We are in the midst of preparing for another work camp to serve the needy in our area. This mission project is scheduled for July 22-28, 2012. As always, your generous support is necessary to make this a successful Tabor outreach mission.
In 2009 the Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church cosponsored a camp with Group Work Camps of Colorado. We served forty-four different residents in the Branford – New Haven region. Some of the projects required putting a fresh coat of paint on dingy walls, or building a wheel chair ramp for a young family with a daughter with special needs. In the process we raised over $19,000 for painting and building supplies, contributed literally a ton of food to local food pantries, received great press, and had lots of fun. We could not have done it without the many from Tabor who made a bold decision to exercise their faith in a special way.
On the face of it, the appearance is that the residents get the most benefit. Yes, the residents we serve receive a tangible gift, a freshly painted home or new exterior stairs for example. But it is the youthful volunteers from all parts of the country who really receive more than they give. Ask any Tabor youth who has attended a work camp over the last nineteen years. For me, this is truly about bringing kids into a relationship with Christ. It is a time when they can safely explore their faith without being judged or told what to think. For a week, they are putting their faith into action serving others they have never met.
You might ask, 'What does Tabor get from this?' If you participated in 2009, then you probably know what benefits we receive from this local mission. If you don't know, I'll ask you again to solicit a response from any youth at Tabor who has attended a work camp. If you still don't know what we take away from sponsoring a work camp, then see the Tower in coming months, attend a future worship service or work camp meeting to find out more.
Already, your brothers and sisters in Christ have been meeting monthly through the fall. Returning team chairs Brenda Graminski (hospitality), Judy Damberg (applications), Bud Myers & others (support – fund raising & housing), Peter Harding & others (community support), and new team chair Kevin Murray (site) are seeking volunteers to help share in the preparation and execution of this mission. Their commitment, leadership, enthusiasm, and hard work make the wheels turn smoothly for a mission with this sizable impact.
If you cannot volunteer your time and would like to make a contribution, please make your check payable to 'Tabor Work Camp 2012' and place it in the weekly offering or mail it to Tabor. Thank you.
Next WorkCamp meeting tentatively scheduled for Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 7 pm in Room C.
Peter Harding (203-253-5748) & Conner Anderson-Dollhopf / Co- Chairs, Tabor Work Camp 2012
