MISSIONPALOOZA 2017

It’s often said, It takes a village.  That’s the fundamental cornerstone supporting Missionpalooza 2017.  Missionpalooza offers an opportunity for youth to get involved in service projects in the City of Rochester.  Participation grew from fifteen kids in 2016 to thirty-five this year!  Various churches (St. Thomas', Rochester; Christ Church, Pittsford; Church of the Good Shepard, Webster; Saint George's, Hilton; Grace Church, Scottsville; St. Paul's, Rochester; St John's, Clifton Springs) gathered together this week of community service in the City of Rochester. The youth, in grades 6-12, spent time at different organizations, all with a different focus on addressing specific needs in the city. Locations included 540 West Main Street Learning Academy, Heart to Heart Refugee Ctr, St. Mark’s & St. John’s Episcopal Church, Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network, SewGreen, and Cameron Community Ministries.

One Thursday, the kids toured the Susan B. Anthony District, located off West Main Street in downtown Rochester.  Calvin Eaton, Director of the 540 West Main Street Learning Academy highlighted the ongoing improvements within the neighborhood, including a community garden that’s under construction, beautiful murals painted on historical buildings and the importance of newly added refuse cans at each corner.  The youth team’s mission was to collect any trash on the sidewalks, lawns and streets.

The teams also spent time at Cameron Community Ministries.  They learned about the various ways that Cameron reaches out to the surrounding community, including their feeding programs, child daycare and clothing closet.  High schooler Tony Ennis from St. Thomas said he was glad he could share this experience with his sisters Georgia and Lydia. A special thanks to Jay Burkardt from St. Paul’s.

On the final day, the kids enjoyed a day at Sea Breeze!  Stay tuned for updates on Missionpalooza 2018!