July 2024 Newsletter
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On the Cover!
Click here to see the Community of Christ Herald Magazine Cover story about the RVA!
Click here to see the Community of Christ Herald Magazine Cover story about the RVA!
Camp Powderfork, Bald Knob, AR – Mar. 28 – Apr. 1, 2022:
We had a great turnout for our first project of 2022. There were 13 members present and, as always, we wow-ed them with how much we got done. We also recruited 2 new members from their campground/mission center.
Our tasks were as varied as the members present. We painted doors, a children’s playhouse (complete with lovely decorations), several outbuildings and a metal roof. The major project was replacing a worn crumbling sidewalk. The weather/rain delayed that work, but we were able to get the forms built, in place and backfilled by the end of the week. When we left, they were ready for concrete. Other projects included leveling a hallway floor in the lodge, caulking the concrete walls in their gym and replacing siding on an outbuilding.
The local folks provided sumptuous meals for both lunch & dinner and joined us in the traditional evening fellowship. It was a wonderful experience. We feel that in addition to providing a much needed service to local jurisdictions, it also gives us a chance to interact with church people outside our own sphere. As stated earlier, one woman who cooked for us was so impressed, she joined our group and recruited another friend. Our mission continues!
Liberty Hall, Lamoni, IA – Apr. 21 & 22, 2022:
Before heading to Nauvoo, 6 people made a quick stop in Lamoni, IA to replace the sidewalk leading from Liberty Hall to the Old School House and outdoor bathrooms. The old sidewalk that had been there was wooden and in much disrepair. Fortunately, a wonderful group of local people had done the demolition work before we arrived. The 6 of us were joined by 6 local members of the Bloomington congregation. Again, despite the weather delay, we completed the task, and they now have a beautiful gravel path. We also cleaned the outdoor bathrooms in preparation for the summer tourist season.
Supper meals were eaten in the commons and we also were treated to a music concert at the Shaw. A delicious lunch on both days was provided by the Bloomington congregation so we had the opportunity to visit with local members. We are grateful for their support.
Nauvoo Historic Sites, Nauvoo, IL – Apr. 25 – May 6, 2022:
What can one only say but WOW! The RVA is growing, and it is awesome. We had a record 31 people show up for the work in Nauvoo. Once again, Apostle Mackay was astounded at how much we got done. We had 8 members come for the first time and 2 family member friends join us. As in the last 2 projects, the weather delayed some of our outside work but on the days, we had good weather, we rocked!
Major projects included painting the exterior of the Ridgon House and the Mansion House, installing ventilation systems in tour buildings in preparation for visitors, repairs and touch-up to Windy Lane, repaired water damage in the basement of the Bidemon Stable and completely cleaned it from top to bottom. Several people repaired and cleaned the outside bathroom by the Red Brick Store. The First Hotel gutters were rebuilt & the Nauvoo House was cleaned thoroughly. Drywall, insulation, electrical and chimney work were done to the Clark House. Several people were able to clean in the Red Brick Store, the Wright House and the shop. Outside work consisted of the never-ending job of raking leaves and weeding flower beds plus removing a couple of trees. Boy, did the flower beds look nice! A few of the women learned a new skill of glazing windows. Fifteen windows on the Wright House, the Marks House, the Bidamon Stable plus the 2 large windows on the Red Brick Store were scraped, glazed, primed & painted. Whew! We’re tired just thinking of all we got done. But boy did we make a difference to the Historic Sites in just 2 weeks.
And last but not least, the cooks did an amazing job of feeding us. It took 4 of them to keep us all well fed for 2 weeks. The food was great! We owe them a huge thank you!
A rough estimate of how many total miles were driven by the 31 members to come to Nauvoo is 11,510. A HUGE THANK YOU to all those who participated.