Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Week 16: Dedication
By Bea Flodeen
As an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), there are certain principles we abide by, one of which is celebrations. We pray in morning circle before volunteers go to work, we bless the project at groundbreakings and we rejoice every time a family receives the keys to their new home.
ORDER OF SERVICE
Welcome
Jeff Capps, Executive Director, CVHFH
Opening Prayer
Dave Loy, Minister, Community of Christ
Acknowledgments
Jeff Capps, Executive Director, CVHFH
Scripture Reading
Trisha Finn, Future Habitat Homeowner
Litany of Life
Dave Loy
Presentation of the Partner Covenant
Patti Kunz, Director of Development, CVHFH
Presentation of Keys
Councilman Chuck Swore, City of Cedar Rapids
Presentation of Gifts
Patti Kunz, Director of Development, CVHFH
Tim Cernin, Cedar Rapids and Marion Hy-Vee Food & Drug Stores
Pat Nauman, CVC of the Embroiderers Guild of America, Inc
Joyce Black & Tom Fruehling, Holy Redeemer Lutheran
Jeri Hines and Michael Ask, Heartscape Studios
Closing Prayer and Benediction
Dave Loy
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 24:14-15
“Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
LITANY OF LIFE
Leader: With gratitude to God who has provided the materials and given us strength to build this house.
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the deep and abiding love that binds the family together,
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the understanding, patience, discipline and forgiveness essential for the growth and fulfillment of the Finn family,
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the vision, courage, faith and hope that make life cheerful and serene,
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the beauty and order and cleanliness that provide a wholesome atmosphere and elevate the spirit of Christian living,
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the training of the bodies, minds and souls of all who live within these walls,
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the work of God’s kingdom in the world and in cooperation with his church,
People: We dedicate this home to the glory of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
As an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), there are certain principles we abide by, one of which is celebrations. We pray in morning circle before volunteers go to work, we bless the project at groundbreakings and we rejoice every time a family receives the keys to their new home.
As is stated in "Celebrations," a resource guide from HFHI:
One of the foundational principles upon which Habitat for Humanity was established and operates is that we build houses as a witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are proudly a Christian ministry. One means of maintaining our Christian
focus is to start each meeting and each day on the site with prayer. [...] Groundbreakings and dedication services committed to the glory of God are also essential foundations for each home. Our hope is that these resources will help your affiliate and church partners focus on the blessings of Jesus Christ in this ministry.
The following is an actual home dedication program.
ORDER OF SERVICE
Welcome
Jeff Capps, Executive Director, CVHFH
Opening Prayer
Dave Loy, Minister, Community of Christ
Acknowledgments
Jeff Capps, Executive Director, CVHFH
Scripture Reading
Trisha Finn, Future Habitat Homeowner
Litany of Life
Dave Loy
Presentation of the Partner Covenant
Patti Kunz, Director of Development, CVHFH
Presentation of Keys
Councilman Chuck Swore, City of Cedar Rapids
Presentation of Gifts
Patti Kunz, Director of Development, CVHFH
Tim Cernin, Cedar Rapids and Marion Hy-Vee Food & Drug Stores
Pat Nauman, CVC of the Embroiderers Guild of America, Inc
Joyce Black & Tom Fruehling, Holy Redeemer Lutheran
Jeri Hines and Michael Ask, Heartscape Studios
Closing Prayer and Benediction
Dave Loy
SCRIPTURE
Joshua 24:14-15
“Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
LITANY OF LIFE
Leader: With gratitude to God who has provided the materials and given us strength to build this house.
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the deep and abiding love that binds the family together,
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the understanding, patience, discipline and forgiveness essential for the growth and fulfillment of the Finn family,
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the vision, courage, faith and hope that make life cheerful and serene,
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the beauty and order and cleanliness that provide a wholesome atmosphere and elevate the spirit of Christian living,
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the training of the bodies, minds and souls of all who live within these walls,
People: We dedicate this home.
Leader: To the work of God’s kingdom in the world and in cooperation with his church,
People: We dedicate this home to the glory of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Week 14: The Gahungu/Rutuga Family
By Jennifer Robinson
Bruno and Furaha met in 2007 in one of the refugee camps located in Northern part of Kenya in Africa. They are both from Africa but from different countries. Bruno is from Burundi and Furaha is from the Congo. They started their relationship as friends and then after a while, fell in love.
In 2009 the US Government selected them for the refugee resettlement program. They left their homeland refugee camp and came to the United States, Bruno in July and Furaha in August of 2009. Bruno landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and two weeks later Furaha came and landed in Fort Worth, Texas. Bruno started to work at Cardone Industries and they reunited in Philadelphia in July of 2010.
In August of that same year they started to make plans for their wedding and on August 28, 2010 their dream became a reality as that was the day they got married. One year later God blessed them with a daughter, Amida Sumaili born on July 14th, 2011 and then a son Bruno Sumaili born October 23rd, 2012.
After Bruno lost his job in Philadelphia, a friend living in Cedar Rapids talked to him about a company called Whirlpool and told him to apply for a job there. In December of 2011, they made the move to Iowa and got his job at Whirlpool where he’s currently working today.
It’s been a great move for them and they are excited that Cedar Rapids will now become their new home. They heard about Habitat for Humanity from another friend living in a Habitat house in Marion and they decided to apply in January of 2013.
Words can’t express how excited they were to receive the news that their application had been approved. It was a miracle for their family and they look forward to working together with many Thrivent volunteers to build their new home! They are so thankful for the opportunity and thank Thrivent Financial for helping them to complete their dreams!
In 2009 the US Government selected them for the refugee resettlement program. They left their homeland refugee camp and came to the United States, Bruno in July and Furaha in August of 2009. Bruno landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and two weeks later Furaha came and landed in Fort Worth, Texas. Bruno started to work at Cardone Industries and they reunited in Philadelphia in July of 2010.
In August of that same year they started to make plans for their wedding and on August 28, 2010 their dream became a reality as that was the day they got married. One year later God blessed them with a daughter, Amida Sumaili born on July 14th, 2011 and then a son Bruno Sumaili born October 23rd, 2012.
After Bruno lost his job in Philadelphia, a friend living in Cedar Rapids talked to him about a company called Whirlpool and told him to apply for a job there. In December of 2011, they made the move to Iowa and got his job at Whirlpool where he’s currently working today.
It’s been a great move for them and they are excited that Cedar Rapids will now become their new home. They heard about Habitat for Humanity from another friend living in a Habitat house in Marion and they decided to apply in January of 2013.
Words can’t express how excited they were to receive the news that their application had been approved. It was a miracle for their family and they look forward to working together with many Thrivent volunteers to build their new home! They are so thankful for the opportunity and thank Thrivent Financial for helping them to complete their dreams!
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Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Week 13: Habitat Language
Using the news feeds for Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity and the ReStore, we were able to make word clouds for both. The larger the word, the more it is used. Any words stick out for you that maybe you didn't expect?
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Week 12: AmeriCorps: Getting Things Done
By Bea Flodeen
I must preface this entry by saying this is more of a personal story than other of the other entries I've posted in previous weeks. I began my involvement with Habitat for Humanity in September 2007, when I stepped into a ReStore for the very first time.
I have to admit I was shocked entering the door. The warehouse space was packed with brass and glass lighting from floor to ceiling, bathtubs and sinks precariously lined several rows, and volunteers buzzed about like bees sorting nails and screws.
Back in 2007, AmeriCorps members were still allowed to support the ReStore in everyday operations. Once I'd signed on the dotted line to become an AmeriCorps State member, I did quite a bit of everything including running to the back door to unload donations, running to the front register to check out customers, hauling down cabinets piled sometimes three deep on shelves and hauling myself upstairs to answer volunteer questions in my email. As the repetition might indicate, the blur of the first year and a half of my time as an AmeriCorps was spent running and lifting. I'd come home every night exhausted and more often than not with fresh bruises. But I slept very well at night knowing I was serving. I was "getting things done."
As an inititive of the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps is a federal program, similar to a domestic Peace Corps. Members spend anywhere from 1/4 of a year to 4 years serving their communities and fall into one of several sub-categories including Senior Corps, VISTA, National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), State and National. Learn more...
When the 2008 Flood hit, we stood by the front windows of the ReStore watching the rain pour down. I remember very clearly saying to the other AmeriCorps member, who had just driven up from the Cedar Valley Habitat office, located near 3rd Street and 6th Avenue, "I wonder if the computers will be okay in the downtown office."
He told me they'd placed the computers up high on filing cabinets and was sure the water would never reach that far up the street. As it turns out, I saw our downtown office on the news that next day. Or rather, I saw the roof of our downtown office. The entirety of the small building where we'd kept all of our records, all of our history (except a few pictures I had borrowed to work on the ReStore second anniversary flier), everything had gone underwater. Weeks later a select few were allowed to return to the mold-filled office. We were able to retrieve some of the deeds and mortgages that had not been swept away. Those files had to be freeze-dried and sent away to be cleaned and repaired by professionals.
More than just homes and offices were destroyed. The psyche of the city was damaged. I never felt it more clearly than when I set up my small display board next to dozens of other area non-profits offering emergency services to scores and scores of homeless and flood affected folks. They shuffled by each table, each hungry to tell their story of loss and need.
My heart was torn that night.
Habitat for Humanity is a brand known all over the world as a beacon of hope - whose purpose is to create homeownership, to offer a hand-up to people in need. Our local affiliate had lost our own "home" in the flood and we were in no position to assist anyone.
In the weeks and months ahead, Habitat for Humanity International sent two "Legacy Leaders" to us from Georgia and I worked with them every day for many months recreating manuals, policies, and procedures. The board hired a new executive director. And then we got the call that the "AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon" was to be hosted in Cedar Rapids.
In 2009 and again in 2010, 500-600 AmeriCorps members from all over the United States came to Cedar Rapids to help build homes and hope. It felt incredible to me personally, seeing all of the people jumping off of the buses in their AmeriCorps gear, smiling and ready to go to work. I felt connected. I felt like we were "getting things done."
AmeriCorps members have a pledge they recite as part of their mission which I saw first-hand, the second the members came to Iowa. I still see it today, as we now annually have at least four full-time AmeriCorps State members serving with us:
I will get things done for America - to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground. Faced with adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond. I am an AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done.
I must preface this entry by saying this is more of a personal story than other of the other entries I've posted in previous weeks. I began my involvement with Habitat for Humanity in September 2007, when I stepped into a ReStore for the very first time.
I have to admit I was shocked entering the door. The warehouse space was packed with brass and glass lighting from floor to ceiling, bathtubs and sinks precariously lined several rows, and volunteers buzzed about like bees sorting nails and screws.
Back in 2007, AmeriCorps members were still allowed to support the ReStore in everyday operations. Once I'd signed on the dotted line to become an AmeriCorps State member, I did quite a bit of everything including running to the back door to unload donations, running to the front register to check out customers, hauling down cabinets piled sometimes three deep on shelves and hauling myself upstairs to answer volunteer questions in my email. As the repetition might indicate, the blur of the first year and a half of my time as an AmeriCorps was spent running and lifting. I'd come home every night exhausted and more often than not with fresh bruises. But I slept very well at night knowing I was serving. I was "getting things done."
As an inititive of the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps is a federal program, similar to a domestic Peace Corps. Members spend anywhere from 1/4 of a year to 4 years serving their communities and fall into one of several sub-categories including Senior Corps, VISTA, National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), State and National. Learn more...
When the 2008 Flood hit, we stood by the front windows of the ReStore watching the rain pour down. I remember very clearly saying to the other AmeriCorps member, who had just driven up from the Cedar Valley Habitat office, located near 3rd Street and 6th Avenue, "I wonder if the computers will be okay in the downtown office."
He told me they'd placed the computers up high on filing cabinets and was sure the water would never reach that far up the street. As it turns out, I saw our downtown office on the news that next day. Or rather, I saw the roof of our downtown office. The entirety of the small building where we'd kept all of our records, all of our history (except a few pictures I had borrowed to work on the ReStore second anniversary flier), everything had gone underwater. Weeks later a select few were allowed to return to the mold-filled office. We were able to retrieve some of the deeds and mortgages that had not been swept away. Those files had to be freeze-dried and sent away to be cleaned and repaired by professionals.
More than just homes and offices were destroyed. The psyche of the city was damaged. I never felt it more clearly than when I set up my small display board next to dozens of other area non-profits offering emergency services to scores and scores of homeless and flood affected folks. They shuffled by each table, each hungry to tell their story of loss and need.
My heart was torn that night.
Habitat for Humanity is a brand known all over the world as a beacon of hope - whose purpose is to create homeownership, to offer a hand-up to people in need. Our local affiliate had lost our own "home" in the flood and we were in no position to assist anyone.
In the weeks and months ahead, Habitat for Humanity International sent two "Legacy Leaders" to us from Georgia and I worked with them every day for many months recreating manuals, policies, and procedures. The board hired a new executive director. And then we got the call that the "AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon" was to be hosted in Cedar Rapids.
In 2009 and again in 2010, 500-600 AmeriCorps members from all over the United States came to Cedar Rapids to help build homes and hope. It felt incredible to me personally, seeing all of the people jumping off of the buses in their AmeriCorps gear, smiling and ready to go to work. I felt connected. I felt like we were "getting things done."
AmeriCorps members have a pledge they recite as part of their mission which I saw first-hand, the second the members came to Iowa. I still see it today, as we now annually have at least four full-time AmeriCorps State members serving with us:
Week 11: Planting Seeds of Kindness
By Bea Flodeen
Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity (CVHFH) and Habitat Gardens Iowa are teaming up to complete two projects in two cities with incoming Cornell College freshman during their Service Day on August 31. Beginning at 9 a.m., Cornell volunteers will begin work at Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity’s “RV Care-A-Vanner Park,” located at 1125 4th Street NW in Cedar Rapids. The second group of volunteers will begin at Heritage Christian School, located at 255 Hackberry Street in North Liberty.
The Cedar Rapids team will plant about 800 square feet of a variety of flowers at the CVHFH RV park, beautifying the location for incoming “Care-A-Vanner” volunteers. RV Care-A-Vanners is a volunteer program for anyone who travels in a recreational vehicle, wants to build Habitat houses and have fun doing it. RV Care-A-Vanners welcomes people of all ages, from all walks of life who want to pick up a hammer and help change lives.
The North Liberty team will work on nearly 1000 square feet, beautifying the school grounds for the enjoyment of students, family and neighbors for years to come. Because Heritage Christian is a private school, neither funding nor plants are provided as part of the Project GREEN program in the area. In partnering with Cornell College, Habitat Gardens Iowa plans to fill that need by providing the plants and volunteer labor.
“It’s a great opportunity to bring the three organizations together for one fantastic goal,” says Carol Vermeer Neel, director and co-founder of Habitat Gardens Iowa. “This is our third year engaging Cornell College students in the ministry of Habitat Gardens and we look forward to continuing this relationship for years to come. We always want the students to feel like they are part of our team!”
Volunteers interested in joining Habitat Gardens on the next community gardening day are invited to email habitatgardensiowa@aol.com or visit www.habitatgardens.net for more information.
Habitat Gardens Iowa is a community-based organization that brings together local schools, families, businesses, and individuals to help plant gardens while educating families on gardening basics. Equipped with this knowledge, these families will have the tools they need to plant their gardens year after year, adding beauty to their homes and neighborhoods and healthy fresh produce to their tables. For more information, visit the Habitat Gardens Iowa website at www.habitatgardens.net or follow projects on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HabitatGardensIowa.
Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity (CVHFH) and Habitat Gardens Iowa are teaming up to complete two projects in two cities with incoming Cornell College freshman during their Service Day on August 31. Beginning at 9 a.m., Cornell volunteers will begin work at Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity’s “RV Care-A-Vanner Park,” located at 1125 4th Street NW in Cedar Rapids. The second group of volunteers will begin at Heritage Christian School, located at 255 Hackberry Street in North Liberty.
The Cedar Rapids team will plant about 800 square feet of a variety of flowers at the CVHFH RV park, beautifying the location for incoming “Care-A-Vanner” volunteers. RV Care-A-Vanners is a volunteer program for anyone who travels in a recreational vehicle, wants to build Habitat houses and have fun doing it. RV Care-A-Vanners welcomes people of all ages, from all walks of life who want to pick up a hammer and help change lives.
The North Liberty team will work on nearly 1000 square feet, beautifying the school grounds for the enjoyment of students, family and neighbors for years to come. Because Heritage Christian is a private school, neither funding nor plants are provided as part of the Project GREEN program in the area. In partnering with Cornell College, Habitat Gardens Iowa plans to fill that need by providing the plants and volunteer labor.
“It’s a great opportunity to bring the three organizations together for one fantastic goal,” says Carol Vermeer Neel, director and co-founder of Habitat Gardens Iowa. “This is our third year engaging Cornell College students in the ministry of Habitat Gardens and we look forward to continuing this relationship for years to come. We always want the students to feel like they are part of our team!”
Volunteers interested in joining Habitat Gardens on the next community gardening day are invited to email habitatgardensiowa@aol.com or visit www.habitatgardens.net for more information.
Habitat Gardens Iowa is a community-based organization that brings together local schools, families, businesses, and individuals to help plant gardens while educating families on gardening basics. Equipped with this knowledge, these families will have the tools they need to plant their gardens year after year, adding beauty to their homes and neighborhoods and healthy fresh produce to their tables. For more information, visit the Habitat Gardens Iowa website at www.habitatgardens.net or follow projects on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HabitatGardensIowa.
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