Faith

Proverbs 31: 8-9: “Speak out on behalf of the voiceless and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.”

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, community and hope.

“The basic truth in all religions, irrespective of country or race, is one and the same. The philosophic ideas or the practices and methods of approach may vary. But the final objective and goal is only one.... preach the cultivation of Universal Love, without regard to caste, creed, country or color.” -Indian Guru and spiritual teacher Sathya Sai Baba

Bring your family and friends to experience a weekend of culture and tradition at the 37th annual Raleigh Greek Festival! This event will take place at the Jim Graham Building at the NC State Fairgrounds on Friday, September 7 (5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.), Saturday, September 8 (11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and Sunday, September 9 (11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.).

The Raleigh Greek Fest is sponsored by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Habitat Wake's fourth largest faith partner.

I had just turned 10 in April 1968 and though not very aware of the world beyond my segregated suburban Washington, D.C. neighborhood, I remember hearing of the assassination of Dr. King and feeling, somehow, it was a major loss for humanity.

Years later, after much study of the Civil Rights movement in the U.S. and on Dr. King in particular, I consider him to be one of all-time great Christian leaders—understanding as well as anyone—the cost of discipleship and how to live a life for others.

Habitat for Humanity of Wake County’s annual Interfaith Build offers a new twist this year: The Children’s Baffle Project, hosted by Unity of the Triangle. The children’s work day was held on Sunday afternoon, May 21, at Unity of the Triangle. Children as young as six years old decorated pre-cut cardboard baffles, pieces of cardboard that are placed on top of attic insulation in Habitat homes.

Churches across Wake County honored the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. with special worship services and build days with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County on the weekend of January 13.

"The concept of the 'beloved community' was a key part of Dr. King's teaching," explains Rick Beech, Vice President of Faith Relations for Habitat Wake. "His vision was of an integrated, loving society that is the ideal expression of the Christian faith. We are delighted that so many churches are realizing this concept and including Habitat builds as part of their MLK observances."

Over the next few months, several faith builds are starting, spurring lots of new home construction throughout Wake County!

• On Jan. 7, work began on the Building Independence Project, a collaboration among Habitat Wake, Lutheran Services Carolina and Serving Cup to construct three homes for nine adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The Lutheran Coalition, together with North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, Thrivent Financial and many generous individuals, is funding this project.

Lent is often known as a time to give up an indulgent food or habit. Episcopal churches in Wake County are taking a different approach to Lent this year by giving volunteer support and funding to build a house with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County.  The 2016 Episcopal Lenten Build officially kicks off Saturday, Feb. 13. Representatives from participating churches will construct the walls of the home Saturday morning at Habitat Wake’s new construction facility at 2728 Capital Blvd, Suite 164.