Glen Oaks UMC Art Camp shines out

7/24/2009

Jacqueline Russell, left, visual art director, and Patsy Brooks, music director, from left foreground prepare to lead 'Agapeland' performance on the church lawn.

Children celebrate a musical adventure in 'Agapeland.'

BY GLORIA LETT
Glen Oaks UMC, Dallas

There were challenges in ‘Agapeland’ that even the Magic Music Machine could not prevent. The destructive storms that paralyzed the Metroplex on June 10 caused loss of electrical power at Glen Oaks UMC, Dallas.

While Summer Art Campers were eagerly involved in activities, suddenly thunder and lightening caused complete darkness in the church and the entire neighborhood. A tornado drill was initiated and campers were quietly directed to safe hallway areas in the church.

After the sirens were quiet and the storm subsided, adult volunteers provided candle light in the sanctuary, the campers enjoyed a snack and continued to learn songs about faith, patience, self control, kindness, gentleness, peace, joy and love.

After all, The Music Machine, a musical adventure through ‘Agapeland’ teaching the biblical Fruits of the Spirit was a thrilling success. Some 48 children and youth ages 4 through 17 registered for the June 8-12 camp held in the evenings June 8 – 12, and of those, 38 had perfect attendance! Activities included singing; praise dancing; and creative visual arts.

Although the loss of electricity caused a one day camp cancellation, 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 12, found the camp staff, children, youth, family members and volunteers returning to a camp without lights or air conditioning; determined to fi nish making the music machine; learning the dances and rehearsing the songs.

By 8:00 p.m. ‘Agapeland’ was created in a perfect stage on the church lawn; chairs for the audience were set; a piano was rolled out on to the sidewalk; Glen Oaks pastor Rev. Sylvesta Shed offered prayer; the audience was welcomed; the music director gave the downbeat; the Summer Art Campers presented the The Music Machine; Fruits of the Spirit as planned.

As the program progressed and natural light diminished, it seemed that a fl ood light from the sky shined directly on the church lawn. Perhaps God was pleased.