The Singularity of People

Amidst the spirited summer atmosphere one might think that I would be acutely aware of the individuality of each child, volunteer and staffer.  After all, it is during summer camp that the staff, volunteers and children have the most intimate contact with one another.  Even though I have spent much of my time in the office this summer I log many more hours with the children during summer camp than I do during the after school program.  Despite this added time with the children my mind often obsesses about my responsibilities as executive director. 

As director I am fixated with numbers.  How much money do we have?  How much money do we need?  What is the needed number of volunteers? What is the needed number of staff members? How many community partners do we have? How many funders do we have?  My mind is constantly concerned with the size and scope of our organization. 

On Thursday of this week one of our best staff members, Trey Sullivan, completed his final week of service with the Stewart Center.  Trey is headed to Washington, D.C. to engage in other worthy pursuits but he will be sorely missed in Reynoldstown.  As an after school tutor and summer counselor Trey helped lead our academic enrichment efforts.  As a part of a summer staff full of remarkable people Trey’s commitment and enthusiasm for the Center’s children exemplified Christ-like service. 

As I reflected this week on Trey’s involvement with the Stewart Center I realized that the nature of his contribution is rare in community ministry.  Trey never sought personal benefit from his ministry at the Stewart Center.   Although I am sure he was blessed by the relationships he formed with the children it was obvious that Trey was absolutely sold out for the betterment of the kids he taught.  Trey’s enthusiasm and passion was infectious among the other staff, volunteers and children.

Trey did not pursue brownie points, gold stars or pats on the back.  He served for the sake of service and in so doing reminded me that each staff member, volunteer, child and contributor is singular in their contribution to the Center’s ministry.  The number of staffers, volunteers, children, and funders matter but it is the individuals in those groups that help make the Stewart Center community a reflection of God’s Kingdom.  For each person that has passed the way of the Stewart Center since its founding in 1916, we who currently serve are indebted.

We are grateful to Trey Sullivan for the lessons he taught us all.  Good luck and God bless, Trey.

Peace,

Clayton

Summer Slipping Away

Seven weeks of summer camp have been completed and the academic year is quickly approaching.  Where has the time gone?  It seems like yesterday that our summer staff was arriving for orientation and people were calling with last minute inquires about available spots for camp.  Seven weeks later and there have been multiple field trips, countless popsicles, many Bible stories, numerous trips to the Grant Park pool and an insane amount of four square played.  Needless to say the staff is tired. 

Thanks to our overburdened staff and numerous volunteers, this year’s summer camp has been extremely uplifting and run unimaginably smooth considering we have 60+ children, ancient facilities and a limited budget.  For almost two months the Center has been alive with the wonder of children and the creative capacities of their young adult counselors.  Despite the scandals that have rocked Atlanta Public Schools or the current economic conditions or the extreme heat or the chaos that exists in many of our camper’s lives this summer has not been lost at the Stewart Center.  The children’s minds have been enriched, their spirits lifted, their hearts encouraged and their bodies strengthened.  These positive realities did not occurred by accident.  They are the result of the hard work and faithfulness of our staff, volunteers, community partners, and funders as well as the children and their families.

As we enter the final two weeks of camp I can rest in the assurance that the Center’s future has been bolstered by this summer’s activities but more importantly that many lives have been touched by the love of Christ.  I cannot say enough good things about our summer staff.  Courtney, Elizabeth, Jeneen, Ashley Hicks, Ashley Hunt, Sydney, Jacque, Trey, Austin, Chris, and Taylor have done an outstanding job of leading the children through an intentional summer of growth and fun. 

Our summer successes are due to the contributions of many non-staff people as well.  If you have volunteered or contributed before or during summer camp you have played an important role in the Center’s ministry.  The Stewart Center’s family of supporters and sphere of influence grow daily and we would struggle to exist without the faithfulness of so many people that care about ministry in southeast Atlanta. 

Thank you for loving and serving the children of Reynoldstown and surrounding communities.

Peace,

Clayton

Some of the 2011 summer staff.