Around 4:30 today we arrived in Staunton, Virginia. We are renewing friendships, creating new ones and sharing. All are safe. thank you. Blessings. Paul

We gathered this morning. Around 9 am Brooks led us in prayer for our trip, the families we will sever, the friends and family that are supporting us.

On our way

We meet at 8am Saturday to begin our trip. Just a reminder. There is NO CELL SERVICE for an hour in any direction from where we are staying. There is also reported no internet connection. It is suggested that you bring phone cards. We will try to updated the blog, but we don't know if we will be able to connect anywhere during the week. Keep checking here to see if we have connected.

Peace.

ASP UPDATES …

CLOTHING: There was some confusion about the t-shirts that can be worn on site. T-shirts do NOT have to be plain. They can have writing or whatever, BUT they must be appropriate! No beer, cigarette, camouflage or other inappropriate logos or words.

FRIDAY EVENING: The time for packing the vans on Friday evening is 7 PM.

8^th WORK CREW: There will NOT be an 8^th work crew.

TO PARENTS: While this has not happened in the past and I do not expect it to happen this year, please be aware that if a youth participate violates ASP rules related to drugs, alcohol or unsafe behavior (purchase, possession or use of a weapon … bb gun, pellet gun, etc) they will be asked to return home and you will be expected to pick them up immediately.

ASP News

With just 9 days to go before we leave here are some reminders of things coming up:

1. Car Wash this Saturday from 10-2 PM … arrive at 9:30 to set up.
   
   
2. Commissioning at the 10:00 Worship Service … Brooks will be commissioning all ASP participants this Sunday at the 10:00 Service. Please try to be there … obviously if you are away in Florida watching the space shuttle of something you are excused (that is for the Yaciks and Katy Goodson)!
   
   
3. Friday, July 17th we will gather in the church parking lot at 7 PM. to pack our vehicles so that we are ready to roll Saturday morning. On Friday bring our luggage … but save your overnight bag for the trip down to bring with you on Saturday morning.
   
   
4. Any final stock money or forms MUST be turned in by Friday evening (July 17) or you may not be able to leave with us on Saturday.
   
   
5. Saturday, July 18th we will gather at 8 AM at the church parking lot for check. We plan to pull out in small groups around 9AM. Bring a bag lunch for the ride!

I just talked to the center staff in Raleigh County and here are some things you should know about our center …

1. The air conditioners in the classrooms where will be sleeping WORK! So we do not need fans!
   
   
2. Showers: There are two shower heads per gender period! SO prepared for long lines and don’t forget shower shoes!
   
   
3. Walmart is over an hour away so I imagine there won’t be many trips there, but there are some local small stores including an ice cream place located near the center.
   
   
4. There is no cell phone reception at or near the center.
   
   
5. The staff says that there is a lot of poison ivy around the center and in the local community. Be prepared!

Needed:

1. I need to know if there are any vegetarians in the group. Please let me know immediately. I have to call that into the center.
   
   
2. Because there is no dish washer at the center we need to bring paper plates, bowls, cups and plastic ware. Is there anyone willing and able to pick this up? The church will reimburse you through ASP funds.

That’s all for now! Can’t wait until July 18th!!!!!!

Peace,

Linda

ASP DINING DOLLARS

Mondays, July 6 and July 20, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. we are asking everyone to join us at the Golden Corner in Bound Brook. Your meals will contribute to the ASP fund raising. Flyers will be given out at church services. YOU MUST BRING THE FLYER WITH YOU TO TURN IN WHEN DINING. Any questions call Shirley Almendinger. Click here to get flyer to print

Here’s the latest ….

ASP Orientation Meeting this Sunday 7-8:30 PM … If you have not attended a meeting yet and you plan to participated on ASP you MUST be present this Sunday. ( exception: College students who are not home yet). Adults we will meet briefly at the end of the meeting for a short time. Please bring stock money with you this Sunday.

ASP Planning Team Meeting Thursday evening from 6:30-8 PM in the Cave … All are welcome to attend a planning meeting for ASP.

Car Wash Saturday … We will be meeting in the church parking lot at 9:30 AM and plan to be finished by 2:30 PM. Bring something to drink and we will provide pizza for lunch. Please let me know if you plan to attend.

Stock Sale at Church …

• May 17 Danika Yacik & Samantha Bruno
• May 24 Andy Gugel & Max Biedermann
• May 31 Kim Hutchins

Coffeehouse & Silent Auction, June 7 from 5-8 PM … I is not too late to sign-up to perform at the coffeehouse. Acts must sign up with Linda (me) by May 24^th. We also need donations of auction-able items. So far I have the following …

• Basket from the Bruno Family
• Organic Basket from Tricia Flynn
• Summertime Basket from Rebecka Flynn
• Cooking Lesson with Dave DePierro
• Cooking Lesson with Keith Belamy
• Basket from the Owens/Goodson Gang
• Painting by Joan Bloomer

***If I missed someone or you have something to donate please contact me! We need MORE items and each item must come with a description that can be posted in an auction brochure. Descriptions must be in to Linda by June 1^st. If you are not able to donate a basket you might choose to ask a local vendor for a donation of services/products/tickets etc… We have had great success with the Somerset Patriots, local restaurants, hair salons, etc…

VOLUNTEERS FOR COFFEEHOUSE … We also need people to volunteer for the following:

• Set-Up / Organize Silent Auction Tables … tables must be set up by 5:45 PM on Saturday
• Staff Silent Auction Tables during the event and during worship on Saturday evening and Sunday Morning
• Set Up Director … organize and plan the set-up
• Set-Up and Decoration help … we have access to the gym beginning Saturday at 1 PM.
• Kitchen / Serving / Clean-up … involves organizing the serving of appetizers and drinks.
• Gym Clean-Up … cleaning and taking down tables and chairs and putting away decorations and equipment.