St. John’s marks 50th birthday
by building house for Habitat

St. John’s UMC, Corpus Christi, is officially celebrating its 50th anniversary by building a Habitat for Humanity House.
The church hopes to have a 4 p.m. ground-breaking service at the building site Sunday. Actual construction is scheduled to begin July 9.
The project is expected to take 17 Saturdays and will use men, women and youths of all ages as they build the house. Every member of the congregation has an opportunity to be involved in some way—if not hammering nails, then furnishing cool beverages and food on the work days.
If all goes as planned, the home should be ready for occupancy around Thanksgiving.
Since St. John’s was formed in 1955, it has focused always on faithfully living out ministry in Christ’s name. This latest project continues to emphasize the congregation’s love for mission and offering Christ to all.
The project was recommended by the Mission Committee and was affirmed by the Church Council this spring.
A campaign to raise the necessary $42,000 was kicked off in early May, and by June 1, in-hand cash gifts exceeded $33,500. Additional pledges will be received through June 30, including special fund-raising efforts.
Worship May 22 was what the Rev. John Elford, pastor, described as a “WOW” experience. St. John’s UMC entered into a covenant agreement with Habitat for Humanity to build a decent, affordable house.
Lee Sloan of Habitat for Humanity introduced the Bernal family whose “sweat equity,” along with St. John’s gifts, labor and love, would go into the building of this Corpus Christi home.
Wilson and Sheryl Calhoun have agreed to be the construction coordinators, and Fay Sassman and Joy McNair will handle hospitality.