!!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<i>“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” </i>– Matthew <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_996162654" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">19:14</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_996162654" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_996162654" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;"><b>- Katrina </b></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-42650221674116736212013-07-07T19:02:00.000-07:002013-07-13T13:36:43.012-07:00The Lutherans in Trenton 2013!<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey guys! I’m Alexis from Elect Saints of, Pa.* I’m 19 years
old and a sophomore at Mercer County Community College, majoring in nursing. I’m
from Trenton, born and raised. Today (7/2/13) was my first day of working with
LiT. I decided to join LiT because last year, two members of my church did this
program and told me about how much fun it was, and so I said, why not? I never
thought my first day of work could be so much fun! Even though the road trip
made me kind of tired, once we got into conversation I was wide awake. It
was especially fun finding out how many things we all have in common. The most
inspiring part of the day was walking on the beach. The moment when I felt God’s
presence was when we were walking on the beach and this couple, I assume who live in
the neighborhood, greeted me with a smile, instead of looking at me a certain
way! That kind of made my day!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>*Elect Saints Lutheran Church until
recently was located in Trenton but has since moved across the river into
neighboring Morrisville. They currently still have a relationship with the NJ
Synod.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
___________________________________________________________________________</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hello everyone, my name is Edmond. I’m 19 years old and
worship at Elect Saints Lutheran Church in Morrisville, PA. I was born in
Trenton NJ. I’m attending Buck Community College, which is located in Bristol,
PA. I’m part of Lutherans in Trenton 2013. I decided to join LiT this summer to
learn more about God, meet new people, and help out around my community. During
the program I hope to learn more about faith and have a stronger relationship with
God. I like to experience new things, get to know people, and enjoy working
with others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>___________________________________________________________________________</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hi! My name is Katrina and I am an alumi to the LiT program.
Last year I had such a great time working in the city of Trenton and the
surrounding communities that I could not think of a better way to spend my summer.
I currently live in Trenton and attend St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church. During the school year I live in Ewing as I finish up my senior year at the
College of New Jersey. I hope to have a job teaching history in an urban high
school next year, and I believe working in the community of Trenton and with
the youth of Trenton, I will gain a larger understanding of the difficulties people
encounter and the prejudices people have about an urban environment. These
things will aid me in my future classrooms and in aiding my students in overcoming
the obstacles in urban living. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>___________________________________________________________________________</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hi, my name is Matt. Since before I can even
remember I have been a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Hamilton. I live
close by in Bordentown and in the fall I will be attending my freshman year of
college at Valparaiso University in Indiana. There I will be studying mechanical
engineering. A few weeks ago I began wondering how I would spend my summer. One
day, while walking through my church, I found a poster advertising a job with the
organization Lutherans in Trenton, aka LiT. I read the poster and was immediately
hooked. Here was an opportunity not only to secure some financial stability
before college, but to help those who need help at the same time. From this job
I hope to really learn more about people who may be different from me and to also to grow spiritually. I truly believe this is an opportunity to both help others
and learn more about who I am.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>___________________________________________________________________________</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey LiT! My name is Kevin, and you make have read some of my posts
last year since I am returning for my second year of Lutherans in Trenton. I am
a 20 year old psychology major and will be a junior at Springfield College in
MA. I am from Plainsboro NJ and attend Prince of Peace Lutheran Church where I
have attended all my life. I am back working for LiT because I would really
like to help this program grow because I had a really great experience last
year. I hope this year I will continue
to learn how to help others have the same experience I had. This year is
looking great already so I hope you follow along!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>___________________________________________________________________________</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My name is Lauren and I am a member of St. Paul
Lutheran Church in East Windsor, NJ. I have been a resident of Robbinsville all
my life and continue to live there while I’m not at school. I attend the University
of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and will be a sophomore this coming fall. I have
yet to decide in a major. I decided LiT would be a great opportunity for me
after one of my pastors – Pastor Lydia – suggested it. I decided that I would
really enjoy getting the chance to explore my own community in a way that I had
not been able to before. Simultaneously, I would have the chance to make a
great new group of friends that I could share this experience with. I hope that
I will be able to accomplish these two goals – a hope that I think is very
possible considering the awesome people I have met so far in LiT.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>____________________________________________________________________________</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My name is Emma, I am twenty years old. I belong
to St. Mark Lutheran Church. I have lived in the Hamilton area my entire life. I
attend Marywood University in Scranton, PA where I study architecture. The reason
I chose to apply to LiT was because I enjoy helping people. I also hope to develop
strong relationships with the people I will have the pleasure of working with
this year. The bonus to this job is that service will look good on a resume. I hope
to have wonderful experiences this summer in getting to know my fellow LiT
members as well as learning more about the community I live in and doing what
we can to better it in any way. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>___________________________________________________________________________</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My name is Rachel. I attend Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in
Princeton Junction. I am 21 years old and have lived in Hamilton NJ all my life.
I go to school in Chicago where I major in music at North Park University. I
was in LiT last year and decided to return because of how great that experience was.
Also, working in church is what I want to do when I graduate, and it is such a
great way to gain experience and make connections. This summer I hope to really
get into the community and help in whatever way I can. I also hope to truly
renew the knowledge of how blessed I've been so that I can set myself aside and
be a blessing to others.<o:p></o:p></div>
LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-74800481379649478402013-07-02T13:37:00.000-07:002013-07-03T14:12:46.601-07:002013 LiT Kick Off Retreat, Day 1Hello! My name is Lydia Nelson, and I am one of the pastors of St. Paul Lutheran Church in East Windsor. I am one of the local pastors who is involved with the Lutherans in Trenton project (I am "in charge" of this blog and I will be facilitating this year's book discussion). I am not from around here - Wisconsin is where I was born and raised, and I spend my college and seminary years in the Midwest as well. I decided to be part of LiT because I am dismayed by the tension between facts and opinions people have about Trenton. From living here for almost two years I have learned that this is a hurting city with people doing their best to get by, abandoned by their dysfunctional government, abandoned by the rest of the state, and too often abandoned by its suburban neighbors. Jesus didn't command his followers (us) to help only the people we like or who are like us - Jesus calls us to serve where we are planted. And for now, Jesus has planted me just outside the city of Trenton, NJ. This summer, I hope to see and experience this city more deeply, and also get to know a group of dedicated young people of faith.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HraEac144GIHjWfF1wxOf-VLvhpV1tIecXIhQGiJ78NEMB2vThxaYtmSVCnxq5oUuv01ZE7eVC2LjvAG01w5QILqAmGZYPuJba2fqdoEPYYk2mkuBqAowuAMfMYTwgD-eIRf2VHrr3Y/s1600/IMG_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSKSXsTMFTU5qf2CvD0eGq-FOOThFD-xTjfdw_SXQStpRHmB-3n2pz1PBVNNfatl1u6Gw6N-onWop6L2GT0vocqkLJ7hFmSF-_pEPRpk_5vexcc542XpgptxFd1_u109CWeiwoSw7KQ4/s1600/IMG_0416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSKSXsTMFTU5qf2CvD0eGq-FOOThFD-xTjfdw_SXQStpRHmB-3n2pz1PBVNNfatl1u6Gw6N-onWop6L2GT0vocqkLJ7hFmSF-_pEPRpk_5vexcc542XpgptxFd1_u109CWeiwoSw7KQ4/s200/IMG_0416.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HraEac144GIHjWfF1wxOf-VLvhpV1tIecXIhQGiJ78NEMB2vThxaYtmSVCnxq5oUuv01ZE7eVC2LjvAG01w5QILqAmGZYPuJba2fqdoEPYYk2mkuBqAowuAMfMYTwgD-eIRf2VHrr3Y/s1600/IMG_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HraEac144GIHjWfF1wxOf-VLvhpV1tIecXIhQGiJ78NEMB2vThxaYtmSVCnxq5oUuv01ZE7eVC2LjvAG01w5QILqAmGZYPuJba2fqdoEPYYk2mkuBqAowuAMfMYTwgD-eIRf2VHrr3Y/s200/IMG_0426.JPG" width="200" /></a>Our LiT experience began (July 2nd) with an overnight retreat on Long Beach Island, thanks to the generous hospitality of Zion Lutheran in Bernaget Light. We listened to one another and shared with one another - we found many surprising similarities along with some interesting differences. We bring a rich amount of life experiences to the table. Together with Pastor Aaron of St. Bartholomew's in Trenton, who lead the retreat, we covenanted with one another about how to behave during the summer. But the day was not just all about the hard work of community and trust building - we took a field trip out to the beach and waded in the ocean and had pizza for dinner. The coolness of the air at the beach was so refreshing, and I felt so relieved to be out of the humidity at least for a little while.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzk1DmvQl-_gdC8TIY1wPmNiiikQojHRM97lov9zef_mC9ArXxOXMf-RiXEJFEvMTXgsOS5Vu10-dqS9W861K7lWLsfzrNju5JfFDylB0zglJqfYH0_4btOD2gKc4jEtT44f-FVAXR_I/s1600/IMG_0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzk1DmvQl-_gdC8TIY1wPmNiiikQojHRM97lov9zef_mC9ArXxOXMf-RiXEJFEvMTXgsOS5Vu10-dqS9W861K7lWLsfzrNju5JfFDylB0zglJqfYH0_4btOD2gKc4jEtT44f-FVAXR_I/s200/IMG_0424.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Due to my own obligations, I was sad that I had to leave that evening, but I can already tell we have a very special group of young adults who are eager to be servants. God is going to use them to do some really great work this summer, and we ask that you would pray for them for the next six weeks.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL1a6XhZwy-8e-9nG2VoEEqr4BFnPaWDCax0ICUGwnDi3jd8hqQpSW7NlxUOrEf_kiMm25cVFBG5pyaAGnZU-xvATQca-45aFBT-pl_IF8-MAOwn3QlsG6gfIHW-b72hE8t75AcbUjdY/s1600/IMG_0430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL1a6XhZwy-8e-9nG2VoEEqr4BFnPaWDCax0ICUGwnDi3jd8hqQpSW7NlxUOrEf_kiMm25cVFBG5pyaAGnZU-xvATQca-45aFBT-pl_IF8-MAOwn3QlsG6gfIHW-b72hE8t75AcbUjdY/s200/IMG_0430.JPG" width="200" /></a>During that time, you will be reading their reflections on what they are doing and experiencing. Please feel free to comment, sharing prayers or encouragement. LiT 2013 has officially begun!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">God
is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the
morning dawns.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Psalm 46:5 </span></i><br />
<br />
<br />LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-53787778909707910012013-06-25T10:31:00.001-07:002013-06-25T10:31:09.049-07:00LiT is right around the corner!Our 8 young adult participants have been chosen and are getting ready for the beginning of LiT, which is July 2nd. Please pray for these young adults and their leaders as they prepare for a summer of new experiences and growth. Like last summer, they will be posting their experiences and reflections right here on this blog, so stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;">Lord God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.</span>LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-61329398491349892182013-01-23T09:55:00.002-08:002013-03-13T09:37:03.439-07:00Looking Forward to LiT 2013!<br />
<b><i>We're Baaaaack!</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Summer 2013 Program</u></b></div>
<b><br /></b>
The Mercer Lutheran Mission Cluster is sponsoring a project this summer that would engage young adults in supporting the summer programming of the Trenton Lutheran congregations, as well as engage the difficult and diverse cultures of our cluster and county. This program seeks to do several other things: deepen discipleship and spirituality in young adults, as well as involve them to understand the urban-suburban partnership that our Mission Cluster participates. Lastly, this also helps to seek out and understand the urban gifts and challenges that are unique to the city of Trenton through service and cross-cultural learning.<br />
<br />
This program seeks to look at two distinct issues, the need to keep young adults talking about and deepening their understanding of faith and the opportunity to understand our community more. This program will use an action-reflection model, so not only will we do stuff but we’ll also talk about it. If you or someone you know is interested in deepening their faith, working with other young people, and learning more about Trenton and our area, then sign up! Please contact your pastor for more information.<br />
<br />
<br />
The program will run from<b> June 30th-August 11th,</b> beginning on that Sunday with a commissioning at the beginning, and a farewell and Godspeed service at the end.<br />
<br />
<b>Application details</b>: must be 18-25, and have graduated from high school prior to June 30, 2013.<br />
<br />
<b>Hours Working: </b>25-30 hours a week, though the specific hours will vary week-to-week. Some weeks will require more evening. Scheduling conflicts such as other jobs and classes will need to be taken care of by the participant.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Positions Available: </b>There will be 6-8 spots available in 2013.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Work Description:</b> Will be across an array of contexts: Vacation Bible School, building and grounds maintenance,<br />
working for service organizations, other youth and evangelical programming.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Compensation:</b> For the whole summer $1500. This breaks down to $250 a week, or about $10 an hour.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Interview</b>: There will be an interview conducted between April 1 and May 1. This will either be conducted over the phone, or by Skype<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Check our previous posts to learn more about what we're up to in Trenton! And as always, please pray for leaders, potential participants, and our partnering organizations as we prepare for a summer of learning, growth, and service in the name of Christ. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<br />
<br />LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-89381285334777094662012-09-12T08:27:00.002-07:002012-09-12T08:27:20.572-07:00Until Next Year...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>This experiment in faith and urban service is over... for now. Stay tuned as the future of LiT unfolds. In the meantime, thank you so much for your prayers during this project. More information about what is happening with LiT will be posted on this page. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;"><span style="color: #777777; font-size: x-small;">...</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;">They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. </span>
</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #010000; line-height: 22.383333206176758px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Isaiah 65: 7, 21-22</i></span></span>LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-42428283998928219932012-08-21T12:23:00.001-07:002012-08-21T12:23:35.014-07:00Reflection on Wednesday August 15<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aRquh-qLnZNbY7SidUyUBAEz3Hid3xcIfVsYiw9Xq080dJDAhsaPO4qXmZo9gHIRNOvoW6hQZXx7P8kZpPX3p93EWeVeUchj0v-ZaRD1c1lVJstQChX6T7pxvGSgujH1k0wQR7gJhIY/s1600/St.+Mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aRquh-qLnZNbY7SidUyUBAEz3Hid3xcIfVsYiw9Xq080dJDAhsaPO4qXmZo9gHIRNOvoW6hQZXx7P8kZpPX3p93EWeVeUchj0v-ZaRD1c1lVJstQChX6T7pxvGSgujH1k0wQR7gJhIY/s320/St.+Mark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wednesday August 15<sup>th</sup> the 10 of us, and Pastor
Richter, went to St. Mark Lutheran Church. Today was Olivia’s last day with us
so we had a day to fill out an evaluation packet. Before we did that, as
always, we did an opening worship. Our worship had a communion portion to it
this morning. This was only the second time we have done communion together. It
is nice sharing the bread and wine with the other people in the group. After
worship we started with the packets. We sat separately and filled them out with
quiet chat every once and a while. It was quite the quiet day until we all
finished and got a nice break from writing for lunch. I think after being so
quiet we were all ready to talk to each other since we have grown so close as a
group. After our lunch we took our packets to the library and went over each section
as a group. The answers we gave provided some good feedback, or so I thought.
The end of our discussion was the feedback we gave on each other. We all shared
stories about the work we did and had some great laughs. When we all talking I
don’t think anyone wanted to leave because it felt like the last day even
though most of us have two more days. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we finished talking about our
stories we made our way back into the sanctuary for closing worship. Since it
was Olivia’s last day with us we did a sending for her and wished her safe
travels and the best at school. All of us will miss her the last two days and I
hope she will miss us too! After our day of reflecting I hope our feedback will
help the program grow. It has been such a great experience for me to be able to
do such great things with such great people for the summer. I could not have
asked for more through this job. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Kevin</span></div>
LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-86681480969649567582012-08-20T12:26:00.000-07:002012-08-21T12:37:01.002-07:00Reflection on Tuesday August 14<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzvuLYHEdj4GKT4psg8QDkOaPRTThHM3QCmhRNoYy4ZLpQQMuunWvgOAvxaN9k8bk0mlcoR3EVpg9_8oUszYChUQdcz3KofDO8jQPVDptlnYwrE-mqHryPjJK11vh6jG6tpxbnuwgW4c/s1600/Redeemer+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzvuLYHEdj4GKT4psg8QDkOaPRTThHM3QCmhRNoYy4ZLpQQMuunWvgOAvxaN9k8bk0mlcoR3EVpg9_8oUszYChUQdcz3KofDO8jQPVDptlnYwrE-mqHryPjJK11vh6jG6tpxbnuwgW4c/s200/Redeemer+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtguTOjP_1HthMoPIWwdfzDOetoGjx71zjsaYSUmUW5BaFbF4GukRR9VYiFN2-6Eiar7kMQPio8sPI-_O3MPDZFEoBnlctv7sRaQAXfWhvnvXLIiZcyazGZTsRPh6eGFIT0FbFlgnSp_Q/s1600/Redeemer+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtguTOjP_1HthMoPIWwdfzDOetoGjx71zjsaYSUmUW5BaFbF4GukRR9VYiFN2-6Eiar7kMQPio8sPI-_O3MPDZFEoBnlctv7sRaQAXfWhvnvXLIiZcyazGZTsRPh6eGFIT0FbFlgnSp_Q/s200/Redeemer+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday was my last day of work because I am headed back
down south to school early. We were at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer for
our final week of work, working alongside Pastor Raymond again. But as opposed
to the last time we had been there, to work with their Vacation Bible School
program, we did work cleaning, fixing, and organizing things in and around the
building. I started the morning with Genevee and Leela cleaning out the Sunday
School room and reorganizing it to make it more usable. In the afternoon Kevin
and I helped put together the bulletins for Sunday morning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both Monday and Tuesday we all made dishes to share for
lunch and all had the opportunity to sit together and eat as a whole group
which was so nice. I think we all wished that we had started doing that earlier
because it really gave us an opportunity to talk and laugh and bond even
closer. When we are working in all sorts of various jobs around the churches in
separated groups and pairs it is really nice to have time to be all together
again. I have loved being a part of this group because we all got along really
well and learned a lot from one another, growing in our faith and having some
awesome experiences. Plus we laugh almost constantly while working and singing
and bonding. I expected to come into this experience and do work and meet some
nice people who would be my coworkers; instead, we became friends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I was writing this blog post from the car, I got a
phone call from the group as they were doing their devotions because they
wanted me to be with them while they prayed. How many people would think that
ten young adults would grow so close in faith during seven weeks of working
together? At an age when most people lose touch with their faith and fellow
Christians, we have had this opportunity to form relationships with one another
that will hopefully keep us in touch and connected to the church. Working in
and around Trenton, we have been a witness to the fact that young adults can
share the love of God with others and work in His name. Yes, we have been able
to do a good bit of dirty work and physical labor to help the churches, but I
think greater than that is what we were able to gain and display to the world
in terms of strengthening our faith and our desire to be involved with the life
of the church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Olivia </span><o:p></o:p></div>
LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-60606503597339113862012-08-15T07:28:00.001-07:002012-08-15T07:28:28.609-07:00Reflection on Monday August 13<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Today we
were at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer with Pastor Raymond. After our opening
devotion, we split up into three groups. The guys went outside, two of us
started polishing offering plates, and the rest went upstairs to clean the
sanctuary. I’m not sure there’s much to say about today, because that’s pretty
much all we did, aside from lunch, but I’ll get to that. Apparently, there was
a lot of gum found stuck underneath the pews in the sanctuary. I thought that
was pretty gross. I believe Pastor Raymond is going to address that at worship
on Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Lunch-what
can I say? It was awesome. We decided to do a potluck, so we all (technically
only most of us...but I digress) brought different dishes to share with each
other. We had several chicken dishes, rice, pasta, chili, cornbread, and a
dessert called Heavenly Salad. It was made with crushed pineapple, strawberry
Jell-O, Cool Whip, and cottage cheese. Not everyone liked it, but I thought it
was really good. Needless to say, everyone was pleasantly full afterwards. Tomorrow,
we’re doing another potluck, so the people who forgot can bring something. I’m
pretty excited about that. Perhaps we shouldn’t have done it on a Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Lunch
was definitely the best part of the day. It’s always nice to sit down and have
fellowship with each other. I think it just added to that feeling bringing all
the different dishes together to have a meal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Rachel</span><o:p></o:p></div>
LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-58133928833020012902012-08-09T06:13:00.000-07:002012-08-21T12:38:32.745-07:00Reflecting on Monday July 9<br />
<blockquote style="color: #222222;" type="cite">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi! My name is Amanda. I'm 25 years old, and a sort-of member of Abiding Presence Lutheran Church (in reality, I'm Catholic). Part of my family is originally from Trenton. My Gram grew up on a farm in North Trenton, if you can believe it. However, my mom and dad chose to raise my brother and I in Levittown, right across the river.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite my Roman Catholic background, I wanted to join Lutherans In Trenton because of my close ties to my Gram, who is a member of the Lutheran Church. Additionally, I wanted to join due to my fierce love of Trenton. The prevalent problem of homelessness was another deciding factor in my decision to join Lutherans in Trenton. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday started off with preparing for the start of vacation bible school. Katrina, Olivia, Genevee, and Nulah were the members of LIT who were at Saint Bart's with me. Of course, lots of parishioners were also at Saint Bart's to help.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was put with the rainbows, who are five children who have just finished from 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup>grades. Each group has a fun hand motion and sound that we're supposed to do when we move from room to room. Ours is moving our hands in an arc while saying, “whoop, whoop, whoop.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other big thing that happened that I got put in charge of teaching everyone the hand motions for the VBS songs. Saint Bart's theme is Sky this year, so a lot of the songs have flying motions. It's a ton of fun. Thursday's song has dance moves that involve jumping up and down.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll be back on the 23rd-- in the mean time, stay tuned for some of my peer's posts!</span></div>
</blockquote>
LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-34113518765102633402012-08-07T12:56:00.001-07:002012-08-07T12:57:57.448-07:00Reflecting on Friday, August 3<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today we were at Abiding Presence again to continue some of
the work we didn’t get to on Monday. Pastor Dan Whitener was with us again whom
did a wonderful job keeping us busy. He had set up a sweet list for us to work
on and check off. We cut down the last big tree that was growing between some
other trees where it did not belong. The jobs we did today we mostly to upkeep
the outside of the building like weeding, re-painting signs, and mulching most
of the gardens. The memorial garden was our big weeding project. There were a
ton of things growing through out the plants and now that we have gotten there
it looks beautiful as ever! As we did that we had some people painting the
letters on the sign out front so that everyone driving by could hear the good news.
The group ended the day by all coming together and mulching the gardens around
the building. Everyone was taking turns pushing the wheel borrow back and forth
to pick up the mulch because it was all the way on the opposite side of the
building. Hard work, but great exercise if you ask me! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Something new we have started is that when we work we enjoy
listening to music. In my opinion, the music is making us work more efficiently
and bringing us together. The best parts of my day are when we are working in a
small group and some of us are singing a laughing while pulling weeds from the
garden and before we know it, the garden is weed-less. It does not seem to
matter what the music is although, we do enjoy having a Disney soundtrack on in
the background. The little things such as music seem the just bring us closer
and closer as a group everyday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a group, I feel that everyone is working hard together
and I personally have not heard a single person complain about a job or another
person once. It’s a great experience being around so many strong people in more
than a physical way. The only true problem we had today was that there were too
many people to have everyone mulching at once and this was resolved very
quickly by just setting up stations and a rotation so that everyone could have
a turn. Something that we have started, that I am taking a liking to, is that
we end the day by talking about what worked that day and what could be better.
I feel it is the perfect way to discuss how we can be more productive for the
rest of our time on the job. I could not be happier with the way the job and
group is turning out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Kevin Nowak</span><o:p></o:p></div>LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-16387737592005114202012-08-02T12:57:00.000-07:002012-08-21T12:37:37.412-07:00Reflecting on Thursday, August 2<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This
morning was spent pulling up bricks beside the sidewalk at Prince of Peace. It
was hard work, but we powered through and got almost the entire job done before
lunch. It was extremely frustrating to get so close to finishing only to run
out of time. We met the Parish Administrator and a few others members of the
church who all thanked us for our work.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We also
caught a brief glimpse of the Cherry Tree Club program when the bus arrived
with the kids while we worked outside. I think it would have been nice to spend
some time really talking about the Cherry Tree Club and maybe get a chance to
ask questions to the workers and volunteers just to get a more complete picture
of what the Cherry Tree Club is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> After
lunch, we drove down the road to St. Paul’s and were met by Pastor Lydia. After
a quick tour and some introductions, we car-pooled into Hightstown to see RISE.
We spoke with Leslie Koppel, and then walked the few blocks to the Rise Thrift
Store. There, we did a short walk around and a few of us made purchases. We bid
farewell to Leslie and walked to our cars to drive back to St. Paul’s for
closing devotion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Rachel</span><o:p></o:p></div>
LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-15630757043290846822012-08-01T13:33:00.003-07:002012-08-01T13:33:50.482-07:00Reflecting on Monday, July 30<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week with LiT is suburb week, meaning that we are
doing work with churches in the surrounding towns, as opposed to the churches
in the city of Trenton. Today, the whole group was at Abiding Presence in
Ewing, NJ. We worked with Pastor Dan Whitener (aka my dad) in projects in and
around the church building. I personally helped move brush from trees that we
were cutting down around the parking lot, as well as doing a good bit of
weeding during the afternoon. Working in the gardens was actually pretty fun
and rewarding, and the sun was not too, too hot today, which made the work a
lot easier. Plus, as a group, we are growing closer and more comfortable with
each other so we have plenty to talk and laugh about as we work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The morning began with a talk from one of the members of
APLC, David Olson, on the topic of the solar panel grids that the church uses
to produce energy. He shared with us the steps of the project from beginning in
2006, to completion in 2009, to how they are working today in 2012. It was so
interesting to hear about how they work, as well as discussing the concerning
topics of energy conservation and climate control. Though not exactly what we
expected to be doing with this experience, it was a great opportunity to learn
about how we can help the environment and therefore preserve God’s beautiful
Earth for as long as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my favorite aspects of this program is that we
start and end each day with devotions as a group. In addition to prayer and
song, we are reading the book of Acts together. We kind of just decided one day
to read through Acts, but as we began reading we realized that no other book of
the Bible could be as applicable to this program as it is. Acts is the book of
the Bible in which Jesus’ disciples, and Saul turned Paul, are sent out on
their own to begin spreading Christianity and explaining to people that Jesus
is the Messiah. Though we are not evangelizing as much as they did, it is
interesting to read about their travels and struggles in spreading the good
news of Jesus on their own, without any direct guidance from a leader, just led
by their faith. Similarly, the ten of us are all doing work and learning to
lead and trust in God outside of the comforts of our own congregations. Some
days our direction is more obvious, but other days we have to think harder
about how we have seen Jesus working in our lives. But through the experience
as a whole, I can personally say that my faith is growing and being nurtured by
living and working with the group and helping the churches in the ways that we
have. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">--Olivia </span><o:p></o:p></div>LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-4208435190544646172012-07-31T11:41:00.000-07:002012-07-31T11:41:10.018-07:00Three Reflections on LiT for Thursday July 26<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 118.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Hello my name is Leela Gibson and I
am a member of Elect Saints Evangelical Lutheran Church. I am 18 years of age;
and I currently attend DeVry University. I can describe myself as this big ball
of energy that can light up the room. I
am an open-hearted individual that see people for who they are from the inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 118.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 118.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The way I envision LIT was that we would
be doing a lot of hard labor, and also helping around in the Trenton area. I
also thought we will be meeting all kinds of people that are in need. Also to
understand that there are churches here to help with open hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 118.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 118.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> My experience so far with LIT has
been different, but also good. The reason I say different is because you get to
meet new people, but I am not use to being as relax as I am working for a
paycheck. There has been so many times that the heat made me think of giving
up. But I also remember that I am working for GOD. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">****************************************</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi, my name is
Rachel and I go to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Princeton Junction. I
live in Hamilton New Jersey and currently attend North Park University in
Chicago. I joined LiT because church is what I want to do with my life, and it
sounded like a good way to gain experience beyond participating at my home
church. I’m also having fun getting to know the others, and have made several
new friends with whom I hope to keep in touch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I came into LiT
not really knowing what to expect. Despite having lived near Trenton my whole
life, I’ve never spent any significant time in the city or with the people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far in LiT,
I’ve had to exercise several of my particular talents, mostly in playing the
piano both for morning devotions and at VBS. Over the course of those two
weeks, I had a couple kids come up and ask me to teach them how to play, and
even successfully taught one to play ‘Twinkle Twinkle’. Seeing kids wanting to
learn despite having difficulty with it was, as a musician, very heartwarming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am looking
forward to spending time with my fellow LiT-ers, and using my gifts to help
support the ministries in Trenton.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*************************************************</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 118.4pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Name: Melissa <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Age: 20<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Church member of: St. Mark’s
Lutheran Church <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Birth Information: I was born in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but raised in New Jersey. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why I joined LIT: I joined LIT
because I wanted to reconnect with my faith. I also wanted to be more involved
in Trenton.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I plan to learn or
experien</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ce: I hope to have a better understanding of the City of Trenton, since
it is our capital.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My experience with LiT so far has
been a different experience. I am meeting people I never what have thought I
would meet. I wasn’t sure what we were going to be doing or what I should
expect. Even being here everyday, I still don’t know what to expect, but that
makes everyday much more exciting. For
example, Vacation Bible School at Elect Saints was an eye-opening experience
that would be dynamic and different each day.
I loved working with the kids, especially with the younger ones. They were hysterical, constantly making us
laugh. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyday when I go home, I feel
both physically and emotionally tired, but to me that’s not a bad thing. If I
go home tired, it means I worked hard that day, and that I’ve done something to
help. </span><o:p></o:p></div>LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-44931269738665858062012-07-26T10:08:00.004-07:002012-07-26T10:12:44.984-07:00LiT Book Discussion<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Friday we will be discussing <i>The Color of Water</i> by James McBride, chosen to be our LiT book of the summer because of its themes relating to race, faith, urban life, and identity. Read along with us and post your comments on this or future posts. From a review on Amazon.com:</span></b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41X-dp0uzAL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother (10th Anniverary Edition)" border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41X-dp0uzAL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<i style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The son of a black minister and a woman who would not admit she was white, James McBride grew up in "orchestrated chaos" with his eleven siblings in the poor, all-black projects of Red Hook, Brooklyn. "Mommy," a fiercely protective woman with "dark eyes full of pep and fire," herded her brood to Manhattan's free cultural events, sent them off on buses to the best (and mainly Jewish) schools, demanded good grades, and commanded respect. As a young man, McBride saw his mother as a source of embarrassment, worry, and confusion—and reached thirty before he began to discover the truth about her early life and long-buried pain. ...</span></i><br />
<div style="font-size: small;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="font-size: small;">
<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interspersed throughout his mother's compelling narrative, McBride shares candid recollections of his own experiences as a mixed-race child of poverty, his flirtations with drugs and violence, and his eventual self- realization and professional success. The Color of Water touches readers of all colors as a vivid portrait of growing up, a haunting meditation on race and identity, and a lyrical valentine to a mother from her son.</span></i></div>LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-62882099214836552332012-07-25T15:21:00.001-07:002012-07-25T15:21:16.423-07:00Reflection on Tuesday, July 24<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUh2zGig2yI5orFFg5kTYkgPZwbcZOKG20RZFXZQVfs6fKRO60cny7TTTqwkcY1tohq0EsoCsplnY7X3uNf6v-mu4xQPpsAsNIKtxZB3oEZPkx-Sid-77AWjICj8ZqkoXrQ_d6K-2NUQ/s1600/Photo0168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUh2zGig2yI5orFFg5kTYkgPZwbcZOKG20RZFXZQVfs6fKRO60cny7TTTqwkcY1tohq0EsoCsplnY7X3uNf6v-mu4xQPpsAsNIKtxZB3oEZPkx-Sid-77AWjICj8ZqkoXrQ_d6K-2NUQ/s320/Photo0168.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week the LiT program learned to think on its feet. Though we planned on serving at Elect Saints, however Pastor Agnes is away in Liberia. So, today we worked at St. Bart and had fun getting dirty for the Lord. We painted and stripped and painted some more. Though this may not seem like the most important work, or the most important serving work to be done in the community of Trenton, today was very significant to the community of and surrounding St. Bart. The outward appearance of a church does matter, and by repainting the windows and the fence, we helped St. Bart’s congregation show their community that they care. That St. Bart is a church that cares about how the community looks, that St. Bart is a place that not only cares about their physical community, but for their spiritual community as well. That truly was a faith building experience!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0Phhhu-BFAPCyqLP3uf0q2blkoz7JXdXmY9hdBsxDqA-bDcL8FChi60WuhncfeuYrZx-UBWUN8icE4eQneYC8Jc_6CiR3Z_cJPs_n49GQPBlUFG95ZdWxpNR8gXKMHzuJ2lxxyeuh14/s1600/Photo0172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0Phhhu-BFAPCyqLP3uf0q2blkoz7JXdXmY9hdBsxDqA-bDcL8FChi60WuhncfeuYrZx-UBWUN8icE4eQneYC8Jc_6CiR3Z_cJPs_n49GQPBlUFG95ZdWxpNR8gXKMHzuJ2lxxyeuh14/s320/Photo0172.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSs8dE3DPRqQYVmSFT8Bb1vBCYSzRGpQHXC71h_mp645XYSw-dYWIJ0oEnSJT6vlQHV7QGFNTJuPuBn81LrghO4YVNKWJKiNWYCZbs0cOwwjbHJyN1PLgzZOPlCu8sQgVAZoswk7CNs4/s1600/Photo0169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSs8dE3DPRqQYVmSFT8Bb1vBCYSzRGpQHXC71h_mp645XYSw-dYWIJ0oEnSJT6vlQHV7QGFNTJuPuBn81LrghO4YVNKWJKiNWYCZbs0cOwwjbHJyN1PLgzZOPlCu8sQgVAZoswk7CNs4/s320/Photo0169.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While driving home, after a very long and hot day, I had my mom drive past the front of St. Bart, and a couple coats of paint on the fence really did make a difference. It is a bolder image for the church, a more polished look. Little work can go a long way in giving a lift to the image of the church and the spirits of its congregation. I know driving past, I had feeling pride in my church, and a feeling of pride to see how much the we can get done in a day when we work together!</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heights were faced, paint was discovered in the strangest of places, and no matter however hot (or however bad our sunburn) we helped out a congregation today, and there is no greater feeling than that. As we are no halfway finished with the LiT summer program I cannot wait to see what the rest of the week’s hold in store for us!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Katrina</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
</div>LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974570070838536363.post-87327601518841426302012-07-25T15:15:00.002-07:002012-07-25T15:15:18.699-07:00Reflecting on Monday, July 23<i>A brief note: Due to the new and untried nature of the LiT program, unexpected bumps are bound to happen. But even so, our LiT group proved that they could be flexible and proactive in an unexpected situation, especially with one leading pastor out of the country and another was with youth at the ELCA National Youth Gathering that weekend. Kudos to our LiT participants! </i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>*********</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">Monday was an interesting day. Originally, we were supposed to do some sort of community service work for Elect Saints. Everyone straggled in Monday morning, and we sleepily discussed our weekends. By 10, we realized that our plans weren't going to work. You see, Pastor Anges, who is in charge of directing us at Elect Saints, had left the country and had forgotten to leave instructions for what we were supposed to do. We decided as a group that we should do something (I was all for everyone coming to my house and making grilled cheese). Really, we had two choices: one of our options was to visit the hospital, as someone we knew was there as a patient. Our other choice was to visit the Synod and learn about what they do there. Can you guess which choice we chose? Unfortunately, there are no pictures. I always seem to remember the day after that I could have taken pictures. Tuesday's pictures should be fun!</span><br style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">Did you guess that we went to the Synod? Going to the hospital with all 10 of us was decided to be too overwhelming. So the idea to visit the Synod won out. We visited, talked to some of the staff, and helped out a bit with collating data. Of course, we also ate lunch. We ate outside, and I took the opportunity to throw a frisbee around with some of my fellow Lutherans in Trenton. I was surprised at who knew how to throw a frisbee and who didn't! I did enjoy teaching, though. Overall, it was a very relaxing and made-up-as-we-go-along day. I'm glad it turned out so well, and that we took the opportunity to do something useful together, instead of choosing to just go home.</span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- Amanda </span>LIThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10754730175363002175noreply@blogger.com0