Page 6 - The Cornerstone September 2019
P. 6

On the Border



            Episcopal                                                                                                                                                                                2019 Youth Mission Trip



                                                                                                                                                                                                                 to San Diego, CA


            Youth






            Community                                                                                                                 In June, a group of us                 THE BIG ISSUES IN SAN DIEGO:

                                                                                                                                                                             Immigration: Due to its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, San
                                                                                                                                      traveled to San Diego, CA

                                                                                                                                                                             Many residents of San Diego have family across the border in Mexico,
                                                                                     Tentatively mark                                 for our Youth Mission Trip!            Diego is home to many immigrants from Central and South America.
                             by Fr. Joseph Wallace-Williams                        your calendar for the                              WHY SAN DIEGO:                         and as a result are deeply invested in border issues.
                                                                                 following EYC dates:                                 San Diego is most known as a tourist
               Though I’ve only been a member of this faith community here at                                                         destination, boasting warm weather     Homelessness: The city is home to one of the country’s largest
               St. Peter’s for a little less than a year, I have come to know many   September 22                                     and beautiful beaches. Many do not     homeless populations. This has put a strain on the city’s social
               of you. As one of your priests, an area of ministry I have been        October 20                                      realize that San Diego is located      services and forces the local government to come up with creative
               given is with the youth of our congregation.                                                                                                                  approaches to serving this population.
                                                                                     November 10                                      less than one hour away from the
               I am looking forward to being able to get to know each of you         December 15                                      U.S.-Mexico border, which has many
               and others in our community this coming academic year. Moving          January 19                                      implications for those living in or near   GIVING US PERSPECTIVE...
               forward, our youth group, or EYC (Episcopal Youth Community),                                                          the city.                              We all have our own perceptions of urban problems.
               will meet regularly on the third Sunday of every month following      February 23                                      Serving in San Diego exposed us to the
               the 10:30 worship service. This will be a time for us to seek            April 19                                      social issues present in communities   During the week, we had a chance to share what we were learning
               a deeper connection to Christ and one another through fun,               May 31                                        located at national borders.  We also   about in San Diego and in our country. Specifically in the areas of
               fellowship, and intentional time exploring the complexities of                                                         learned about immigration by spending   poverty, racism, immigration, climate change, and being a part of the
               life and asking questions of faith. Most of our meeting time                                                           time at the U.S.-Mexico border,        ongoing work God is doing to bring about the kingdom.
               will be spent in the Undercroft or Confirmation classroom from    Stay tuned for further                               learning about social justice from a   As Mateo put it after visiting the border:
               12-2pm.  It is my hope that we will not only meet on Sundays,      information on EYC                                  local non-profit fighting for the rights
               but will occasionally meet together as a group off-campus for a   events, Confirmation,                                of immigrants.                         “We went on a hike along the border. This was one of the more
               game of dodgeball, top golf, movies and so on.                     and Youth Sunday!                                                                          controversial activities of our day. We interacted with both border agents
                                                                                                                                                                             and staff members of Border Angels. It was interesting to hear both
               I want each and every one of you to know that I am available                                                                                                  viewpoints.  As Christians we must balance the values of treating thy
               to talk at any time. I am more than willing to meet you for ice                                                                                               neighbor as thy self and keeping our community safe. It’s important for
               cream or pizza!  And you                                                                                                                                      us to have dialogue instead of people just voicing strong opinions without
               guessed it - I don’t blab and                                                                                                                                 listening to the other side.”
               I don’t judge!!!!
                                                                                                                                                                             I hope you will join us next summer!!
               So come and talk to me
               about anything. I am here                                                                                                                                     Remember, I love you, but God loves you more,
               for YOU.
                                                                                                                                                                             Fr. Joseph










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