Gathering to watch "The Blind Side" @ Mercy Ministries Nashville

We wanted to try something new this summer, so we had a free movie night in the backyard of the Nashville home this past Saturday. Over 100 people from the Nashville community showed up to watch the movie, The Blind Side and take tours of the home! A big thank you to The Gathering who paid for the whole evening all the way from the movie projection system down to the popcorn!

Here’s what some of the residents had to say about the evening:

“I had a really good time at the movie night. I am so grateful for “The Gathering” putting on this event for us. The snow cones, popcorn, and cokes were great!! Plus, the “Blind Side” was awesome—go Rebels!!” – Holly

“It was so kind for volunteers to come here and give of their time to help Mercy. We could really see Christ’s love as the unity of believers from all walks of life came to serve us. I felt really blessed.” – Kristen

The remaining work to be finished in the development includes additional landscape and curbing, along with some final paving of the street.

John Besser, Executive Director says, “This has been a rewarding project that involves many organizations, churches and the city of Franklin. It is a classic example of working in community to better our city.”

Homeowners Carmen Jackson, Piper Johnson, Dolores Morales and Blanca Rodriguez were all in attendance on a day filled with emotion as the mission of Habitat was once again in full display.

Lisa McIntyre, Family Services Director explains, “When a family buys a Habitat home it is a celebration, culminating much hard work by the homeowners who have put in ‘sweat equity’ while working at jobs. It is a dream come true for each family. To see the children showing off their new bedroom is just a small example of the pride that comes with home ownership.”

Habitat’s next building ventures will take place in Spring Hill and Fairview starting this September. For information on how to get involved, call Steve Lewis at 414-0047.

What’s impressive about Habitat House is that the home is not simply handed over to the family who is the beneficiary of the build, but they have to qualify for the home as well as put so many sweat equity hours in the home. Then they still have to make payments, but it’s a fraction of what it is to live in a home not built by Habitat House.

The Gathering team builders came ready and eager at 7:30 AM on Saturday, April 10, 2010 to work until the task was complete. Our plan for the day was to paint the siding and get one of the sides up on the house before leaving at 4:30 PM.

To the Habitat Home Staff team we accomplished much more. We were able to get the siding painted and put up on all sides of the house. We also had a team inside putting up doors on the closets as well as to the rooms. Because of the hard work and expertise of this team, we also primed the doors and facing to get ready for the first coat of paint. Oh, and I can’t forget that we even had time to paint the trim work for the inside of the home. Yea God!!

Great work, team. Thank you for investing your time and sweat equity, and love into a well deserved family to have their dream home. This is just another way we at The Gathering keep on showing the love of Christ in practical ways! - Paula Foster

These pics’ll make you hungry!

The proprietor of Bagel Works & Perks was kind enough to open his restaurant after hours for us “to gather”.  His staff prepared sandwiches, made salads and baked cookies for us to purchase.  His staff is made up of mentally challenged adults who take great pride in their work.  They were thrilled to have us there.

Around 35 women came and the tables had Christmas sheets for us to doodle.  Paula led us in prayer and we all ate and visited.  We then played an ice breaker game.

She thanked us for coming and wanted our input to where this group would be heading.  Suggestions were from a Bible study to field trips to just a night out once a month.  Paula told us to email her with ideas that she would share with the group.  You can email Paula at pfosterhope@gmail.com.

Here are some pictures of the attendees at the first couple of meetings, courtesy of Susan Walker.

We had food, games for kids, bonfires, movie and lots of time to visit.  See the photos below.