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Project Transformation interns to serve OKC urban churches and communities
Written: 3/22/2002
Project Transformation interns to serve OKC urban churches and communities
By BOYCE
BOWDON
Project Transformation-established several years ago in Dallas by the North
Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church-is expanding to Oklahoma City
as a mission outreach program of the Cooperative Urban Parish and the North
and South Oklahoma City districts. In Oklahoma City, Project Transformation
will operate at three United Methodist churches: Ridgecrest, 3629 NW 25; Hillcrest,
5801 S. Pennsylvania; and Britton, 1001 NW 92. Five college interns will serve
at each church.
Pat McGarity, coordinator, says Project Transformation is for Christian young people who have completed their freshman year of college and want to serve in urban communities of Oklahoma City. Working in teams of four to six persons, the interns will plan and manage an eight-week summer day camp for elementary children at urban churches. They will give leadership for Bible studies, skits, crafts, music, field trips, and recreational activities.
McGarity says Project Transformation is designed to:
- Aid culturally diverse churches and communities with creative summer programming that will support spiritual growth for children, youth, and their families.
- Build relationships and models for on-going volunteer ministries. o Support college students in their faith journey by providing a summer mission experience and an introduction into ministry.
- Reach out to those not associated with the church.
Project Transformation begins June 1 and concludes Aug. 2. During the first week, interns will receive training and during the remaining eight weeks, they will lead the summer day camp. Since it is an intense summer, it is not possible for interns to have outside commitments, such as summer school or a part-time job, McGarity says.
Day Camp is Monday through Thursday, and will take place at an assigned church. The partner churches will prepare dinner and eat with the interns to learn about the interns' experience. One night a week, the interns will participate in Bible study. On Fridays they attend worship and explore different vocations in the church through dialogue with lay and ordained leadership. On Sundays, they will participate in worship and Sunday school at their designated church. Saturday is a day to rest, do laundry, visit friends and family.
All the interns will stay at Oklahoma City University in student housing. "Living in community will provide an opportunity for support and friendship," McGarity says. Each intern will receive a stipend of $150 a week and an educational award of $500 upon completion of the program.
Congregations that would like to know more about being partner churches and college students who would like to know more about being interns are encouraged to contact Pat McGarity 4405 Forglove Lane, Oklahoma City, 73120. Phone 405.752.0688 or Jeremy Basset at Church of the Servant: 405.721.4141.
