Vision to hold open mic for teen bands

WARWICK — Vision Community Church will host its fourth Vision Open Mic for local teen bands from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, March 10, at Warwick Valley Community Center. The quarterly event raises funds to benefit summer work camp, youth ministries, and missions at the church. In addition, it is a venue for local talent, and a regularly scheduled event for local teens. The church is a new United Methodist faith community that meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Warwick Valley Community Center at 11 Hamilton Ave in Warwick. In four years, it has grown from ten to more than 100, using innovative worship experiences. The $5 cover charge will include six local bands, who will each play a 20 minute set, dancing, snacks, drinks, and door prizes sponsored by Warwick businesses. For further details, call 986-5883. As a result of previous fundraisers like the open mic, Vision was able to arrange for 25 people to participate in the July 2005 session of Group WorkCamp in Canandiagua. Group WorkCamp began in 1976 in response to severe flooding in Colorado. Volunteers came to the aid of the devastated area, and lives were transformed. For the past two years, community volunteers have traveled to Lockport and Utica to repair homes for those in need. The area of focus this coming summer will be the nearby veterans hospital, hampered by budget cuts, and dependent on volunteers. “Thirty years, and six million volunteer hours later, the WorkCamp continues to rebuild, enrich, and affirm the lives of those assisted,” said Pastor Don Heatley. “As the teens get away from their comfortable homes, and travel to a community with a desire to serve God, they grow in faith and character, and have fun at the same time. Maybe that’s why so many teens come back year after year.” The mission trip is open to youth ages 12 to 21; adults also are needed. For information, visit www.visiblechurch.org, write to connect@visiblechurch.org, or call 986-4333.