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Community
Volunteers help Neighborhood Kids
December 22, 2009-
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, located in the Broadmoor neighborhood of New Orleans, has continued to grow its community-outreach efforts since this summers’ VBS. Events have been held on Halloween (All Saints’ Day), Thanksgiving, and soon, Christmas, in addition to regular community barbecues. Planning for the 2010 VBS is expected to begin soon. Photo galleries of events at Gloria Dei can be viewed here on the church website.
July 16, 2009-
Over the past month, Camp Restore Volunteers were working at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church’s Vacation Bible school geared towards children on the Broadmoor neighborhood in New Orleans.
Volunteers helped the over 80 neighborhood children play games,produce art, and learn about Jesus Christ. Many of the neighborhood children arrived early to camp because they were so excited about the activities at camp. The day started with game time, then a short devotion where children learned church basics like classic Lutheran Hymns, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Apostle’s Creed.
After church the children break into groups for other activities.Local artist and peace activist, Charles Anderson, ran an art session where he taught basic art skills and shows the inner-city children that violence is not the only way they can express their emotions.
Gardening supplies were donated to the VBS, children decorated their own terra-cotta pots and planted beans. The plan is for the children to soon plant them at home or in the field next to the church to start a neighborhood garden.
Volunteers helped to prepare the church for the children. The play field, frequently used as a parking lot, was cleared of large rocks, concrete and metal objects. They also cleared a walkway which was used as a team-building obstacle course for the older campers.
Children ranging from three years old to sixteen participated in Gloria Dei’s program. The Vacation Bible School is the first large neighborhood program by Gloria Dei since Hurricane Katrina hit almost four years ago. Gloria Dei had over five feet of flood water in the sanctuary and fellowship hall. Both buildings are restored and newly renovated, with Camp Restore volunteers helping finish the fellowship hall this spring.