Psalm 127:1a NRSV
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain

This morning I had the great blessing of volunteering at my first Habitat for Humanity build. It was thrilling. The weather was glorious as was the smell of new lumber, the music of the nails, and the smiles of the many, many volunteers. I cannot encourage you enough to give this a try. There are plenty of ways to help, even if you are like me and have no construction skills.

This is the 12th house the good people St. Ann’s Catholic Church have built in our community. The Community UMC family was thrilled to be invited to partner with them on this home. Their generosity and hospitality reflect Christ beautifully. We look forward to many more community projects with them.

The goodness of this day reminded me of a hymn text I wrote many years ago. It was originally written for a celebration worship service reconsecrating a renovated church sanctuary. The themes ring true for the building of this home and other occasions where God’s people come together to build community. – Lisa <><

To view our Habitat for Humanity photo gallery, click here

Community is first and foremost a gift of the Holy Spirit, not built upon mutual compatibility, shared affection, or common interests, but upon having received the same divine breath, having been given a heart set aflame by the same divine fire, and having been embraced by the same divine love. – Henri Nouwen, Behold the Beauty of the Lord

For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people’s love and concern for each other. –Millard Fuller

Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words. – Often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi but the author is actually unknown.

1 Peter 2:4-5
Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

God Builds a House
based on 1 Peter 2:4-5, Ephesians 2:11-22
Meter 88.88 (LM)
Suggested tunes: DUKE STREET (UMH #101) or TRURO (UMH #213)

God builds a house with living stone,
with mortar made of sweat and prayer.
Its beams of faith are nailed to Love
and sealed with blood that will not wear.

Come bless the building of Your house
around Your hearth of living bread;
through sacred meal and Word proclaimed
so hearts and souls and minds are fed.

Come gift the building of Your house
with healing ways for life and land;
through water bath and oil outpoured
for prayer and laying on of hands

Come free the building of Your house
from all that binds Your holy work.
Lay waste our walls that now divide
so all may live their sacred worth

All praise the Master Carpenter.
Creation’s God now glorify,
who makes a house from old, dry bones;
from us once dead, but now alive!

————–
God Builds a House © 01/2000 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
You are welcome to use this work in a worship setting with proper attribution.
Please contact Lisa for information and permission to publish this work in any form.
Lisa is especially interested in collaborating with someone to set this text to original music.