2007 VOICES OF YOUTH
WEAVING A NEW COMMUNITY TOUR

Since today was Saturday, we slept in for an extra hour which everyone appreciated.  Before heading south to Richmond, we took a few goofy group shots.... 

(Are these really the "responsible adults" you have entrusted
your children to for 3 weeks?)

After much traffic on  I-95 south, we arrived at Emmaus UMC (website not available) in Richmond.  Emmaus is a Korean/American congregation.  After being treated to Korean food for dinner, we performed our concert which was greatly appreciated by the congregation.

Everyone is anticipating tomorrow's last 2 concerts with joy, but also aware that the 2007 Voices of Youth Tour will soon be coming to an end tomorrow.  The good news is that Voices and the friendships made will continue on long after the tour is over!

Tomorrow Voices will lead worship at Good Shepherd UMC in Richmond at 11:00 a.m., and then sing their final concert at Bon Air UMC in Richmond at 7:30 p.m.  Be sure to arrive early since the closing concerts are always packed!

- Jim C. 

    

The group assembled cards for various occasions, and also visited the church’s food pantry which is also supported by other local churches. 

   

We had a second birthday on the trip and "Feydo's" birthday was celebrated with a homemade ice cream cake! 

   

This evening’s concert was appreciated by the congregation and number of Voices alumni were in attendance.

- Jim C. 

- Jim C. 

Wednesday, August 1, 2007 - Asbury UMC

We had originally planned on making 2 stops on our way to Christiansburg, but decided that time for family groups and rest was needed instead.  Our "Fearless Leader" Joe Klotz got the morning going with a good clown talk!

After morning family groups, the group stopped for lunch in Roanoke and spent about 1.5 hours at a local mall.  Once we arrived in Christiansburg, it was time for some games, rehearsal, and a time of affirmation.

We had a very good concert at St. Paul UMC.  Our very own Jordan Markwood conducted Praise His Holy Name!

- Jim C. 

Today we left Highland UMC and went to the School of Mission at VUMAC in Blackstone. 

We performed a noon concert for those in attendance at the VUMAC School of Mission, enjoyed lunch and heard a brief update from one of the missionaries from the Middle East.

Our evening concert was at Mt. Vernon UMC in Danville.  The church was large and had great acoustics making Voices sound even better than usual!

We have had great support from the local churches who have prominantly advertised Voices at their churches even using the latest photos from the Voices website! 

- Jim C.

---

Monday, July 30, 2007 - Highland UMC

Before leaving the Eastern Shore, we visited the Parksley Migrant Head Start Daycare Center for the children of migrant workers, and played with the children for a little while.

We were treated to a great covered dish supper at Highland UMC in Colonial Heights, VA, followed by a great concert which included passing of the peace and youth testimonials.

- Jim C. 

Today we started out by singing at the worship service at Bellamy UMC.  Bellamy is the home church of several of the youth and a number of parents from towns in the area were present.

After lunch at Bellamy, we headed to the Eastern Shore to sing at Market Street UMC in Onancock, Virginia.  Market Street is a historic church in the town.  The concert was well attended and appreciated by the congregation.

- Jim C. 

Saturday, July 28, 2007 - Aldersgate/New Creation UMC

Before leaving High Street UMC, it was time to say good-bye to old friends and loved ones.

Today’s concert was at Aldersgate/New Creation UMC in the Portsmouth District.  A very large crowd was present for Voices' best concert yet.

- Jim C. 

Friday, July 27, 2007 - Virginia Tour Starts!!!  (mid-day update)**

Today was an early morning to get on the road to arrive at High Street UMC in Franklin, Virginia.  There were some smiling faces as you can see below.

** Isn't technology great?  Today's update was done on a laptop while driving down the road!  (No I wasn't driving at the time! - George was at the helm!)

Evening Update:

Everyone was glad to have completed the trip back from Florida by day’s end.  Voices' first Virginia concert was at High Street UMC in Franklin, VA.  The group sounded great and was enthusiastically received by the congregation.

- Jim C.

Thursday, July 26, 2007 - "On The Road Again"....

Today we said good-bye to Florida and loaded the bus for our overnight stop in Savannah, GA. 

The group has really come together after having completed their mission work at Branches Outreach Mission. 

Now everyone is excited about starting the Virginia tour tomorrow!!!

- Jim C.

Today we savored being with the kids at Branches since it was our last day with them.  The mural on the shed of the 7 fruits of the Spirit was completed with the "hands" of many!

In the evening, a celebration was held where the kids displayed their artwork, sang the songs they learned, and presented the bible story dramas that they had worked on for the last 3 days.  It was a tearful good-bye leaving those children.  The tears were tears of sadness, but also of great joy having touched, and been touched by, the children at Branches. 

Thank you Kim for making this experience a wonderful time of breaking down barriers, understanding the plight of immigrants and refugees, and learning to accept each other as children of God!  Please pass on our love to your staff, especially Oscar, Jill, Tony & Jean and your family!  We will always have a piece of Branches in each of us.

- Jim C. for all of us in Voices '07

Tuesday, July 24, 2007 - Branches & Panel on Mission Projects

After spending the morning at Branches and getting some free time in on the afternoon, we listened to a panel of immigrants and missionaries discuss the challenges and barriers to immigration in our country.

- Jim C.

Monday, July 23, 2007 - First Day of Performing Arts Camp at Branches Outreach Ministry!

Thanks also to Ann for preparing breakfast each day with the help of the youth staff and Martha! 

Saturday, July 21, 2007 - A Day of Fun in Miami

Today we said our blessing at the bus in Savannah, GA and drove the rest of the way to Homestead, FL. 

As you can see below, we are having fun all along the way!

After the delicious dinner prepared by the ladies at Silver Palm UMC, a short rehearsal was held.  Tomorrow will be a time for rehearsals, the beach, and the mall.

- Jim C.

The youth arrived at Virginia Wesleyan College this afternoon to kick off the 2007 Voices of Youth Tour!  After taking care of last minute details, the youth and their parents were led in worship Rev. Dan Ivey in the Monumental Chapel @ VWC.

SOME OF THE YOUTH STAFF AND ADULT STAFF IN CHAPEL 

The time of worship was concluded with communion for the youth, parents, and adult staff. 

COMMUNION WITH YOUTH, PARENTS, AND ADULT STAFF 

Once goodbyes were said to the parents, Voices 2007 "Fearless Leader" Rev. Joe Klotz and the Youth Staff went over some of the ground rules, followed by a time of mission education lead by Dot Ivey.

REV. JOE KLOTZ, TOUR LEADER, & ANN ROLLINS, VOICES COORDINATOR 

After dinner, the first rehearsal of the full Voices group was held by Voices 2007 Music Director, George Amos, followed by a time of devotion and sharing in family groups.