This is Part 1 of a 7-part series featuring Pikes Peak Habitat Interfaith Build for Unity subcommittee members, who discuss their faith community’s involvement in creating an interfaith unity bench for 3rd IBU homeowner Jessica.
Jeff Mawhirter from Christ City Church engaged his congregation in decorating boards and also led the effort to put the pieces together and create the final bench. Hear from him in his own words:
I really think of it more like the person who makes canvases for artists. All I supplied was the background. It’s the joining of the messages and artwork that are the real value.
During an IBU committee meeting, there was discussion about a more visible version of the stud signing. This is where different faith groups sign the studs inside the walls of the home with spiritual passages, words of encouragement, etc. During a previous partnership build, we did a similar bench and it seemed like a great way to fulfill that desire for the committee.
We at Christ City Church take our core value “We Serve” seriously. In the case of IBU and the bench, our ability and willingness to serve come ahead of actually having church services.
“Peace and unity isn’t missing, it’s right here and we are blessed to be living in it.”
We had a Bible study group sign with Bible passages and related words of encouragement. Then our kids decorated around those words. For us, it was a great way to blend wisdom and artistic expression.
The Bible verses and words of encouragement were very intentional and represent the value we place in unity of the IBU community. The artwork was more individual, about how each kid thought to share and decorate.
I think about the unity it represents at moments when I start feeling that unity is missing in the world. Peace and unity isn’t missing, it’s right here and we are blessed to be living in it.
Read more about the IBU bench in Pikes Peak Habitat’s spring print newsletter, hitting mailboxes soon!
