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Article published Jul 24, 2008 Local Methodists to build two Habitat houses; district sets $84,000 goal to finance homes
From Staff Reports
The Maryville District of The United Methodist Church Wednesday announced a project to sponsor and build two Habitat for Humanity houses, one in fall 2008 and another in spring 2009. The builds will be done in partnership with the Blount County Habitat for Humanity.
The Maryville District includes all United Methodist Churches in Blount, Sevier and Monroe counties. The district also includes most United Methodist churches in Loudon County, two in Knox County and one in Roane County.
The project is the result of planning by the District Missions Committee and was inspired by the "Offer Them Christ" theme of the Holston Annual Conference.
All 64 churches have been invited to raise funds and provide volunteers for the building of the two Habitat houses. Many churches may not be able to sponsor a Habitat house, but by joining together, churches of all sizes will be able to participate in this worthwhile mission project, according to a District press release.
"Our goal is to raise $84,000 to fully sponsor the two homes," said the Rev. Carol Wilson, Maryville District superintendent. "We have pledges from churches for half of that amount and we need to raise the remaining $42,000 by May 31, 2009."
On Aug. 9, the Maryville District will celebrate its cooperative district efforts at the Day of Discipleship and District Conference at First United Methodist Church of Maryville, 804 Montvale Station Road, Maryville.
Bishop Richard Looney, a Holston Conference native who served for 12 years in the South Georgia Conference, will be the Bible study leader. The Rev. Amy Probst, new pastor at Broadway United Methodist Church, will be the preacher for the day.
Kickoff luncheon set
Part of the celebration will serve to introduce the Habitat partner family that will work with church volunteers to build their house this fall. Maryville District congregations will also bring their first financial offerings and their volunteer commitment sheets to the Day of Discipleship.
The Maryville District is currently recruiting local church coordinators and volunteers and beginning fund-raising efforts. First United Methodist of Maryville will hold a Habitat kickoff luncheon and model home contest on Sunday at the church's Montvale Station Road location, inside Wesley Hall. The menu will include pulled pork prepared by Boomerz BBQ and side items.
The model homes will be on display throughout the event and attendees will have a chance to put money in a jar to vote for their favorite model home. The public is invited to attend. Tickets for the luncheon are $5 and are available in advance by contacting the First United Methodist office at (865) 982-1273.
For more information about the Maryville District Habitat Build Project, contact the Maryville District office at (865) 982-1427.