Stone Church rocks!
On a bright sunny Sunday in early September, music, food and obstacles drew about 160 people to the parking lot of Stone Church for a skateboarding competition.
In Saint John, as in many other communities, skateboarding is hugely popular as a street sport. Skaters gather in several places around the city to practice moves, jump and grind. Saint John, however, has as of yet no official skate park. To show support for those promoting the construction of a skate park in the city and to connect with members of the skater community, the students of Taylor College, the West 49 skate-shop in McAllister Place, and Stone Church offered this time for local skaters to hang out, have fun and compete. This exciting afternoon kicked off the new school year.
The Taylor students are part of the Youth Ministry Intensive led by diocesan Youth Action Director George Porter. George, along with several Taylor staff and faculty, presented a compact course on Godbearing 4 Dummies, during which students read The Godbearing Life (Dean & Foster), studied the art of forming relationships (which lies at the heart of youth ministry) and spent time on the streets or in parks talking with some of the cityís skaters. They were involved at every level of the event from cleaning the parking lot and helping set up equipment to supervision.
Capt. Jonathan Springthorp (youth pastor at Stone Church) worked together with the Rev. Kim Salo (president of Taylor College and barbecue chef extraordinaire) and George to secure the parking lot venue, provide music and food. Nat Phinney was on site to look after medical emergencies. West 49 manager Andre Veinot provided equipment, donated more than $200 in prizes and secured the judges for the event. Money from the entrance fees was returned to competitors in the form of cash prizes.
Organizers said later that they had expected about 20 or so people to show up. Having the large number was a blast and clearly demonstrated the need for a park in the city. Students felt they had new appreciation and respect for people in the skater community.
