On July 15, some 48 Jr. and Sr. High Youth traveled to Avon, Colorado to work with Passport, a multi-denominational ministry that reaches out to the under-privileged people around the USA. These youth conducted Backyard Bible Clubs, painted a Hispanic Church, and renovated and repaired the dilapidated homes of elderly people in Avon. This experience is unique because it stresses worship as an important part of service.

Here's their trip report:
The FPC Youth Group arrived safely in Denver and proceeded to Avon, where they will spend the week working for mainly poor elderly and hispanics.  The group arrived two days early to get oriented to the elevation change and to have some group building time.

Sunday we started the day by attending the Beaver Creek Chapel for worship.  It was a wonderful service, and all the youth were energized by the contemporary worship. The youth were charged on how to be the "church together," and we learned what it means to "put the cookies on the bottom shelf."

In the afternoon we spent the day hiking about 3000 feet up a mountain in Beaver Creek. Unfortunately, everyone didn't make it. Hiking here is "straight up." We loved church so much in the morning that we went back to church in Vail on Sunday night.

Monday we played at Lake Nottingham until we registered for Camp.   Everyone was thrilled that the other youth groups would be arriving soon. We started the camp with a wonderful celebration and orientation. Everyone loved our group because we are so interesting. WE deemed Monday night "crazy pants night" and everyone loved it.

Tuesday was the first day of work. Most of the youth were on painting jobs, but others were working with hispanic children or working for a huge Vail Valley Rummage Sale which will benefit the poor and disadvantaged.  The theme for the day is the "Christ Event", and all we did focused on Christ's life as an event.

Tonight is the first full worship service, and we are on the way.  

Location
Avon is on I-70, high in the Rockies about 90 miles west of Denver, and about 5 miles west of Vail.  

  Visitor # since 7-1-00