Habitat for Humanity Unity Build

Before you can fully understand today’s blog entry, you need to know a little history.

Two hundred years ago, a Presbyterian preacher named Thomas Campbell wrote the founding document of what is now known as the Restoration Movement. He encouraged people to get away from denominational creeds to form a unified body of Christians. Instead of unity, however, the movement eventually led to three major streams: the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Churches of Christ, and the Independent Christian Churches.

Two years ago, groups from the Christian Church (Disciples) and the Churches of Christ worked together on an Oklahoma City Habitat for Humanity house. Although this was supposedly a scheduling error, the participants felt that working with their Christian “cousins” was a good experience. This year, to commemorate the 200^th anniversary of their common beginning, the three faith groups built a Habitat house together. They called

it a "Unity Build."

The three branches disagree about a number of issues, but they all concur on the significance of The Lord’s Supper. Every Sunday members of all three groups gather around communion tables. So of course, the Unity Build had to begin with a communion service.

On Saturday, September 27^th, members of the three groups came together to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Representatives of each branch led the service.

Notice that each representative has a cup of juice that he pours into a common cup before the participants share in communion.

Approximately twenty churches from the three faith groups sponsored the Unity Build. Churches held fundraisers and individuals contributed money. Volunteers worked on site. Other people provided food for the workers. Across the city, Christians prayed for the success of the build—and for the family that will live there.

On September 27^th, only a concrete slab and a bunch of lumber sat on the site.

Three weeks later, the house was completed.

Isn’t it amazing what Christians can do when they work together?