St. Philopateer Fellowship: Summer Service Trip to Pharr, TX

1. St. Philopateer Fellowship: Summer Service Trip to Pharr, TX June 5 – 11, 2010 “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” – Matthew 25:40

2. Where we’re going Pharr, TX is located on the border of the United States and Mexico

3. Average monthly temperatures Expect highs over 90º and lows around 75º

4. Who we’re serving with • We will be serving at St. George’s Orthodox Church in Pharr, TX. St. George is led by Father Antonio Perdomo & his wife Matushka Elizabeth. • St. George is a member of the Orthodox Church of America, under the auspices of Archbishop Dmitri of Dallas, TX.

5. Tentative Schedule • Saturday, June 5, 2010 • Depart Dallas at X am. Arrive in Pharrat X pm • Sunday, June 6, 2010 • Divine Liturgy at X am. • XX • Monday, June 7, 2010 • Construction in Colonias // Casa Amparo? • Tuesday, June 8, 2010 • Sorting food pantry donations // Construction? • Wednesday, June 9, 2010 • Distributing food pantry donations • Thursday, June 10, 2010 • Construction in Colonias • Friday, June 11, 2010 • Depart for Dallas at X am

6. Tentative Cost (Per Person) Your $150 deposit will secure the mini-bus rental and buy donated gifts for the food pantry and girls’ orphanage.

7. Who can go? • The first 20 people who turn in a deposit of $150 will be able to go on the service trip. • The trip is open first and foremost to members of St. Philopateer. If fewer than 20 people from St. Philopateer choose to participate, the trip will be opened up to members of St. Mary and St. Abanoub.

8. Important dates • Deposit due; April 1, 2010last day to register • Mandatory information May 19 & 22, 2010meeting (attend 1 of 2) • Donation organization Date TBA meeting

9. What we’re doing – Food pantry • St. George’s Food Pantry distributes food to low-income families in Hidalgo County, TX. • We will organize food donations and aid with distribution of food pantry goods when the pantry opens to the public.

10. What we’re doing – Construction in colonias • As of 2007, 44% of Hidalgo County’s children live in poverty. We will be helping to alleviate some of the strain of poverty by constructing and repairing homes in the county’s poorest neighboorhoods (called colonias). “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” – I John 3:17-18

11. What we’re doing – Casa Amparo a la Mujer (House of Mercy for Women) • Casa Amparo is a Catholic shelter for abandoned girls in Reynoso, Mexico (across the border from Pharr). We will compile donations for the girls, and depending on the border’s level of safety, may visit the shelter. Padre Antonio & Madre Natividad

12. What to bring What NOT to bring • Bible & Agpeya • Refillable water bottle (preferably with shoulder strap) • Hat • Sunglasses • Sunscreen • Insect repellant • Sturdy work shoes • Loose-fitting, comfortable work clothes (pack light layers) • Swimsuit • Towel • Bedding (?) • Travel-sized toiletries • Necessary medication(s) Optional: • Camera • Cell phone and charger • Small daypack • Video games • Portable DVD players • Laptop • Jewelry • Valuables • Dressy clothes & shoes • Large toiletries • Multiple and/or bulky bags • Alcohol • Illegal drugs and/or drug paraphernalia

13. How to sign up • Complete the following sign-up sheet and send it to me at 2600 Millstream Drive, Plano, TX 75075 or give it to me in person (no email, I need signatures). • Make a $150 deposit or pay in full with cash or personal check.  Click for sign-up sheet

14. Resources • St. George Orthodox Church • Casa Amparo a la Mujer • Orthodox liturgical materials in Spanish • About Hidalgo County