It’s been too long since I last sent a Big Hearted Hammers (BHH) update. For this I greatly apologize and I must say that I’ve longed to send you an update about all of the goodness, generosity, and gratitude flowing through our shared mission.
Today seems like a most appropriate day to encourage us to keep up the good fight of building homes, communities, and hope here in Madison & Clark Counties. We are once again faced with horrific news of violence rooted from a place of hopelessness. Last night, our family joined community members at our church’s Ash Wednesday service to begin our Lenten journey. Prayers of lament were offered for those who suffer from violence and for those who perpetrate violence. The fog is heavy and yet we hold on to hope for a better tomorrow–not the hope of bystanders but the BIG HEARTED HAMMERIN’ HOPE OF BUILDERS.
SHARE THE LIGHT OF YOUR GIFT A Lenten Challenge from Lisa Johns
“Forty days of Lent. Forty days of soul searching and learning to live with our vulnerability. In doing so, we can also search our homes for our vulnerability to “things” we often fall prey. An extra set of dishes, a pillow that would accentuate the chair you thought you loved, the bowl that would look so good in your kitchen.
To help support the endeavors and ministry of Habitat for Humanity, we are asking our church families to donate items to help begin stocking the forthcoming Winchester Habitat ReStore. The space is quickly becoming a reality to sell gently used furniture, rugs, and small household items such as picture frames, artwork, decorative vases, chairs, tables, and appliances. Please prayerfully consider donating these items to be used by families directly impacted by Habitat as well as others that can benefit from the ReStore’s products.
The next forty days, make an effort to let go of things that no longer serve you. Share the light of your gift in the midst of the darkness of the world.”
UPCOMING BUILDS (Please contact us to volunteer as groups or individuals for any and all of these builds.)
Officially starting next week in Berea, Habitat is partnering with Rebecca Willis and family to ‘Recycle’ a home previously built by Habitat. Thank you NOVELIS for your community investment sponsorship for the home. Nobody ‘Recycles’ like Novelis!!!
Did you know that April 2018 marks the 50th Anniversary of Dr. King’s death and of the Fair Housing Act? To commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. King, we are joining the King Center and Habitat affiliates across the country for “Beloved Community Builds”. In partnership with the Carlos McGill family, we will begin transforming this plot of possibility into a home of hope beginning in April 2018. Thank you City of Richmond for dedicating community investments towards this home.
Momentum is building for our upcoming Faith Builds in Berea and Winchester. Thank you to Thrivent Financial for your community investment that is the catalyst for building these homes in partnership with the Esther McMillen family and a Clark County family beginning this summer. Many thanks for church partners such as Christview Christian Church and Union Church for your leadership in engaging other community churches to join the effort.
KENTUCKY HOSPITALITY
Every year, wonderfully adventurous collegiate and high school students come spend their spring breaks in service with us. Starting on February 25th and going thru April 7, we are hosting Spring Break groups from Gannon University, Widener University, Waubonsee University, IC Catholic Prep, and Mercy High School (over 10 yrs now!!!). Please consider providing a gift of hospitality such as a meal or an evening of entertainment for our new and returning friends. Let me know if your business, church, civic organization, or family are interested in showing some Kentucky love.
I could keep going for quite a while…there is so much goodness and generosity flowing in our communities. We are incredibly grateful that you share your gifts with Habitat and those whom we serve. The supplies of goodness, generosity, and gratitude are needed to build a beloved community full of hope and shalom.
SHARE THE LIGHT OF YOU!
Together Let’s Build!
Russ Barclay
Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity of Madison & Clark Counties
Office:(859)625-9208
- Save the Date! Church’s Annual Meeting, March 18
- HELP! From the Nominating Board
- Lent Opportunities and Holy Week
- Read “An Other Kingdom” With Union Church! Discussion Group on Sundays!
- From Rev. Kent
- Thank you from Rev. Rachel
- Music in March
- New staff Members, In Memoriam Gloria VanWinkle, March Birthdays & Anniversaries
- 5th Annual Refugee and Immigrant Day at the Capitol March 7th
- The moral case for cleaning up radioactive fracking waste illegally dumped in Estill County. By Bob Shaffer
- Collecting Light by Deborah Cooper
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