Sunday, July 01, 2007

Hurricane Creek Church of the Brethren

Several months ago two members of the Hurricane Creek Church of the Brethren, Dona Matthews and Connie Manus, had an idea of a work project for our church. Former pastor Bro. Merrill and Sis. Jean Branson's house in Kansas was in need of roof replacement. Dona and Connie and some of their families planned to make a weekend trip to Kansas. Other members of the congregation decided to go along and participate in this project.

Meanwhile, the Newton Church of the Brethren in the Western Plains District where Bro. Merrill and Sis. Jean attend church now learned of our plans and volunteered to help. Dale Minnich of the Newton Church made contact with some of the members of our church to coordinate efforts for a workday at the Branson's. June 23 was the day which seemed to fit schedules for all involved.

Friday was travel day for the Hurricane Creek people who arrived in Goessel, Kansas, with time Friday evening to eat and visit with the Branson's. Also they did some preliminary work such as carrying bundles of shingles up to the roof to be ready for Saturday and trimming tree branches that were overhanging the roof. The Newton Church people had already delivered air compressors and ladders. The Branson's purchased the shingles and had already had them delivered to the sight.

The next morning, workday, crews from both congregations gathered at the Branson's under cloud cover and rain. But the Lord provided indoor work that needed to be accomplished. The rain ceased, and the roof project got underway. Two crews worked on the roof, and ground crews did projects needing to be completed on the ground. One ground crew did outside work of shrubbery and tree trimming around the house as well as cleaning up from the roof crews.

At noon, work came to a halt and the Newton Church provided lunch under a tent the church people had erected that morning on the Branson's front yard. Much fun, laughter, and fellowship occurred over the lunch time and during afternoon rest breaks.

Experienced and inexperienced ranging in ages from 20's to beyond retirement worked well together on the roof as is Brethren tradition.

Before dark, the work was completed and new friendships had been made. Our church families have expanded and been drawn closer together in spite of the almost 500 miles separating us.

Submitted by: Clareen Dunn