Three-minute read. For the past 14 years youth, their families, clergy, volunteers, and others have gathered to celebrate the previous year at the Bishop’s Ball. Unfortunately, we were unable to reschedule the Bishop’s Ball this year. There was still some celebrating to do though.
Today is the 5th and final day of MissionPalooza @Home. Thank you to all that have taken time out of your week to participate. Remember the smallest acts can have the biggest impact. I hope you have had fun this week collecting items or making stuff for donations. Our theme for today is a new one for MissionPalooza, Civic Engagement. We have three focuses for today, knowing your officials, writing about a cause you believe in, and registering to vote(if you are of age).
Today marks day 4 of MissionPalooza @Home! For the last few years, volunteers of MissionPalooza have been serving teens in the Kansas City area through Synergy. Synergy is the only homeless and runaway teen shelter in western Missouri. While Volunteering at Synergy we have helped to prepare rooms for new arrivals, served in their thrift store, and helped to renew their landscaping. Today MissionPalooza @Home will continue to help teens through clothing and toiletry drives.
MissionPalooza @Home is at the midway point. Today is day 3 and the outreach focus for today is aiding local food pantries. One of the highlights of MissionPalooza Week is our pantry day at St. Paul’s KCMO. Youth and adult volunteers look forward to this day every year. Youth enjoy being able to interact with those they are serving, which often differs from other worksites during the week. MissionPalooza volunteers help to prepare, cook, and serve at a community cookout and assist in the pantry handing out food and essential items to those in need.
Today MissionPalooza @Home is focusing their outreach efforts on eldercare, serving those that live in nursing homes and are homebound. In the past volunteers at MissionPalooza have visited nursing homes in the Kansas City area. While there, volunteers spend time with the residents playing games, crafting, serving food, and visiting through conversations. Since COVID-19 has made it difficult for family and friends to visit their loved ones living in nursing homes, the MissionPalooza Design Team has found a way we can be able to engage with the residents through homemade cards.
Every year at MissionPalooza we take a small group of teens and adults to volunteer at various pet shelters in the Kansas City area. Last year we spent time at both Unleashed Pet Rescue and Midwest Animal Resq. While at these shelters we spend time cleaning cages, engaging with the animals through playing and walks, and one of the biggest projects, helping with the laundry. Pet shelters go through an enormous amount of washing. We also take time to bake dog treats and make blankets. The dog treats are super easy to make, and most of the ingredients can be found in your pantry.
July 20-24, is MissionPalooza @Home! As the video states, everyone is encouraged to participate as you can. Bishop Marty and Josh Trader have challenged the entire diocese to participate; challenge your friends and neighbors too. Even though we can’t be together in-person for MissionPalooza this year, the design team has been hard at work to help you bring MissionPalooza to your home. Even the smallest acts can have some of the biggest impacts on those around you.
Even in the midst of a pandemic where we are physical distancing, life can be busy. There is Zoom call after Zoom call, chores, maybe a job, friendships, family, and so many other things that keep you busy throughout your day. This weekend is designed to help you to slow down your life and listen to God.
Two-minute read. Read on for an update on WEMO Youth summer events. Happening will be postponed and Camp WEMO will now be an at home experience.
Three-minute read. The Episcopal Youth Community in West Missouri Summer events update.
One-minute read. In cooperation with youth leaders from around the diocese and Bishop Field, we have made the decision to host all youth events online through July. We are developing plans for “long-distance” offerings, including online Small Groups that will meet throughout the summer, as well as potential new ways to gather in person when we feel it’s safe to do so.
One-minute read. Camp WEMO has been rescheduled for August 14 -18. Camp fee will be a donation based pay structure.
One-minute read. Through much discernment, prayer, and consultation, we have decided to postpone Camp WEMO 2020. We are currently in discussion with the Y’s Camp Wakonda to move camp to later in the summer.
One-minute read. The Youth Ministry Commission is currently seeking applications for new members. They need to recruit at least four youth, one male adult and two other adults.
