The purpose of St. James’ sponsored Adult Mission Trips is to share our gifts, skills, and energies in a service role. Opportunities to serve others, locally, nationally, and internationally, are the cornerstone of the ministry. Some of these opportunities are scheduled a year out, others will be organized in response to natural or man made disasters, or to meet a specific need in Loudoun County. The “hard work heart work” schedule for 2006 and 2007 follows.
On September 23, 2006, St. James’ sponsored a family workday at the Dawson Buffalo Ranch. The home located at the ranch is now a homeless shelter for the Good Shepherd Alliance. During the family day parishioners will weed and mulch the flowerbeds and mow the yard. When the work is finished parishioners will enjoy a potluck lunch and enjoy the out of doors.
The effects of Hurricane Katrina are still evident in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. To help in the recovery and restoration effort St. James’ sponsored an Adult Mission trip to New Orleans from November 2-7, 2006. Click here to view photos from the trip, and click here to read the Loudoun Times-Mirror article about the trip.
St. James’ has been going to Welch, WV, since 2002. Our original purpose for supporting the people of Welch and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church was to assist them in recovering from devastating floods in 2001 and 2002. While most of the flood damage has been repaired much is yet to be accomplished. The Rev. Hilda Kennedy, the pastor of St. Lukes’, in a continuing effort to improve the lives of the people of Welch has created a small city on top of an old coal mine. Over the past two years, St. James’ has supported her in this effort by building decks on FEMA trailers. The goal is to give the people something they can be proud of and improve their lot in life. St. James’ parishioners while on these trips have provided meals to the community in their new community center. St. James’ will return to Welch during July 15-21, 2007, to continue our support to Rev. Kennedy and the people of Welch. For information, contact Ken Getty.