EVENTS

CAMP CRUCIS ALPHA RETREAT

On October 31st – November 1st  34 Mission residents plus 11 volunteer team members made their way to Camp Crucis in Granbury for an overnight retreat – the first event of its kind in the Mission’s 120 year history.  The Holy Spirit retreat, an integral part of the Alpha Course (a series of 15 lessons that comprise the basics of Christian faith) was appropriately held on All Saints Day.

The group arrived Halloween evening and was met with smiling jack-o’-lanterns, snacks and munchies.  Everyone made masks to celebrate; which led to a major photo op.  A bonfire complete with s’mores, quiet conversations and singing followed.

Saturday began with the topic “Who is the Holy Spirit and What Does the Holy Spirit Do?” which was followed by discussions in small groups.  A second talk, “How Can I Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?” led the retreat participants to St. John’s chapel for a ceremony of forgiveness and anointing.

A leisurely afternoon allowed plenty of time for enjoying the beautiful grounds and wonderful weather, as well as seeing an Alpha DVD “What Shall I Do with the Rest of My Life?” and engaging in a group discussion.  After a final celebration dinner of homemade enchiladas, everyone climbed back on the busses and returned to the Mission.

M. J. NEELEY MEN’S BUILDING REDEDICATED

The M. J. Neeley Men’s Building, originally built in 1979, was rededicated on Friday November 7, 2008 following a major renovation completing Phase II of Union Gospel Mission’s New Beginnings Campaign.  Over 175 donors, guests and dignitaries filled the Deborah Hall Chapel to hear Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief give the rededication address.  Many of the agencies that collaborate daily with the Mission to provide services for the residents were in attendance, including Mental Health Mental Retardation, Resource Recovery Council, and Catholic Charities.

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, tours of the facility were available.  Of special interest were the newly opened Healing Shepherd Clinic, temporarily housed in the building’s administrative area; and the quarters for fathers with custodial children, one of the few places in the city to provide safe, separate housing and services geared to the special needs of indigent custodial fathers.