“This summer, the Project held two sites. Both sites ran for five weeks of groups from July 9th to August 12th. The northern site was based in Covelo and did work at the Round Valley Indian Reservation. The southern site was based at the Tule River Indian Reservation, and did work there. Both sites had a very successful summer, both in participant attendance and expenses. According to a number of people who attended, the programs at both sites were meaningful and fun.
In no other organization have I found such an intentional focus on relationships within service.
The Sierra Service Project continues to be an example of the dual nature of mission work and service. Not only does needed repair work get done, but also the people doing the work find meaning in their own lives through service and community interaction. In no other organization have I found such an intentional focus on relationships within service. I am pleased to present an overview of the summer, along with the current financial picture, and a list of participating churches.”
Robin Marks, Executive Director of Sierra Service Project in 1989
Participation
422 people participated from 39 United Methodist and Presbyterian churches across California, Oregon, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, including many churches who are sending teams this summer!
- FUMC Loomis
- Pacific Palisades CUMC
- Asbury UMC
- FUMC San Diego
- Foothills UMC
- Walnut Creek UMC
- Corona UMC
- St. Mark’s Tucson
- San Ramon Valley UMC
- FUMC Turlock
- Lafayette UMC
Northern site staff members
Monika Cooper – Site Director
Jeff Tooker – Program Director
Neal Youngblood – Construction Supervisor
Jon Ernst – Supply Supervisor
Alyssa Joehnck – Cook (Chef)
Diane Putnum – Cook (Chef)
“We were able to experience a sacred Indian dance at the home of Loren Lincoln, whose family is one of the only ones who keeps up the traditional Indian ways. It was quite an honor, as we were the first non-natives to be inside their Round House to witness a dance.”
The focus for this summer’s programs was community, spirituality, and service.
Sunday:
- “Love Feast”
- Anticipation of the week
- Staff skit
Monday:
- Each work group discussed the words “wealth”, “poverty”, and “faith”, and decided on a definition for each word.
- Jeff then led a discussion about the definitions, leading into a talk about the first day.
Tuesday:
- Ernie Merrifield was the guest speaker. He showed slides, and talked about the history of the valley.
Wednesday:
- River day
Thursday:
- Read the story “Where are the Nine” from the book The Way of the Wolf.
- Jon talked about the meaning of the story.
- Work groups gave thanks to each other.
Friday:
- Closing of the community
- Communion
Southern site staff members
Robin Marks – Site Director
Matt Gorman – Construction
Gene Joyce – Construction and Supply
Brad Tooker – Supply
Anita Fossgreen – Cook
Diane Gorman – Cook
“The local community was extremely receptive and friendly. Many people were proud of the work done on their homes and the workers. Local youth also got involved. Almost every night after dinner, basketball was a must. Usually 6 local youth long with some staff and youth played games from 6:30 to 8. Thursday night was our community potluck. This had mixed results. The first week was a great success. About 40 people showed up, and afterward they did some singing and even dancing for the gathering. The middle three weeks had no attendance. The last week was like the first one. I think the first and last were viewed as community events, and the rest were thought of as invites. people may have been uncomfortable showing up on their own.
The central idea focused on “building the Christian community”. Important topics were understanding service in a Christian context, exploring values within our faith, and learning about needs within various relationships. Program took a number of forms.
Programs for the summer were based on a number of themes. The central idea focused on “building the Christian community”. Important topics were understanding service in a Christian context, exploring values within our faith, and learning about needs within various relationships. Program took a number of forms. The morning began with an optional attendance Bible study. Just before breakfast, everyone gathered for morning devotions. These were lead by s different staff person each day, and were used to start the day with some open ended questions for later discussion. From about 8 to 9:30 every night was evening seminar. These consisted of singing, sharing the days work and events, and a program.”
