Donations and Support

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It takes a lot of prayer, work, and planning to put a trip like this together. We can't do it all on our own. Your help is needed, and appreciated. We are asking for:

• Prayer. Please pray for us, and for the people of New Orleans.
  
• Skymiles. If you fly Southwest, please consider donating your miles to our travelers.
  
• Financial donations. We estimate that this trip will cost $1000 per person. Our goal is to raise more than we ourselves need, and to donate any extra funds to ongoing disaster relief efforts in New Orleans.
  
• Company. Anyone who wants to join us is welcome. We desire a count by February 8, but we will happily accept new people after that.

We will have PayPal up and running in a day or two. Meanwhile, if you wish to send a donation, please email Kirstin Paisley, Matt Knoll-Williams, or Michael Barham.

Thank you for reading this blog, and thank you immensely for any support you can give.

Planning Update #1

New Orleans is still a disaster area. Might God be calling you to spend your spring break in mission?

Updates on New Orleans Trip:
1) trip dates
2) where we are
3) costs and fundraising
4) registration deadline and information
5) our work group: Common Ground Collective
6) Questions? Contact . . .
* * *
1) March 24-31, 2007. We will plan specific leave times based on flight cost, and needs of those who register.
2) WHERE WE ARE:
We had a good meeting last Thursday, and watched chapters from Spike Lee's NOLA documentary tonight.
At present we have a handful of folks signed up, but are hoping to take ten CDSP students (in addition to other GTU students or area Episcopalians).
3) TOTAL ESTIMATED COST is approximate $1,000
DON'T LET COST STOP YOU!!!!!
We believe it will be possible to fully cover the cost of the trip through fundraising, and invite the CDSP community to join us in our efforts (more info to follow)
4) TO REGISTER (please let us know by February 8) If you want to go, please send the following information by February
8 in an email to Michael Barham
Registration Information:
Name:
Cell or best phone:
Any physical challenges:
Any dietary restrictions:
Types of volunteer experience or building/construction experience you may have (including electrician, carpenter, etc.):
7) WORKING WITH Common Ground Collective, we hope to make a difference. If you are concerned about what kinds of jobs you might be asked to do, don't! We will find some meaningful work that meets your abilities.
6) QUESTIONS or need more info?
Feel free to email Matt Knoll Williams or Michael Barham

Prayer for New Orleans

Please feel free to distribute this prayer at will.

Loving God, we commend to you the people of New Orleans.
We thank you for the strength they have shown
in rebuilding their community,
and for their graciousness in hosting volunteers.

We lift up also those who are traveling there only for awhile.
Keep them strong, to do the work that is set before them.
Open their hearts to see you everywhere they go,
and open their minds to what they will experience.
Help them to serve Christ in everyone they meet.
Encourage them to live in your joy,
and bring them home safely when their work is done.
All this we ask in the name of the One who creates, redeems,
and sustains us all. Amen.