Mountain TOP Photos

Receiving our "Sendoff Sprinkle"

Enjoying the lake at Arnold AFB

 Dinner at Arnold AFB

 Practicing our Team Cheer

Paying Attention

Ready for Dinner

 "Smile!"

"Mountain TOP!  WOOOOOOOO!!!"

 Washing Up

OMG Puppy!

 I am determined to NOT be happy.

#awkwardselfie

 "After him came Shamgar son of Anath, who killed six hundred of the Philistines with an oxgoad. He too delivered Israel. This...is his story."

Performing an original worship song

 Fire and Rain

All Smiles

See you next year, Mountain TOP!

(For more photos, check out the rest of our posts from Mountain TOP!)

Saturday, June 21st: Returnnig from the Mountain

Hey Faith Partners this is Griffin Carlson. My favorite thing this week was getting meet new people, and getting to spend more time with the ones I did know. I had some very bonding experiences. Today was our last day which made it a bit sad. We all said our goodbyes to our YRGs, and friends. I can say that as much as I liked Mountain T.O.P. I will be happy to sleep in my bed, see my parents, and play with my dogs. I saw God in the people we were serving. I did not agree with most of their takes on Christianity, but still seemed to learn something from each of them. Thank you faith partners!

-Griffin Carlson

Dear Faith Partners,

Hey y’all!!! That’s how you say hello in the South. Well this week has been so much fun! Last year was not as much fun as this year. Last year I did not know what was going on and was having a problem making friends. So coming into this I was nervous that the same thing would happen again. But for some reason I wanted to go back... I am so happy I did! I loved my YRG we became a little family. In my YRG we had Ryan, Austin, Kendall, Grace were all from Germantown in Memphis. There was Paula from Georgia (GO DOGS!!!) and Chris he was from Alabama. Then Whitney and me. My YRG was like peas and carrots or a well-oiled machine. We finished every project on time and still met all the needs. For those who don't know the needs are emotional, spiritual, physical, and social. We still had time for everything!! we were the amazing dream team! We laughed all the time between Ryan falling asleep everywhere he sat. then when Austin fell out of a tree and the girls goofing off all the time. (that was me too), our group was so amazing. We had water gun fights for like an hour and attacked other YRGs at the Overlook. So know that's how awesome our groups was ;-) Well I can happily report that my 9 square game has gotten better. The best part of this year was everything but the fatty pattys EWWW. Ok sorry mom and dad but I did not want to come I loved this year and I miss all my new friends already and we left Mountain TOP about 4 hours ago! So as you can guess we are driving I have spent my time sleeping for about two hours listening to my music and talking and singing with my friends. I found God through my friends, the people I helped, the staff, the happiness, kindness, the nature, and the amazing fact that God put all of these amazing people all together at this one time. It amazes me! And now I have great memories and it just makes me smile :-) I hope I get to see them all again but we know that this experience will never be the same again. The people I have to thank are everyone who made this trip possible but mostly the faith partners!! Thank you!!!

-Mary Claire Fibbe

(Thank you for your prayers!  A compilation of photos from the week will be posted in the next couple days.  Thanks again to all of you for supporting our 2014 Mountain TOP team!)

Friday June 20th: Last Full Day at Mountain TOP

Dear Faith Partners,

Hi my name is Ben Fibbe. You may ask yourself, who is this Ben Fibbe? I am a red-headed 13-year-old kid from the Cathedral. My favorite thing from this week was a boy at the work site named Max and he lighted up our day. My favorite thing we did today was our YRG celebration. We ate lunch and we went to the dutch bakery and I did the yo-yo challenge which is a large cookie with cream in the middle. And I ate it in 1:51 minutes. Today I saw God at the fish hook service and we got to hug all of our friends and it was beautiful. Thank you faith partners for supporting our mission trip!

-Ben Fibbe

Dear Faith Partners

Soooooo today was a pretty easy day, work-wise. We got to our site, which was about 15 minutes away, and met Mr. Campbell, whom we were painting for. Now the day before we were being extra efficient and finished that day's AND today's projects (finishing a shed). So today we just painted this little section on the side of a house. The girls painted, and the boys sat in the strangely soft grass and talked to Mr. Campbell. After about an hour we were done and eating lunch. Lauren (the best MC ever) arrived, and we had mid-day day break. Lunch finished up, and were on the road to Dutch Maid Bakery. THE FOOD IS SO GOOD. Anywho. Slocomb and Bee Jay did the yo-yo challenge, with amazing times of 43 seconds and 1:23 seconds. I'm sure you can guess who had what time :-) We wrote our song for campfire and hung out with the other YRGs that came and visited. Some came from Baker and some from Pines. We rolled back into camp at 4:01 PM and had some time to pack up and get ready for * sniffles * departure :-( Once all the YRGs had arrived, it was time for a lovely dinner of poppyseed chicken, rice, salad, and chocolate pudding. Oh, and rolls. Dinner was done, and campfire was beginning. We had about 6 or 7 acts, all amazing. The famous Fishhook worship service proceeded and a lot of crying and hugging happened. Now it's free time, and I sit here writing this to all the readers.

My favorite part this week has not necessarily been one specific part, but the growth of my friendships, and growth of my relationship with God. Now, in my regular life its hard to see God in action. But here, you see God in everyone. From a small energetic Chihuahua, to a little girl who is being raised in a tough lifestyle needing some role models. Being at Mountain TOP is definitely an opportunity that I, along with others, should never pass up. MOUNTAIN TOP, WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#InsideJokesLikeABoss

-Ellie Jose 

For Saturday June 21st:  O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go:  Preserve those who travel; surround them with your loving care; protect them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(#Struggle)

 (#Victory)

(On their way to Campfire)

(Dramatic interpretation of the story of Shamgar and the Phillistines at Campfire)

Thursday, June 19th: Full-Day Projects

Dear Faith Partners,

Today is June 19 and on this day my YRG group and I participated in the task of doing yard work for an elderly couple. It began with the cutting down of sapling trees, then trimming grass. It seemed like a small task at first but turned into a vigorous project. First the trees that needed to be eliminated were in high abundance and were difficult to cut through. After getting through most of the trees we noticed there wasn’t a real place to put all the severed branches and tree parts. Later a man in the house decided to lend us his trailer and made several trips to a place where they intended to burn the wood. Afterward we went to trimming grass outside of a fence. After many attempts at getting a weed whacker to work, we eventually got it to cooperate. I handled the whacker conversation with the home owner, it was much enjoyable to have the power to cut through hundreds of grass shards within seconds. After the trimming we had a nice conversation with the home owner who took care of 20 dogs, chickens and a horse. I see God in the Mountain T.O.P. staff when they pray because they always seem so uplifted and filled with a good feeling when praising God. I want to thank all of my faith partners for giving me and others the opportunity to participate in the Mountain T.O.P. Community.

-Santino Jordan

Dear Faith Partners,

Today my YRG went put to do yard work for an older man in the county. Even though the work

load that the man gave us was small and it only took us about an hour to finish the job, the real impact from the visit was listening to all the stories and life lessons that the man had to share. My favorite thing this week at Mountain TOP was going out and working for all the families and seeing how much they really appreciated the help that we gave them. I definitely saw God this week when I was out working with my YRG and when I was in camp. I really saw God on the first day when we repainted an older lady's wheelchair ramp. The best part was when she told stories about how she had scoliosis and had a miracle back surgery when she was twelve years old. She had so much faith in God and even through all of the continuous hardships she went through, she still could have a smile on her face.

I'd like to thank the faith partners for giving me and and everyone who came to Mountain TOP the opportunity to come and enjoy the community and opportunities that it offers.

-Maya Warren

For Friday June 20th:  Almighty God, who has promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in your Son’s Name:  We beseech you mercifully to incline your ear to us who have now made our prayers and supplications unto you; and grant that those things which we have faithfully asked according to your will, may effectually be obtained, to the relief of our necessity, and to the setting forth of your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(Yay for Yardwork!)

(Rekindling Friendships)

(Getting a little practice in before tomorrow's campfire/talent show)

Wednesday, June 18th: Second Day of Two-Day Projects

Dear Faith Partners,

This week so far has been a wonderful week already. Just today, My YRG group was scheduled a two day project to build on a shed that another YRG group worked on last week for this sweet old lady and her husband that had a stroke, this led to a great part of Moutian TOP. We did this for them and doing this to help others in our community.

Thank you for the ability to have this experience. It really means a lot to me and all of the missioners that we could be here this year.

-Whitney Allender

Dear Faith Partners,

This week has been an amazing week for me so far. Just today, My YRG was able to not only build a roof for a porch, but we were also treated to a great lunch of homemade fried chicken with all the fixins. This leads me to my favorite part about Mountain TOP. We get to work for these amazing families, but we are always being reminded that we aren't doing this for us, we're doing it for these families. Sometimes I think it can be easy to get caught up in doing this work because it brings us closer to the Holy Spirit, but really we are doing this work to help people, and being constantly reminded of this really helps me to focus on what really matters.

Thank you for giving us the ability to have this experience. It really means a lot to me and all of the mission team that we could be here this year.

-Ben Jose

For Thursday June 19th:  Lord Christ, when you came among us, you proclaimed the kingdom of God in villages, towns, and lonely places:  Grant that your presence and power may be known throughout this land.  Have mercy upon all of us who live and work in rural areas; and grant that all the people of our nation may give thanks to you for food and drink and all other bodily necessities of life, respect those who labor to produce them, and honor the land and the water from which these good things come.  All this we ask in your holy Name.  Amen.

(Building a porch roof)

 (Taking a water break)

Tuesday, June 17th: First Day of Two-Day Projects

Dear Faith Partners,

Today the team and I went out and built a shed. I enjoy my YRG group very much, we work well together and get things accomplished. We got the framing all done, and then our group leader told us it was not level, so we had to take it all apart! But we didn't get discouraged. We got right back up on our feet and re-did it. The lady who we worked for had an 18-year-old son that recently passed. God showed up in many places today. I felt like God was leading me to comfort the distress of the people who were close to the son. Just talking to them seemed to brighten their day, and I loved making them smile. My favorite thing thus far is the meeting people part. I met new friends, and some old friends whom I grow closer with. Also I would like to thank the church community for all of the support and help I have been given. I am looking forward to a great rest of the week!

-Jaida

For Wednesday June 18th:  O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son:  Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unites us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 (Prime example of a "county dog," typically an over-protective chihuahua)

 (We take our work very seriously!)

 ("Posting" our posts on our blog)

Monday, June 16th: First Day in the County

Dear Faith Partners,

This is my third awesome year at Mountain TOP and I am very thankful to be here. Today I helped a very nice family build a roof on their porch. I saw god in the joy and perseverance to get through the hard day. I am thankful for all the help and support from the church and the community.

-Andrew Park

Dear Faith Partners,

This is my second year at Mountain Top and I,m excited to say that it's as good as the first. It's only the second day of camp and the first day of work but I feel as though the people in my YRG are already my best friends. Today we painted an entire porch. It was hard work but totally worth it. We really bonded well with the family. I believe that God spoke through their son who has special needs. Even though he couldn't talk in words he showed his love and appreciation by hugging all of us nonstop. Thanks for showing your support and helping make this trip possible!

-Mayah Allender

For Tuesday June 17th:  O heavenly Father, who has filled the world with beauty:  Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(Awwwwww puppy)

 (Building a porch)

Sunday, June 15th: Arrival at Mountain TOP

Dear Faith Partners,

My name is Cameron. I am new to the Cathedral this year and started to come in the fall with my grandparents. This is my first time at mountain top and so far it has been a blast. My favorite part was playing nine square for the first time and getting to know some people who are also attending mountain top a little bit better. I was able to find god when we were doing worship and the staff asked us to write down what our calling was from god. I am still not sure what that is, but it made me think what is my calling? It gave me a new outlook on what “my calling” meant and I believe that maybe god sent me here to be able to figure out more about myself. I really do appreciate the support you have provided us.

-Cameron Mickey

For Monday June 16th:  Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(Departing Arnold AFB for Mountain TOP)

(Rules & Regs)

(Washing up after dinner)

Saturday, June 14th: Departing the Cathedral and arriving at Arnold Airforce Base

Dear Faith Partners,

This is Warren Stoker, I'm excited to start Mountain TOP tomorrow although I am very anxious to meet my YRG. Today we rode in the car for a few hours and Slocomb and I shot riddles at each other.

Thank you for supporting us!

-Warren Stoker 

For Sunday June 15th:  O God, whose fatherly care reaches to the uttermost parts of the earth:  We humbly beseech you graciously to behold and bless those whom we love, now absent from us.  Defend them from all dangers of soul and body; and grant that both they and we, drawing near to you, may be bound together by your love in the communion of your Holy Spirit, and in the fellowship of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 (Team DSO departing this morning from the Cathedral steps)

Friday, June 13th: MTN TOP Pre-Launch Post

Hello Faith Partners!

I hope your summers are going well!  Thank you for reading our faith partner blog for the Cathedral's Summer 2014 mission trips!  Our Mountain TOP team (16 Cathedralites, plus 6 from St. Christopher's in Fairborn and 2 from St. Andrew's in Dayton) departs early tomorrow morning to spend the evening and night at the Wingo Inn on Arnold Air Force Base just 30 minutes from Mountain TOP.

I'm writing today to thank you for supporting our missioners and also to share with you the prayer we ask that you pray for us tomorrow as we travel.  Our faith partner prayers come the Book of Common Prayer and were chosen for their relevance to our missioners and their work.

Thank you again for your support of our Summer Mission Trips and our Summer missioners!  We appreciate you very much!

-Slocomb Jenkins Reed

For Saturday June 14th:  O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go:  Preserve those who travel; surround them with your loving care; protect them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.