We will be having a mission day at the 1707 Project on Saturday, January 24th at 8:30. If you are available, please meet at the site. Lunch will be served at the church afterward.... Ham balls... Yum!
Brian
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Saturday, December 17, 2009
This Weekend, we will be conducting a work crew on site. Brian Hoffman will be leading the team from 1PM Central Daylight Time to 4PM.
Friday, January 9, 2009
So many complicated feelings
I'm guessing that most people checking this blog are aware of the hard things that have happened in our community, and more pointed in the GUMC family, in the last week. It's such a difficult situation that has understandably taken a big toll on Todd and his family, and because of his leadership on this project there is a residual effect here as well. I just pray that our church community will be able to minister to both sides of this situation in a compassionate way, understanding that it is possible to offer support to the Buddings while still acknowledging the terrible violation and harm that was done to the Reddings and other victims. This is the kind of thing that can tear a church family apart. I pray that will not be the case here. For it also holds the potential to strengthen the faith of all those involved and make the GUMC family stronger if we can move through it with understanding and grace for all. I pray it will be the latter of the two options. For I would hate to see either of these families feel abandoned or betrayed by their church family in any way.
I was a bit out of the loop on the project while we were out of town, but I'm wondering if there were unsettling things happening there as well. There is a post by Brenda on her blog addressing the mutterings of lottery winnings 13 years ago, and if this family is "deserving enough". For anyone who is wondering, and it is simply human nature that we all would, and missed her post here is the link:
A Million$$ Jackpot Lottery Winner Story
Just like we all are currently striving to find ways to respond to the current complex situation, I hope we can understand that there are complexities involved in the life of the McDonald family that make nothing that has happened easy to understand.
I pray that the 1707 Project will continue, and that as we work to help heal the wounds in their family and burned home, that it will also help us all to find ways to heal the fresh wound that has been inflicted on our own church family. God is so much greater than all these things, and it is so often too easy to loose sight of that.
I was a bit out of the loop on the project while we were out of town, but I'm wondering if there were unsettling things happening there as well. There is a post by Brenda on her blog addressing the mutterings of lottery winnings 13 years ago, and if this family is "deserving enough". For anyone who is wondering, and it is simply human nature that we all would, and missed her post here is the link:
A Million$$ Jackpot Lottery Winner Story
Just like we all are currently striving to find ways to respond to the current complex situation, I hope we can understand that there are complexities involved in the life of the McDonald family that make nothing that has happened easy to understand.
I pray that the 1707 Project will continue, and that as we work to help heal the wounds in their family and burned home, that it will also help us all to find ways to heal the fresh wound that has been inflicted on our own church family. God is so much greater than all these things, and it is so often too easy to loose sight of that.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Work Shift Scheduled for TONIGHT
A shift will be running tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tasks will include removing the lath from upstairs walls, and removing trim pieces from the upstairs hallway. Dress warmly and remember to wear thick, soled shoes (many nails on floor).
Thanks to the team who worked on Saturday. We've made great progress!
Todd
Thanks to the team who worked on Saturday. We've made great progress!
Todd
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Work Shift Scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2008
I met with the family of 1707 this evening, along with Mike Whitley and Brian Hoffman. We toured the home and discussed the plan. Beginning this Saturday, we will orchestrate work "shifts" where a "superintendent" is on site to help coordinate volunteers. This Saturday's shift will run 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Volunteers should meet at the Grinnell United Methodist Church, and contact Brian Mitchell with questions.
SUPPLIES AND TOOLS NEEDED FOR DEMOLITION WORK INCLUDE:
5 Gallon buckets for transporting plaster, wood, nails, etc.
Ice "choppers" to remove the plaster
Masks and goggles
Hammers and crow bars for removing nails and lathe
Large shovels (snow shovels) for scooping removed materials
Volunteers should be prepared to scrape plaster, remove lathe and insulation, move furniture and scrap wood. Conditions will be VERY dusty and dirty. Some lifting required.
More info. to come.
Thanks,
Todd
SUPPLIES AND TOOLS NEEDED FOR DEMOLITION WORK INCLUDE:
5 Gallon buckets for transporting plaster, wood, nails, etc.
Ice "choppers" to remove the plaster
Masks and goggles
Hammers and crow bars for removing nails and lathe
Large shovels (snow shovels) for scooping removed materials
Volunteers should be prepared to scrape plaster, remove lathe and insulation, move furniture and scrap wood. Conditions will be VERY dusty and dirty. Some lifting required.
More info. to come.
Thanks,
Todd
Monday, December 8, 2008
Heaven
In the legendary movie "Field of Dreams" Iowa is compared to heaven. This week I am have concluded this isn't far from the truth. Our family has been through quite a lot; experiencing a traumatic burglary and vandalism to our home. Although strong, each of us has been permanently impacted by this event. Nevertheless, the Grinnell community has defied all standards, and shown more than hospitality and support; they have shown sincere love. We are truly blessed.
Project 1707 involves more than a desperate attempt by a few to attack our home; it is a drawing together of many to overcome a tragic, and disabling event such as a fire. The mental impact is no less than ours. But the physical impact is much more substantial. We simply cleaned and organized the house, bought new furniture, and processed the insurance information. The family of Project 1707 has been entirely displaced for nearly two years.
The sub-title to Project 1707 is "It is time!" This is a simple statement that the time is right for our small and caring community to once again show love, and do whatever is required to return this family to their home!
Send your volunteer details to our volunteer coordinator, make a donation, and help us get this project moving!
Thanks,
Todd
Project 1707 involves more than a desperate attempt by a few to attack our home; it is a drawing together of many to overcome a tragic, and disabling event such as a fire. The mental impact is no less than ours. But the physical impact is much more substantial. We simply cleaned and organized the house, bought new furniture, and processed the insurance information. The family of Project 1707 has been entirely displaced for nearly two years.
The sub-title to Project 1707 is "It is time!" This is a simple statement that the time is right for our small and caring community to once again show love, and do whatever is required to return this family to their home!
Send your volunteer details to our volunteer coordinator, make a donation, and help us get this project moving!
Thanks,
Todd
From Brenda
I don't want anyone to miss Brenda's most recent post to her blog.
Amazing Grace
They are so very grateful for what is being done.
Amazing Grace
They are so very grateful for what is being done.
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