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Churches put aside differences to build Habitat for Humanity homes
By Colette M. Jenkins
Beacon Journal religion writer
Published on Saturday, Jun 14, 2008
The people working at the Habitat for Humanity site on Thorpe Street are doing more than building a house.
They're building relationships.
''We're getting to know people from other churches, one person at a time,'' said Diane Genetti. ''It doesn't matter what church you come from, we're working together to create something for someone else.''
Parishioners from the five churches that make up the coalition called Common Mission have been hard at work this week on one of eight houses on this year's build calendar of Habitat for Humanity of Summit County.
Common Mission, which was established this year, is one of four faith-based coalitions that partner with the local Habitat affiliate to build homes each year.
The coalition is made up of parishioners from St. Paul's Episcopal; St. Philip's Episcopal; Church of Our Saviour Episcopal; St. John's Episcopal in Cuyahoga Falls and St. Luke's Anglican in Fairlawn. It is unique because it has moved beyond some racial and theological differences to exhibit God's love in the form of shelter for a family.
''Although our doctrinal differences and stances on social issues may be biblically challenging, we have come together to do something good to help our community,'' said Bishop Roger Ames, rector at St. Luke's. ''As Christians, it is our responsibility to help others and that is our focus. I think it's wonderful.''
St. Luke's left the Episcopal Church USA because of theological differences. The other four churches in the coalition are members of the denomination. The Ohio Diocese of the Episcopal Church is currently involved in a legal dispute with St. Luke's over church property.
St. Philip's, a predominantly African-American congregation, was established more than 55 years ago because black parishioners were made to feel unwelcome in white congregations, where they were denied things like communion.
''The fact that we can all come together and build this house shows that things have changed,'' said Carrie Burns, 21. ''I don't think it matters what denomination or religion you are or what race you are or how old you are. It's about coming together to work for a common cause.''
Burns, a senior nursing student at Kent State University, is a parishioner at St. Paul's in Akron. She and one of her peers from the church, Elaine Pulk, 19, agreed that a family's need for housing is more important than any differences that may exist.
''There is definitely a need for housing in the Akron area and there is a place for everyone to help meet that need,'' said Pulk, a sophomore majoring in English at Elon University.
Al Walkin, a parishioner at St. Philip's, said once the house is done, it will serve as a testament of the commitment of the parishioners from the five churches to do the will of God.
''When Jesus calls us all to judgment, it's not going to matter if you're black or white. Your denomination won't matter. Your financial status, your educational level, your gender or your age won't matter,'' Walkin said. ''What will matter is how you lived your life and what you've done for others.''
Mary Shepherd, who is coordinating Common Mission's effort, said the name of the group was derived from the fact that its diverse members have come together for a common cause. Shepherd is a parishioner at St. Paul's.
''We're together for a common purpose — to serve God in the community and show God's love in the community. In the process, we are getting to know each other,'' said Mary Shepherd, coordinator of the Habitat project. ''Even though we are very diverse, we are very strong and united in our common goal to bring God's love to the community. ''
Although the Thorpe Street house is the first to be built by Common Mission, two of the other faith-based Habitat partners will build their 18th homes this year.
Habitat Volunteer Builders, made up of churches in the West Akron, Copley, Fairlawn, Montrose and Bath areas, will begin its 18th house in August on Cole Avenue.
The Hudson Coalition, which includes churches in Hudson, is currently building its 18th on North Howard Street.
The Thrivent Project, which includes Lutheran congregations in Summit and Portage counties, is currently building its second house on Haven Avenue in Barberton.
''We are very grateful to have these four coalitions because they take the burden off of the affiliate to raise the money needed for each house,'' said Rochelle Fisher, Summit County Habitat's executive director. ''We provide them the construction supervision. They provide the funding and the volunteers.''
The Summit County affiliate has completed 134 houses since it was established 21 years ago. To volunteer or for more information, visit http://www.hfhsummitcounty.org or call 330-785-2700.
Colette Jenkins can be reached at 330-996-3731 or cjenkins@thebeaconjournal.com.
The people working at the Habitat for Humanity site on Thorpe Street are doing more than building a house.
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