The fundraiser was the latest event in the church’s three-year effort to start Faith House.
The home is necessary because other Christian facilities in the area have long waiting lists, says Janet Ziegelbaur, who chairs the congregation’s missions board.
Despite the difficult economy, which has hit Michigan especially hard, the church formed a board for the residence three years ago. “Our congregation is excited about this and how the Lord is bringing things together in this current economic situation,” says Pastor Craig Swanson. “It’s astounding.”
Construction is expected to begin in 2010. Covenant Village of the Great Lakes is leasing property to the residence, and a construction firm is donating the equivalent of half the materials and labor, says Scott Dennis, co-chair of the board for the residence.
Carolyn Peterson and Cindy Owen
The church has been working with Covenant Ministries of Benevolence (CMB), which operates the denomination’s other enabling residences. The new facility will be home to six residents.
Cindy is the other co-chair of the board for the residence. Cindy, whose teenage son, Elijah, has Down’s Syndrome suggested the idea for the residence, even though he will continue to live with her and his father, Tim. Tim’s parents also have two adopted adult sons with Down’s syndrome.
Cindy and Tim’s business, Owen Sewing and Quilting Center, donated many of the items for Sunday’s auction, as did some individuals.
She has been committed to caring for people with disabilities. Her work includes organizing a worship service at First Covenant twice a month for mentally handicapped adults.
