Two Stories of Children in Louisiana

Last week we were uplifted and entertained and, I daresay, a bit worn out by our mountain-top experience with approximately 50 delightful, energetic children in Vacation Bible School. What a week it was! Seeing the love of God in the faces of our kids and especially in their, shall we say "enthusiastic" singing? is always a lesson in faith for me!

I have always been struck that when Jesus came down from his mountain-top transfiguration experience, waiting for him at the foot of the mountain was a person who needed healing. The hopes and needs of the world seem always to await us.

Here is an excellent column written just over a year ago, but still sadly true. It contains several links to valuable charts documenting the problem of children in poverty in Louisiana.

Three Tiger Stadiums Filled with Poor Children: The Scandal of Poverty in Louisiana

I decided to not "pretty up" this blog post with photos.

Tell It on the Mountain - Day Five

Thanks to our great teen and pre-teen volunteers this week! Shown left to right above are Thomas, Meagan, Hanna Grace, Zoe, Martha, Caroline, Taylor and Helen. We could not have made it without them!

Thanks also to Archdeacon Bette J. Kauffman for all the great photos this week....

Tell It on the Mountain - Day Four

The Blue Expedition Group with their art.

The Turquoise Expedition Group. 

The Orange Expedition Group at the Mountain.

The Green Expedition Group.
(some are travelling incognito...)

Tell It on the Mountain - Day Three

Volunteers are what make V.B.S. work!

We had another great day at our Tell It on the Mountain Vacation Bible School. More music, more games, mare crafts, more food and more learning.

Join us again tomorrow night at 5:30 p.m.as we visit another Mountain!

Crafts keep our hands busy...

and Games keep our bodies busy!

Tell It! - Day Two

Another exciting time at Base Camp!

Even more children showed up for Day Two of our Tell It on the Mountain Vacation Bible School.

We heard the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel - 1 Kings 18:17-39, and learned that how God proved to be the true God. Vacation Bible School continues tonight at 5:30 p.m. at St. Alban's.

Fire descends on the Altar, wood and sacrifice.

Playing water games outside.

Arts and crafts time!

Tell It on the Mountain - Day One

Singing at our Base Camp opening!

Tell It on the Mountain Vacation Bible School is underway. We began our climb with songs, good food, games, crafts and the Bible story of God's people receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.

If you weren't there - don't worry! There is still plenty of time to join us. We are at St. Alban's from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. and have our last night on Thursday.

Craft time is always fun.

Registering a group of climbers.

Art Melt

Here I am at the preview party for Art Melt 2013. The public opening is Saturday night & I'll drive home Sunday.

Tell It on the Mountain V.B.S. Setup

We will have our final setup for our Tell It on the Mountain Vacation Bible School on Saturday, July 20 at 9:00 a.m. in McLean Hall at St. Alban's Episcopal Church. We will supply donuts and drinks and should be done by noon.

We begin with registration on Sunday, July 21 at 5:00 p.m. and V.B.S. runs Sunday - Thursday from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at St. Alban's.
Join us!

Interfaith Exploring Education in Louisiana

 Northern & Central Louisiana Interfaith
Collective Leader's Meeting
Monday, 7/15, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Little Flower of Jesus Catholic Church
600 South 16th St., Monroe

Topic: Education

Interfaith is deeply concerned about changes to education at all levels in Monroe, Ouachita Parish and throughout Louisiana. Our agenda includes both raising some concerns that have already been brought to our attention, hearing the concerns of the gathered leaders, and identifying people who would like to get involved in researching and stratagizing around these concerns.

Contact Deacon Bette or Karen Hayward for more information, or just show up at the meeting. Your perspective is valued!

Register for V.B.S.

We will join the folks from St. Alban's Episcopal Church again this year to "Tell It on the Mountain!"  Our V.B.S for ages 4-12 begins on July 21 with registration at 5:00 p.m. and meets July 21-25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Alban's.  Food, Fun, Songs and Lessons are all part of the week. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us!

To register now, click here and print the registration form and drop it at church this Sunday!

Oklahoma Mission

Mother Mitzi talks with Dr. Tim Eaton, President of Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College, about how their rapid, comprehensive response to the tornado that devastated Moore, OK. Dazed survivors began appearing on the college's soccer field within minutes after the storm passed.

Oklahoma Mission

Karen Hayward, Laurant de Prins & Archdeacon Bette Kauffman deliver the goods in Oklahoma City.

Bishop Jake Owensby discusses the resurrection of the body

Happy Independence Day!

Alexandria National Cemetary, Pineville, La.

The Collect for Independence Day - Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.