Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity dedicates home No. 61
With a worship service and open house, Montgomery-based Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity dedicated its 61st home on Dec. 1.
The celebration opened with a worship service at First Baptist Church in Aurora. After Habitat board chairman Ron Kelso of Yorkville welcomed guests, Habitat operations director Debbi Albright led a call to worship.
Speakers included Carmen Fernandez of Aurora, future 1553 Solfisburg homeowner; and Matt Johnson, president, Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity. Matt Hutchinson, Thrivent Financial Services, Oswego office; and Jill Kruckenburg, Thrivent regional Faith Build liaison, who presented a $105,00 replica grant check to Andrea Wood, designated 2019 Faith Build homeowner.
Father Bob Jones offered a prayer and the Rev. Cindy Marino, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville, as keynote speaker presented "Living So That ..." The Rev. Duane Meavis of Naperville and a founder of Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity, lead the dedication prayer. Board member Alex Pope spoke for sponsor Rush-Copley Medical Center.
Nancy Huntington of Montgomery reflected on her father, the late Bob Hawse, longtime Habitat volunteer who was named 2018 Habitat Hero.
Rick Loufek of Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville, spoke for construction volunteers.
Other speakers included Matt Johnson, CEO Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity; Pastor Tim Baltz; celebration prayer; and Rev. Jeremiah Lee, pastor, Community UMC, Naperville, thanksgiving prayer.
From the church, the celebration continued with an open house at 1553 Solfisburg Ave. Habitat board member Alex Pope welcomed guests to open the program. The Rev. Louis Quetel led a dedication litany followed by presentations to homeowner Carmen Fernandez.
Presentations included prayer shawls from Riverwoods Quilters Guild, prayer bracelets, family Bible and house keys by Rev. Lee. Pastor Quetel gave a home-blessing prayer to close the program. Self-guided tours and refreshments concluded the event.
The four-bedroom, frame ranch house at 1553 Solfisburg Ave. in Aurora is Fox Valley Habitat's 61st home completed since the group's inception in 1988.
Call (630) 859-3333 for more information,