Drama Camp Enriches Young Lives

By Amanda Davis

Attention children! St. James by-the-Sea, La Jolla hosts its annual summer Bible Drama Camp, June 22 through 28. The drama program runs from 9:00am to 12:00pm and is free.

“The kids enjoy it thoroughly,” said the Rev. Chris Chase, rector of Good Samaritan, University City.

Jeff Watkins, a World War II fi ghter pilot and a parishioner at St. David’s, San Diego, spends a day with the children during the camp session, regaling them with stories.

The camp is benefi cial for all kinds of students, not just those interested in drama. Students discover not only how to express themselves individually but also how to work as an ensemble, gaining valuable leadership and performance skills while having fun and making friends.

In addition to singing, reading and performing short plays throughout the week, this summer’s camp will culminate in a patriotic performance of “The Faith of America,” a celebration of faith in our nation’s history.

“Time and again, I’ve seen young people and adults gain a deeper understanding of the Bible by dramatizing its stories and parables,” says Father Lawrence Waddy, who wrote the 136 plays collected in Bible Drama. It’s a powerful teaching medium and a wonderful way for getting people to work together.”

Students going into second grade and up are welcome.

To register for the camp, call the church offi ce at: 858-459-3421. Registration forms are also available for download at www.sjbts.org. X

Waddy at Work: The Rev. Lawrence Waddy helps children of all ages connect with Bible stories through drama. He encourages all parents in the diocese to send their children to drama camp at St. James’, La Jolla. June 22-28, 9:00am - 12:00pm. Free.

Praise Bands on Pentecost

St. Andrew’s, La Mesa, hosted its fi rst praise concert on Pentecost. The event drew about 60 people who danced, sang and clapped along with the music.

“Voice of Christ,” a band from the Samoan fellowship that meets weekly at St. Andrew’s, performed. “Joyful Noise” from St. Peter’s, Del Mar; “Sonrise from Good Shepherd, Bonita and “The St. Andrew’s Praise Team” played sets for the eager crowd as well. X

Serenity in Sun City

St. Stephen’s, Sun City completed a beautiful labyrinth in their desert oasis this April. 900 square feet of hand-picked stones line the circuits with smaller rocks raked on the paths. All materials and time were donated by volunteers, notably Rebecca Costello and Maryann Martin, who worked each morning on the project before it grew too warm to haul rocks. The Reverend Charles Rines blessed the new labyrinth on May 14, just in time for the quiet day which drew more than 40 people. The entire diocese is invited to visit the new labyrinth and meditate in its ancient

rhythm. X

Diocese Sponsors 50 in Anti-Racism Training

This spring, the Diocese of San Diego sponsored fi fty people attending the “Human Mosaic of Dignity and Diversity Training” offered by Kaleidoscope Institute.

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Spiritually Filled on Pentecost: St. Andrew’s, La Mesa hosted its fi rst praise concert in May, and enjoyed a good turnout.

What Do You Notice? What Do You Wonder? The Rev. Eric Law

(above) asks these questions of participants in his anti-racism training. Participants were gently challenged to rethink their assumptions in a non-threatening way.

The training is important because competent leadership in our diverse and changing world requires an appreciation for difference rather than fear of difference. The Kaleidoscope Institute facilitated exercises that encouraged participants to notice and wonder about things they may not normally consider. Group discussions exposed people to different cultural viewpoints from their own. One participant said, “I learned communication skills with people who are different.”

A Labyrinth for All: The Rev. Charles Rines blesses the new labyrinth at St. Stephen’s, Sun City. The labyrinth is made from donated materials and volunteer time. An unusual, heart-shaped stone lies at the very center (below).

“. . . competent leadership in our diverse and changing world requires an appreciation for difference rather than fear of difference.”

“I have participated in similar workshops, but this experience was powerful and transcendent in new ways,” said Pamela Wade, member of Diocesan Council and native South African. “I hope many more members of the diocese will be able to be a part of future workshops. The need is still so great.”

“The training helped me understand the power dynamics at work in our society,” said another participant. “It helped me hear the experience of the powerless and it allows the powerless to speak up.”

The Kaleidoscope Institute offers a training during the summer in Los Angeles that delves more deeply into these topics. To learn more, please email kscopeinstitute@aol.com. This program will satisfy the National Episcopal Church’s requirement for anti-racism training. X Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8