Monday, June 23, 2008

The Weekly Beat - June 22, 2008

Hello Everyone - This is the first of our newly established Weekly ESUC Katrina Relief emails - a one-stop shop for all emails that might otherwise come to you during the week. Every Sunday we will publish all the trip news and updates to keep you on track as we move towards our August trip. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

This will also be posted to the blog should you want to refer to it. This weeks’ ESUC Weekly Beat contains:
- Total Concert funds raised
- Additional fundraisers for Katrina Relief Supplies
- Check in on letter writing and other travel-specific fundraising
- Trip Payment schedule
- EUUC & TEGC Picnic details
- Meeting schedule for remaining 7 weeks until lift-off
- Travel departure and arrival times

TOTAL EXPERIENCE GOSPEL CHOIR AND CASCADE JAZZ TRIO CONCERT! Total raised (after expenses of Programs, etc) was close to $2,000! Well Done Everyone!! We are pulling together a card that we can all sign thanking the specific musicians from John's group who gave generously of their time and talent to help us make our goals. Yay Team!! John will be making a CD of the concert available so stay tuned how you can get your copy.

ADDITIONAL FUNDRAISERS FOR KATRINA: The Second Sunday collection in July, July 13th, has been named for Katrina Relief (Thank You Michelle). Do we want to do additional fundraising specifically for relief funds? If so, a car-wash, bake-sale, other ideas? Please send me your thoughts and I will start putting together a timeline and fund goal for each. Questions? Call Sarah at 206-228-0505 or email sarahperry10@msn.com

PERSONAL FUNDRAISING FOR TRAVEL: How is it going? I am more than happy to help if you have had trouble even getting the letter off the ground; or you have all the letters out, but limited return; or you have all the returns you are going to get from your letters and are still not meeting your funding needs. Please let me know what I can do to help you make this goal. Many, many people want to help this effort and when you combine that with their love of you they have twice the reason to be asked and to give! Questions? Call Sarah at 206-228-0505 or email sarahperry10@msn.com

PAYMENT SCHEDULE: June 15 - $400; July 1 - $200; July 15 - $200; August 1 - $200. Send all payments to Michelle at the Church and put ESUC Katrina Relief - name (yours) all on the memo line. You can give her cash and get a reciept or check with the above on the memo line so she and Bill can track it back to you. If someone is giving you a gift for your travel and wants to mail it directly to ESUC they can, just ask them to put the same information (including your name) in the memo line. Questions? Call Bill at 425-208-5882 or email bramosbramos@hotmail.com

ESUC AND TEGC PICNIC JULY 19!!: We will all get together for a potluck picnic on July 19 from 1pm to 5pm at Eastshore. We will be outside if the weather is good or Spring Hall should it drizzle. All travelers and family are invited! For your potluck portion, bring enough to serve 8. The break out is as follows: if your FIRST NAME begins with A, B or C bring a main dish for at least 8. If your FIRST NAME begins with D through the letter I, bring a side dish/salad/bread & or cheese/fruit/veggies, etc.. If your FIRST NAME begins with J or K, bring dessert. If your FIRST NAME begins with L through M, bring drinks. If your FIRST NAME begins with N through Z bring paper goods (cups, plates, napkins, fork, spoon, knife). Questions? Call Carlene at 425-941-2718 OR email at carlenec@microsoft.com

MEETING SCHEDULE FOR REMAINING 7 WEEKS: Okay, folks, it's count-down time!! These are the rest of our meeting times until we leave:
June 29, 11-12 (after 10am service) for Traveling Youth and Adult team - parents are welcome, but not necessary
July 13, 11-12 Traveling Youth and Adult Team and ALL Parents.
This is also Second Sunday collection in Church is it is dedicated to the Katrina Relief project. The Team will make a presentation at church and will host Coffee Hour & hold the meeting afterwards.
July 19, TEGC & Traveling Team Picnic – All family members are welcome.
July 20, 11-12 Traveling Youth and Adult team - parents are welcome, but not necessary
August 3, possible host coffee hour, possible meeting - TBD
Questions? Call Carlene at 425-941-2718 or email carlenec@microsoft.com

DEPARTURE, ARRIVE AND GENERAL OVERVIEW OF TRAVEL SCHEDULE: WHOO HOOO!! Travel specs
Depart SeaTac Airport: August 9th, 11:30 AM, American Airlines flight # 6833
Arrive at SeaTac Airport: August 16th, 9:00 PM, US Airways #753
Dollar Rent-a-Car - ESUC Group has 3 mini vans & TEGC has 3 mini vans
Aug 9 - fly from Seattle to Dallas through SF. Drive from Dallas to Tyler, TX for the night
Dollar Rent-a-Car w/ EUUC w/ 3 mini vans and TEGC w/ 3 mini vans (we got us a convoy!)
Aug 10 & 11 Carthage, TX
Aug 12 - 15 - spend night in Gulf Port
Aug 16 fly from New Orleans back to Seattle through Philadelphia
Questions? Call Carlene at 425-941-2718 or email carlenec@microsoft.com *** Next week email Weekly Beat will have:Packing List for tripNotice if an additional $25 is needed to bring even One piece of luggage with us due to new airline regulations Information about Carpool OR Airport Shuttle from Sarah's house to AirportT-Shirts for the trip

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Mark Your Calendar - July 19 Picnic with TEGC

Hello everyone! Congrats again on a super successful concert last Saturday! I don’t know about you but I am still humming Oh Happy Day!

Wanted to get on your calendars our planned potluck picnic with the Total Experience Gospel Choir and Pastor Pat Wright.

Please SAVE THE DATE – JULY 19TH: 1PM TO 5PM And we will be outside – weather permitting.

I will be sending more details on what to bring but for now get your sunhats and sunscreen ready for a lovely afternoon with the TEGC!

Thanks, Carlene

Thursday, June 12, 2008

REMINDER: Travel Expenses

A reminder to all that the first installment for travel expenses for the Mississippi trip of $400 is due this Sunday 6/15/08

Please make checks payable to ESUC with "Mississippi 1st installment" in the memo line.

You can give it to Michelle or me at the concert if you like. Plan on another $200 on 7/1/08 and 7/15/08 As the budget comes together with acutual purchases we will determine what the last installment will be.

Plan on the most is $200 on 8/1/08 but it may be less.

Thanks and we are going to have so much fun!! Bill Ramos

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Hi All,

Pastor Pat would like to get our group together with the TEGC for a potluck sometime in the first two weeks of July, either on a weeknight or weekend afternoon. Michelle is looking into when the church would be open for a potluck like this and Pastor Pat is checking out when some possible dates might be from their group. Stay tuned on that one.

I am checking in on how the letter writing is going. I sent out another email blast with the poster on it to everyone under the sun today - all personal email contacts, all three boards that I work with at work, all of my co-workers, etc. I told folks to let me know if they could make it so that we could reserve their spaces. I did get one person who couldn't make it that offered to donate to the cause, so I gave him the EUUC address and told him to make it out to EUUC with 2008 Katrina Relief Trip on the memo line. That may be a good way to go for fundraising too - email along with the hard copy letters...something to think about.

After the concert we should also touch base about other fundraising possibilities. Please let me know if you have any questions!

June 14 Concert - Open Band Rehearsal and Song Lyrics

Hi, all,Apologies for any confusion at rehearsal yesterday, Pat came early and brought the whole choir, which was unexpected, so we went ahead and started rather than have them sit in the lobby for an hour. I realize that means many of you were late instead of early, and not quite sure what was going on. It's ok, our goal here is not to pretend to learn gospel singing in one easy lesson, but to express our solidarity with the choir at the concert. It will look and sound great!Note you are ALL welcome to attend the Open Full Band Rehearsal Friday night 6 to 9 pm at the Valley Center Stage, 119 1/2 North Bend Way, North Bend. The full band will be running through all the material, should be quite exciting, and food will be available. Hope to see you there! For more info on the location see http://www.valleycenterstage.org/Here's the lyrics to Oh Happy Day and a YouTube version of the song. Let me know if there's any questions. The way we learned the tune yesterday is likely how we'll be taught other gospel songs - sing with others, listen for your part, stay heads-up and figure it out as we go. May seem hard at first but you'll find it makes you really attentive and ready to learn a new tune at a moment's notice!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2azX548ppo (there's tons of versions out there, check 'em out!)Oh Happy DayOh happy day (oh happy day)Oh happy day (oh happy day)When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)He washed my sins away (oh happy day)Oh happy day (oh happy day!)He taught me how to watchFight and prayFight and pray!And live rejoicingE---very da---yEvery day!Repeat to top OR to out-chorus below:Oh happy day (oh happy day)Oh happy day (oh happy day)Oh happy day (oh happy day)Oh happy day (oh happy day)

June 14 Concert Logistics

Hello – here are the logistics for the Legacies of Hope Concert this Saturday. John will be sending a music related message to everyone. Please make sure you’ve checked to see where your name has been assigned. In some cases, I’ve assigned an adult to help supervise – thanks in advance for helping. And, if you are NOT on a list and would like to help, please step in and help wherever you’d like!

If you have any questions on the information below please let me know.

Thank you everyone! This is really going to be an extraordinary event. Don’t forget to bring all your friends and family!

Thanks, Carlene
*****************************************************************************************************
What time do I need to be there?
Be at the church dressed and ready to go at 6pm. Please stay after the concert for clean-up as we need to organize the sanctuary for church the following morning.

What should I wear?
Please wear a nice pair of slacks or skirt (black or brown will do) and a nice shirt. No tennis sneakers or flip flops.

What do I need to bring?
Be sure to bring your instrument if you are playing in the band.
Bring your smile and great attitude! J
Introduce yourself to TEGC members attending. Thank them for coming.
Bring your refreshment if you are signed up to do that (see below)

What will I be doing?
In the Band: Alex, Jalen, Anna, Maya. See John for logistics.
Ticket Takers:
Who: Erin, Max, Zoe (Adults to help: Bill Ramos, Kristen Feuerstein, Mark Thompson)
When: Be at the church for 6pm. Stay at the table till at least 7:20ish.
What:
- Work through who is doing what (taking money, writing receipts, etc.).
- Michelle is providing a cash box. Make sure that is supervised at all times. Turn it back into Michelle at the end of the ticket taking.
- Take money from attendees. Cash or check only. No credit or debit cards.
- This is apt to be very, very busy the last 15 to 20 minutes before 7pm so we may need others to step-in to help.
- Ticket prices are$15 per adult, $10 per child (12 and under). No senior citizen or student/government special prices.
- All monies go towards the TEGC Relief Fund – NOT the church.
- People may ask for receipts for donation tax purposes.

50/50 Raffle:
Who: Sarah Perry and ticket takers
When: at the Ticket Taker tables.
What:
- For $5 you can purchase a ticket to enter into a raffle. (Sarah to get a role of tickets)
- When you win, half of the money collected goes to the TEGC and the other half to the winner.
- The goal would be to get the winner to donate his/her winnings to the TEGC.
- We will pick the winner at the end of the concert. Winner must be present to win??

Ushers:
Who: Colin, Anna, Rowan (Adults to help: Chris Helmholz)
When: Be at the church at 6pm. Stay at the doors till at least 7:30
What:
- Hand out Programs (either John or Carlene will have them).
- Work through who is working which door including the balcony.
- Point guests that inquire to the visitor table should they questions about ESUC.
- Be at the doors during the intermission to point people to the restroom and the refreshments.
- Remind folks that there is no smoking in or near the sanctuary. No parking in the circle if asked.

Refreshments:
Who: Zoe, Jalen, Alex, Erin (Adults: Carmen McDowell, Nancy Barnes, Linda Berg, Ingrid Durenberger)
When: Be there at 6pm to help with set-up. Be in North Room 10 min before the break.
What:
- Food is $1.
- Drinks are donation (water, lemonade, coffee/tea).
- All money goes to the TEGC Relief Fund.
- Be ready to take money. Cash Box will be available.
- Chmaj’s – 2 dozen cupcakes, 2 dozen sugar cookies
- Thompson/McDowell – 2 dozen cupcakes, 2 dozen brownies
- Barnes – 2 dozen lemon bars, 2 dozen choc. Chip cookies
- Ramos/Perry/Murchison – 4 doz rice crispy treats, 4 doz cookies
- Kristen Feuerstein – 2 doz seven-layer bars
- Linda Berg – 1 large powder lemonade

###

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Hopes and Expectations

. Parents and Youth: What do You Want to Get out of the Mississippi Trip??
- New connection friends and relationships
- New sense of who you are
- Know more about myself others and the world
- The call “I must do this”
- Jalen and the you knows that YOU have the power to change
- Talk to adults in charge – it’s a partnership
- Cultural partnership – white to white privilege
- money and no money at a multi-level
- break out of our shelter
- go person to person
- listening to each other
- be more than just a witness to injustice
- learning from others
- do we encourage (even if silent)
- eyes opened
- feeling more drawn to doing things about injustice
- know more about what each other care about
- helping brothers and sisters
- personal growth in the physical demands from the trip
- get a chance to sing with the TEGC. J
*Topic Suggestion for next Meeting: Service: What does the worship service at a Baptist Church look like?*

Fundraising

Hardcopy Sample Letters given to Youth
Write down all the people, friends and family that you can send a request to
Remember to always provide an amount to give and the date it is due

CONCERT

Concert Update:
- Rehearsal, Monday, June 9th at 7pm with Pastor Pat. We will have a quick logistics discussion following the rehearsal.
- 10 piece orchestra including youth playing
- TEGC will sing for 30 minutes
- Intermission 20 min.
- Concert overall will run 2 hours
- Youth are asked to contribute and speak about what traveling Miss means to them (Jalen, Zoe, Maya, Alex C, Rowan, Erin)
- Logistics:
Refreshment Bake Sale – YES-U Youth will be asked to bake goodies and bring drinks for sale at the concert
50/50 Raffle sale – Sarah P will organize this

Staff Needed:
Refreshments – Zoe, Jalen, TBD (Carmen, Carlene, and Nancy)
Ticket Sellers- Erin, Max, TBD (NEED AN ADULT(S)
Ushers – Colin, Anna, Rowan (NEED AN ADULT)

Finance and Budget

Budget Update: (this is our estimated expeses to date)

Airfare: $380 (paid)
Ground Transportation: $75 (booked)
Hotels: $280 (booked)
Food: $ 140
Misc: $ 100
Total Due: $1,000

Monies Due Dates: (make checks to ESUC with your name and MS trip in memo line)
June 15: $400
July 1: $200
July 15: $200
Aug 1: $200

Itinerary and Travel Arrangements

Depart: Saturday, August 9th
Flight Information:
Depart 11:30am from Seatac on Alaska Airlines operated by American
Arrive 1:41pm in San Fransico
Depart San Fransisco 4:10pm
Arrive Dallas, TX 9:45pm

Travel to Carthage Texas
Sunday, August 10th
Attend Church Service with Pastor Pat
Attend Town and Family Reunion as Pastor Pat’s Guests
Monday, August 11th
Tour Carthage with Pastor Pat
Attend TEGC Concert
Tuesday, August 12th
Travel to Gulfport Mississippi
Wednesday, August 13-15
Work and then Dedicate Mr. Ysef’s House
Saturday, August 16th
Travel back to Seattle
Flight Information:
Depart from New Orleans (MSY)12:45pm on US Airways
Arrive 4:39pm in Philadelphia
Depart 5:55pm from Philedelphia
Arrive Seattle 9pm

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Dates for Next Meetings and Events – PUT THESE IN YOUR CALENDARS:

Monday, June 9th: 7 – 9pm Concert Rehearsal and Logistics Discussion
Saturday, June 14th: 6 – 11pm Concert Please plan to come for set up and stay for clean-up
Sunday, June 29th: 11pm Youth and Adults Traveling Team Meeting
(parents are welcome but not necc)

July, Date and time TBC- Picnic with the Total Experience Gospel Choir
(all welcome)

Sunday, July, 13th:10am-11am Attend Worship Service for Second Sunday Collection
11-12pm (after 10am Church service): Youth and Adults Traveling Team Meeting (parents are welcome but not necc)
Sunday, August 3rd: 10am Service - Youth and Adults Traveling Host Coffee Hour,
11 - 12pm Last Meeting before Travel (Youth and All Parents)

Saturday, August 9th: Leave for Texas/Mississippi

Next Actions

Mississippi Trip – June 1 – Meeting Recap

NEXT ACTIONS:
YOUTH:
- Write your Funding Ask Letters - ASAP
- Hand out Posters and Tell your friends to attend the Concert – June 14
- Turn in your first Trip Money - by June 15
- Email Michelle with any questions or concerns
MINISTRY TEAM:
- Carlene to send a complete Logistics, Packing List, and any forms
- Bill to send a complete budget and timeline List
- Sarah to send the letter in soft copy and a couple shorter versions
- John to contact those that will be involved with the concert for more details
- Michelle to get the forms to Carlene