Steadfast Neighbor Habitat Build 2023
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This year, 2023, marks the fourth year of Westminster’s ten-year Steadfast Neighbor Endeavor commitment to our surrounding neighborhood. The first three years saw very successful programs for Matching Grants, our Little Pantry, and our Service Weeks. This year, we embarked on a new adventure: Westminster sponsored a Habitat for Humanity build at 626 S. Glenwood, on the block just south of the church.
WPC’s Habitat Steering Committee, a subcommittee of the Strategic Planning Committee, has been working with Habitat leadership to gather donations for contractor work and materials, as well as helping finalize the build plans. Ministry partners helped in the actual building of the house. Two members of the church have agreed to co-supervise the build: Tom Owen and Coleman Moore. |
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On Sunday, December 18, Todd Knox presented the Ministry Moment to introduce the 2023 Steadfast Neighbor Habitat Build and introduced the Capler Family, with whom we are partnering on the build, and who will be our new neighbors. Karen Sherrick, Director for Children’s Ministry, and our Sunday School children presented a gift of several Christmas ornaments, created by the children, to the Capler Family with these words: On behalf of the children of Westminster, we welcome you to the neighborhood. During this season, within these walls, and in our homes, we wait for the birth of our Savior. This is also a season of waiting for your family, not just for a house, but for your new home. The children of this congregation have made ornaments for your Christmas tree as a reminder and invitation that our doors are open to you now and in the future. Welcome!
Following worship, members gathered in Parish Hall as Todd shared the story of our journey to this crossroads within our Steadfast Neighbor Outreach and Colleen Stone, Executive Director of Habitat, shared details about the build and ways members can participate. All who chose to work on the build site needed to attend one Orientation Session at Habitat.
The anticipated cost of the house is $157,000 which Westminster will raise through donations, grants, donated professional services and materials. Presbyterian churches and neighboring congregations were invited to partner with us. Gifts were made to Habitat for Humanity. The Dedication Bulletin acknowledged and thanked those who contributed.
Following worship, members gathered in Parish Hall as Todd shared the story of our journey to this crossroads within our Steadfast Neighbor Outreach and Colleen Stone, Executive Director of Habitat, shared details about the build and ways members can participate. All who chose to work on the build site needed to attend one Orientation Session at Habitat.
The anticipated cost of the house is $157,000 which Westminster will raise through donations, grants, donated professional services and materials. Presbyterian churches and neighboring congregations were invited to partner with us. Gifts were made to Habitat for Humanity. The Dedication Bulletin acknowledged and thanked those who contributed.
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The Blitz Week was tentatively scheduled for
March 27–April 1. All were invited to drive by the empty lot at 626 S. Glenwood. The demolition of the front house was completed the week of December 12 by Jaren Industries. After purchasing the property during the summer, the City of Springfield demolished the back carriage house. The $34 to purchase the property and the $26,000 to demolish the front house came from Mission Endowment Funds designated for the Steadfast Neighbor Mission Outreach. WPC partnered with Habitat for Humanity for 2023 Steadfast Habitat build to welcome the Capler family to our neighborhood. The vision was generated during the first year of our Steadfast Neighbor Endeavor. The home was finished on time and the Caplers moved into their new home in June of 2023. Additional financing of this endeavor were generously funded by grants and in-kind gifts of individuals and organizations which was $107,395 in addition to the initial amount of $54,708. |