UPCOMING VOLUNTEER DAYS Friday, August 12th and Saturday, August 13th

Holy Nativity’s involvement with the Thrivent / Habitat for Humanity partnership is under way. The first Volunteer day was held June 25, 2011, and all of the participants for this day were congregational champions from various Lutheran churches in the Baltimore Metropolitan area.  The house is located at 2414 East Jefferson Street in Baltimore, Maryland.

The day began with prayer at 8:30 am, and ended at 3:00 pm as scheduled. Lunch was provided by Thrivent for Lutherans. This day was devoted to “deconstruction”, which involved removal of  kitchen and bathroom fixtures, wall studs, literally everything except the windows, roof, and floors. From this point forward, the effort will be to build the new home inside the existing structure.

Much work will be done, and much support will be needed to accomplish the goal of providing one more home for a low income family. Habitat does not give these homes away, they sell them to deserving families. Habitat provides a zero interest mortgage and ongoing financial counseling to help these families keep and maintain their homes. In terms of support, Thrivent has challenged the Lutheran congregations to raise $12,500.00, which they will match. Habitat will provide the remainder of the funding for this home. All of the volunteers who work on this property will be provided by Lutheran congregations.
   
Financial support is still needed. We will collect donations through July 17. Please place your check in the offering plate made out to Holy Nativity, with “Habitat” in the memo line. We are hoping to raise at least $1,500, and have pledges as of June 26 for approximately $900.00. 
   
Holy Nativity has two work days scheduled at this time: Friday, August 12, and Saturday, August 13. Those who are willing to help either or both of these days should contact Jim Parks, at 443–545–4169, or jamesparks@comcast.net. No construction skills are necessary, there is plenty of training and guidance for all. Volunteers should bring their own work boots or shoes, and work cloves, preferably with reinforced palms. Habitat will provide all safety equipment and training.
   
This is both a fun and rewarding experience. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age, and are required to have a parental signature on the waiver if under 18. Community service hours are credited for those who need them.

Please prayerfully consider joining in the effort in any way you can. We are called by our Lord and Savior to bless others as we ourselves have been blessed. Thank You.