Potter's Clay - Ensenada, Mexico

This ministry is funded solely through the generosity of people like you. If you would like to support Potter's Clay, please go to the giving site and click on "Potter's Clay " when prompted.

PC 2010-11

Registration for Spring Break (March 9 - 16) is now open!

Click here to register and join us in Mexico!

About Potter's Clay

Begun in 1977, Potter's Clay (PC) is one of Westmont's longest-running traditions, and certainly its oldest, continuously-running ministry. Each year, the PC core team actively partners with the Mexican core team -- located in Ensenada, Mexico -- to plan a year of mutually beneficial ministry and service.

The purpose of Potter's Clay is to establish and cultivate relationships between the Westmont community and residents of Ensenada through partnership and service - supporting local churches and ministries in building the kingdom of God in Mexico.

Fall Weekend Projects (Ensenada, Mexico)

Throughout the course of the year, the PC core team seeks to bless the community of Ensenada in various ways. During the fall semester, students assist the Mexican core team -- made up of Pastor Ruben Castenada and others -- in both planning and realizing two weekend events: RETO DE VALIENTES (Special Olympics) and JUNTOS. During Reto de Valientes, students help to give meaningful assistance and encouragement to athletes with disabilities during this annual Special Olympics competition. Juntos weekend then serves as a "preview" for the highly anticipated PC spring break week -- featuring a one-day intensive opportunity to work with either a medical, construction, sports, or VBS team.

Spring Break Trip (Ensenada, Mexico)

All of the knowledge and experience accumulated during the fall trips aid in synchronizing the planning and facilitation of the week-long service trip over spring break. During that week, hundreds of students camp out beneath the stars at night and work enthusiastically during the day on student-led teams across Ensenada. Whether it be construction, haircutting, kitchen, medical/dental, sports, praise and worship, or VBS, there is ample opportunity for ALL to be actively involved!

To ensure safety and efficiency, construction sites are overseen by professional contractors who volunteer their time; while the medical/dental clinics are staffed by professional clinicians who guide student teams in providing medical care and attention to the people of Ensenada. Additionally, Westmont faculty and staff members are extended the opportunity to participate in Potter's Clay, and many gladly take advantage of the opportunity to connect with both students and our Mexican neighbors.

A Rewarding Partnership

Potter's Clay holds a special place in Westmont's history and culture and has a rich history of its own. In 2007, the student leaders of Potters' Clay were presented with a key to the city of Ensenada in recognition of 30 years of service and devotion to the people there. In 2011, the mayor of Ensenada - C.P. Enrique Pelayo Torres - presented Potter's Clay with a plaque in recognition of 34 years of service to the Ensenada community.

A word from this year's core team ...

Our vision this year is to love and serve well as we steward Westmont's relationship with the people of Ensenada. In pursuit of the ultimate goal - bringing glory to God through this endeavor - we seek to:

  • Participate in the work of the Kingdom in response to the Great Commission
  • Prayerfully follow the Holy Spirit's lead as we lead others
  • Live lives of integrity as we steward our time and resources
  • Care holistically for our brothers and sisters in Christ both at Westmont and in Ensenada
  • Pursue unity with each other and those we serve alongside
  • Honor our history as we develop new traditions and relationships at home and abroad
Leadership
2011-12 Core Team
PC Co-Director Josh Koh jokoh@wesmont.edu
PC Co-Director Kelsey Santoro ksantoro@westmont.edu
PC Business Manager Sean DeForest sdeforest@westmont.edu
PC Business Manager Diana Navarrete dnavarrete@westmont.edu
PC Creative Communications Director Chloe Deegan cdeegan@westmont.edu
PC Construction Co-Director Natalia Hatley nhatley@westmont.edu
PC Construction Co-Director Derek Troya dtroya@westmont.edu
PC Medical/Dental Co-Director Jonas Marks jomarks@westmont.edu
PC Medical/Dental Co-Director Michelle Wheeler mwheeler@westmont.edu
PC Transportation Director Zach Smith zsmith@westmont.edu
PC VBS Co-Director Corinne Reynolds creynolds@westmont.edu
PC VBS Co-Director Andrew Stoker astoker@westmont.edu
PC Sports Director Jake Burroughs jburroughs@westmont.edu
Support Potter's Clay

1. This ministry is funded solely through the generosity of people like you. If you would like to support Potter's Clay, please go to the giving site and click on "Potter's Clay " when prompted.

2. To order a delicious birthday cake for your student, you can do so through our secure online order form by clicking here. All proceeds will go to supporting our ongoing partnership with the people of Ensenada, MX.

Thank you so much for supporting our students in this way!

Office Hours *

Monday 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 - 11:00 AM / 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Wednesday 12:00 - 1:00 PM / 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Thursday 12:30 - 1:30 PM
Friday 12:45 - 1:45 PM

* PC office is located on the 2nd floor of the Kerr Student Center (KSC)

Contact Us

Core Team:
Phone: 805-565-7090 (office)
Email: potters_clay@westmont.edu
Blog: http://blogs.westmont.edu/potters-clay/

Advisor:
Jeremy Fletcher
Coordinator of Student Ministries and Missions
Email: jfletcher@westmont.edu