Bay St. Louis Mission Trip
By Mark Davidson

In recent weeks the Vestry has discussed the need for a mission outreach program within the parish.  In light of this discussion we have since become aware of a mission outreach opportunity through correspondence from the diocesan coordinator for Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD).  

This opportunity involves partnering with several churches within the diocese of North Carolina to share our time and talents in Bay St. Louis Mississippi performing relief work for Victims of Hurricane Katrina.  As we all know it has been over two years since Mississippi and Louisiana were devastated by the terrible storm, but there is still much clean up and rebuilding work to be done.  Churches in our diocese from Charlotte, Mooresville, and Hillsborough etc. have partnered with Christ Church Mississippi (whose building was destroyed by Katrina) and have been involved in eight such mission trips since 2005. 

There is an opportunity for our parish to participate in the next such trip to be held Thursday, May 22 through Tuesday, May 27, 2008 (Memorial Day weekend).   This trip is being coordinated by The Church of the Holy Comforter of Charlotte, NC with several other churches within the diocese participating.  The cost for the trip is $130.00 dollars per person which includes most all meals (except for special outings) and lodging accommodations for five nights.  Lodging is provided at Mission on the Bay (part of Lutheran-Episcopal Disaster Relief Services) and accommodations are clean but basic (Quonset huts with bunk beds, equipped with heat and A/C).  The type of work participants will be performing ranges from various types of construction work (painting, drywall hanging, roofing, etc.) to cooking and clean up to yard work and landscaping.  All hands are needed and I am assured there is plenty of work to go around. 

I am currently in contact with the parish coordinator for The Church of the Holy Comforter and have registration forms and other information about the trip available.  What I need to know right now is how many of our parish members are interested in participating.  The deadline for registration is April 25th so anyone with an interest in participating, please contact Mark Davidson or Margaret Blair.