If, like me, you have lived the nomadic military lifestyle, you remember the joy of receiving a set of keys to the first home you were ever able to purchase. Having lived in homes from grand to humble, more often than not with rules about the colour of the paint work (I reckon the Air Force cornered the market on 'magnolia' paint!) it was bliss to know that you could decide for yourself because it was your own property. Now we have a chance to help a family build their own home….
Building a Home…
Spotlight
On
St. Thomas helping others…..
A couple of years ago, results of a Search Committee questionnaire indicated that, among other goals, there is a strong desire for our parish family to do more outreach in the community. Bearing that in mind, Father Jim was quick to respond when Habitat for Humanity announced plans to build another home in the local area and offered us a chance to assist. With Vestry approval, and strong support from the congregation, a generous donation was given, and physical help pledged, towards the building of a home on the corner of Mixon Avenue and Berkman Street.
Having been involved in this kind of volunteer work before, & knowing what a rewarding experience it is, Father Jim is excited that our church is willing to reach out and help the Taylor family (no relation)build their home. (All families working with Habitat for Humanity invest 'sweat equity' by working alongside the volunteers.)
A committee, chaired by Richard Stanley, has been formed to work out the 'nuts & bolts' (o.k. no pun intended, don't all groan at once!) of how we will be helping.
For starters: WE NEED YOU!!!! All ages and skill levels are welcome to join us on our appointed Saturdays. If you don't know one end of a hammer from another, it doesn't matter because there are plenty of things you will be able to do.
Here is the schedule of St. Thomas' work days and, if all goes well, the tentative work plan:
October 2nd: Working on the sub floor
November 6th: Working on roof trusses and sheathing
December 4th: Working on siding installation/ drywall installation
January 8th: Working to prime/paint
February 5th: Landscaping and House dedication
Some of the useful things to know:
Work site hours: 8:30 am to 4 p.m. You may work a whole day or half a day.
Lunch: 12 -1 (Lunch will be provided by St. T…. at the church.)
What to wear:
Hard soled, closed toe, and foot, shoes….i.e. tennis shoes or boots…NO FLIP-FLOPS!
T-shirt
Jeans or cargo pants, ideally…but respectable shorts are acceptable in hot weather
Hat
Sunscreen
**Please note that we will be representing St. T. as well as Habitat for Humanity, so please wear safe, appropriate clothing.**
What to bring:
Work gloves
Bug repellant
Camera
Snack food
Site location: The site is located off East Montague Avenue, on the corner of Mixon and Berkman. There will be rules to follow at the site: Check-in with the site host, sign the volunteer log, make a name-tag, fill out a liability waiver ….etc…
Contact names to know: To sign-up, & for further information, please contact Richard Stanley or Frances Bennage or any committee member. Richard and Frances have more complete details, but this narrative does give you a good idea of what is involved.
Nancy Wooldridge is in charge of organizing food for each work day. If you are not able to work at the site but would like to help in the kitchen, please contact Nancy and see if she has a full complement of help for each Saturday.
Father Jim, who will have his 'sleeves rolled-up' and be working alongside our group, wants everyone to know that he is deeply appreciative of all the work that has been done, & will be done, during this outreach ministry.