FLC Flood Recovery

Final BBQ!

2010-08-03T17:55:00.001-07:00

Nearly 30 people from Oak Park, IL, Burlington, IA, and Cedar Rapids gather for hotdogs, laughs, and a cool spot out the muggy heat.

Six flood recovery groups and five celebration cookouts are now in the books. Tonight marked our last night to roll out the red carpet, or at least the red-and-white checkered tablecloth. for an old fashioned Iowa picnic. Other commitments in the church building pushed our celebration picnic up to Tuesday which means unfortunately for our flood groups it's back to work tomorrow! At least the forecast calls for dry skies after a couple of unpleasant wet and muggy days. These two groups have been extremely productive. The Chicago-area group has nearly completed a privacy fence and the Burlington group has swelled in numbers during the day with a couple of people driving in for the day to work.

I've immensely enjoyed blogging over the past two summers and I've been blessed by all of your wonderful feedback. God has done something great through this format. Anytime someone Googles "Flood Recovery" and "Cedar Rapids" and "Lutheran" my blog pops up. This has led a number of people coast-to-coast literally to our doorstep. I am so grateful for the work of the Holy Spirit through you all. It has really touched my heart. This will likely be my last blog of the summer, but as you know the old news reporter in me may catch fire if anything develops. Thank you all again and God bless you in your continued work in your corner of the world in Jesus Christ.

Setting Their Sights High

2010-08-02T22:22:00.000-07:00

Kelly O'Meara from Oak Park, IL points out the high water mark just under the window at the house where they are working. An unbelievable 31 feet of water swept through Cedar Rapids in 2008, leaving 1 in 5 people homeless.

It was an eye-opening and productive day one for our groups from Burlington and the windy city. They got a quick visual tour of the devastation and the mountain of work yet to climb for our community to make a full recovery. The Chicago group spent the day putting in a privacy fence on 10th Street in NW Cedar Rapids while the group from Burlington worked on a porch, some landscaping, and cleaned out a basement to paint later this week. Check out more photos by clicking the slide show in the upper right hand corner of this blog.

Land of Lincoln Melds with the Hawkeye State

2010-08-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Youth and Adults from Oak Park, IL and Burlington, IA pose for a picture just hours after meeting each other.

It was a little bit of country and a little bit of rock'n'roll. Bethany Lutheran Church near the cornfields of Burlington, IA and United Lutheran Church near Chicago. Two towns and one purpose: help the people of Cedar Rapids get back on our feet after the floods of 2008. Our final two flood recovery groups of the summer asked to stay with us on the same week and we said, "What the heck!" They come from different backgrounds but they are all sure to have the mission trip of a lifetime this week. Tonight I showed the youth and adults from the two churches around the building and told them a bit about the tragedy that struck our town two years ago. We capped off a wonderful night with a pizza party and had a few laughs together. I am just overjoyed they have come to help us and I'm as excited as they are for them to get to work tomorrow.

Pirates Take Over Cedar Rapids

2010-07-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

Youth from St. Louis sport pirates eye patches in their fun closing worship after a productive week doing flood recovery.

It was a great way to wrap up a spirit-filled time with our new friends. We had a celebration BBQ tonight complete with cheeseburgers and hotdogs on the grill, Bill's famous peach cobbler and ice cream, capped off with a unique worship planned by the youth themselves. We watched a bit of Johnny Depp's "Pirates of the Caribbean," sported eye patches, and gave thanks to God for transformed lives in Christ.

In perhaps their most challenging day yet, the youth broke up concrete with sledgehammers and shovels. They are paving the way for a new sidewalk to be poured which will beautify the formerly flooded neighborhood. Tonight they got to meet some of the people who have been helped by their type of work in the neighborhood and celebrate with food and fun. At last check well over 50% of homeowners are back into their homes; more and more continue to come home every day. Our community continues our journey on the mend and it's thanks in part due to the hard work and Christ's compassion of our new friends from the south.

Action Photos Requested!

2010-07-28T07:59:00.001-07:00

You asked for more action photos and we answered! Check out more photos like these on our flickr site. You can click on the photo slide show playing at the top right or click here: action photos. Check back again later today & tomorrow as I'll be adding more as the week goes on. Today doesn't look to be quite as hot as yesterday. I think more yard work is on tap. I'm off to pay them a visit right now.

Taming the Jungle

2010-07-27T11:51:00.001-07:00

The youth group from Lutheran Church of Atonement near St. Louis prepares for a blistering hot day two of flood recovery.

The heat index is supposed to flirt with 100 degrees today but that didn't seem to damper the spirits this morning of 13 young adults and four fearless leaders. Our friends from the Show Me State are doing more yard clean up today. Deb called a few minutes ago to say they are busting through what appears to be a junge with a home somewhere in the middle! It's hot, backbreaking work to be sure but it is SO much needed all throughout all the flood plain. Houses quickly turn into eyesores after a disaster. Think how much your lawn would grow after just a few months without cutting it; now think about not tending it for two years! The vines and weeds may be tough but they will prove no match to the power of God's love through these kids.

Missourians Invade Iowa!

2010-07-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Girls from Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Florissant, MO near St. Louis get ready to get squeaky clean after a busy and dirty day one

There are here! Our fourth flood group looks to be a lot of fun. They invited me to dinner with them Sunday night. After gulping down some of Bill's spaghetti, I rapped with them a bit about the upcoming week and my experience with the 2008 Flood. I told them they are an answer to our prayers; now it turns out they may be the answer to someone else's prayers. They worked on gutting out a basement today and cleaning up brush from a couple of yards in Cedar Rapids. In the afternoon Block-by-Block officials asked them if they would be interested in driving up to nearby Lake Delhi which suffered devastating flooding this past week when their dam broke. Read that story here. Whatever the week holds, they are sure to be in for a spiritual education in showing Christ's love to others. I'm so glad they are here and it's nice to have some authentic Cardinals fans around. :)

Youth Redefine "Staycation"

2010-07-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

Amanda Halvorson and Tim Draeger paint on a universal sealant to keep moisture out of the walls at a flooded out home on J street in Southwest Cedar Rapids

One of the things I love about serving God is that every new day is full of surprises. It’s a lot like my former life as a TV News Reporter actually. One day I find myself knee deep in flash flooding helping to relocate a basement floor and the next I’m talking to a young man who is considering becoming a pastor. Today was such a day. All this week the younger members of our church serving God by rebuilding flooded homes right here in Cedar Rapids. They are having a “staycation” of sorts. They are sleeping in our church basement at night and busting their tails during the day on several houses destroyed by the great flood two years ago from last month. I can’t say enough about the heart of these young people to give a week of their busy summers (let’s face it – kids are busy these days) to help others in need. It’s Christ at work in us. And trust me, they feel God’s presence.

I stopped into a house today on J street SW and happened upon Amanda Halvorson, who is going to be a junior at Kennedy, and Tim Draeger, a future senior at Linn-Mar, laughing and having a good time. Hey, why not, right? The pair were slapping on white universal sealant with paint brushes on the inside of a bare wall on a day that’s predicted to reach a heat index of 106 degrees. Maybe the heat and paint were making them loopy or perhaps it was their good natured love for life. I’m going with the later.

I asked them if they could feel God with them while they work. Amanda emphatically nodded her head ‘yes’ and said, "We were working in a basement and there wasn’t any sunlight at all. Then suddenly a ray of light broke through from the floor above and we knew He was with us. It happens all the time." Tim asked me a few questions about seminary and said he was considering becoming a pastor. It was such a joy to discover. I can’t say enough about First Lutheran financially supporting Christ’s ministry that allows days like this to happen. Amanda and Tim’s lives are being shaped by this experience. Our community is being brought back to life. A future homeowner will be blessed. It's all because of God and it's because of you!

Nebraskans Leave Their Imprint on Iowa

2010-06-25T13:44:00.001-07:00

A header over a new window displays freshly painted finger prints and a message from the heart of a Nebraska flood worker.

It was an idea as good as any I've heard all summer and it came from the humblest of hearts. Soft spoken Big Tom Olmstead helps our out-of-town flood crews get through the day out on the job site. He's a member of our church, a dedicated flood volunteer from day one, and over the last year has become a good friend of mine. He came to me yesterday with the clear concept. "I was thinking we could get a little pan of paint and have the workers each dip their fingers in it and leave their prints on the homes they have been working on," Tom told me. He said it came to him from a song he heard recently called "Finger Prints of God" by Steven Curtis Chapman. He told the workers this morning that they had left their mark figuratively on the homes they were improving, so why not do it literally? Smiles spread across the faces of our friends to the west as one by one they dipped their palms in the paint and placed their hands in different places throughout two homes where they have been working. They said prayers over the prints, scribbled hopeful messages, and left lines of scripture. It was a wonderful and powerful way to end a spirit-filled week of renewal of not only the houses they were renovating but also the hearts of those who filled them. Thanks, Tom!

Borders Dissolve in Worship

2010-06-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

The dark line on the map marking the border between Iowa and Nebraska grew a little lighter Thursday night in Cedar Rapids. Our new friends from Omaha joined us for a party, BBQ, and at their request a spirit-filled worship filled with familiar hymns and a holy meal. We celebrated an amazing week together of growth in many ways. They came to us as a group of complete strangers just five short days ago and they leave tomorrow as lifelong friends. These brothers and sisters in Christ helped rebuild two homes in our community and they selflessly painted and mowed several others. They helped at the Mission of Hope, at Crossroads Mission, and around our church. They laughed, they prayed, they even sustained a few bumps and bruises, but most of all I think they grew spiritually. The will be the focus of my sermon this weekend as they have learned to walk the path that leads to the narrow door that Jesus talks about in Luke 13. They are the living hands and feet of Jesus Christ. After our fun BBQ with some people from First Lutheran, it was a pleasure for me to preach and preside over holy communion with them tonight. The people from Nebraska have such good hearts. They give me hope for our future as a city on the mend. Dare I say it, Go Big Red.

Bill's Birthday

2010-06-23T21:11:00.001-07:00

Flood Crew Cook Bill Luxford celebrates a once-in-a-lifetime birthday in Cedar Rapids.

All the flood crew wanted to do was give a little back to a guy on his birthday who is gave so much of himself to them, but unfortunately it ended up in red lights and sirens. My cell phone started buzzing just after dinner on Monday. When I answered it was a member of the Nebraska flood crew staying in our building telling me not to panic, but that the fire department was on the way to our church.

A few days earlier one of the crew members called me asking if I knew a place to go dancing in Cedar Rapids on a Monday night. She said it was their cook, Bill's, birthday and he is a fun guy who likes to go dancing. I did some checking and made a few meager suggestions of different entertainment options and I remember thinking to myself whatever they end up doing I bet they are going to have a fun and memorable time. That turned out to be an understatement.

They decided to go with a surprise birthday cake topping with a flaming sparkler "5" and "8" for Bill's 58th year of life. When they came out of the kitchen swinging doors with the cake singing "Happy Birthday to you," I can almost visualize the smiles on their faces. They set the cake down on the table in front of Bill, but there was just one minor problem with the plan - the cake and it's flaming garnish were directly under the only ceiling smoke in the large dinning room. You can imagine their horror (and laughter) when the alarm started to go off. In fact, I bet they are STILL laughing as they read this now.

As Bill recalled to the story to a few of us on church staff the next day, his eyes lit up as he described getting to meet the fire fighters with his birthday hat on and getting to take his picture next to them. However they declined his inquiry to give him a ride on the fire truck, even though it was his actually birthday and he even offered to sweeten the deal with a piece of chocolate cake. Oh well. It was a watermark day in First Lutheran Flood Recovery and I'm sure it'll go down as one of Bill's most memorable birthdays ever. Happy Birthday, Bill!

Cultivating Hope

2010-06-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

New life springs forth from a potted plant with a sign that reads “Cultivate Hope” while Diane Wagner from Omaha, NE in the background does just that.

The first day doing flood recovery is an eye-opening experience for almost every group who has stayed with us. Fortunately for some people with St Timothy Lutheran Church in Omaha, NE, it’s not completely new. Several members of their group traveled to the gulf coast last year to help recovery efforts there. Today these good-hearted Cornhuskers find themselves knee-deep in what government officials have tabbed the 5^th largest natural disaster on FEMA’s records since the Hurricane Katrina.

The Iowa Floods of ’08 were devastating. Nearly 1 in 5 Cedar Rapidians were left homeless. Slowly they are coming back with the help of strangers from all over Big Ten country from Pennsylvania to Nebraska. They are working with us through a group called Block-by-block that tries to bring back every home on one block thus giving new homeowners neighbors, safety, and a sense of community. The organization flips houses and sells them for what they were worth pre-flood, thus turning a small profit, which allows them to fix up more houses. The future homeowner gets a newly renovated house at a good price. Our community gets an entire block back. It’s a win-win-win.

Nebraska troops hit the ground

2010-06-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

A shot of the group in our parking lot heading out to the first day of work in a flooded property in Cedar Rapids.

Eating scrambled eggs and crispy bacon this morning never tasted so good. Why? Perhaps because I was inhaling it with some nice folks an entire state away in anticipation of improving our community. Ironically, I just gave a sermon yesterday about God making us into good seeds that produce wheat and these fine folks just drove in from the wheat fields of Nebraska. Hmmm. Holy Spirit at work? Perhaps.

16 hard-working, spirit-filled people from Omaha, NE arrived last night and got settled in to the friendly confines (sorry Cubs fans) of the lower level of our church. The team of cooks got to work in preparing breakfast for today and the workers are now "hungry" to make a difference in our community. Our own members Dave DeWolfe and Tom Olmstead (hidden in the picture above) are guiding them to the job site just off of 6th Ave and 6th Street SW. They are working through the Block-the-Block program helping our community recover from the flood one entire block at at time. I am excited to be their host and have them in our midst through this Friday. We are already planning a celebration BBQ for them this Thursday night. Let us know if you can help out!

Nebraska Flood Workers Get Settled at FLC

2010-06-20T19:12:00.001-07:00

Merle Schlines and Dean Heairet make their cots in the First Church Nursery. The men are with a group of 16 people from Omaha, Nebraska doing flood recovery through Block-by-Block and eating and staying at our church.

I had a fun night welcoming the group from St. Timothy's Church in Omaha, Nebraska tonight. I shared a bit about the flood that hit us two years ago, and we watched a video produced by Block-by-block. They are the second group we are hosting this summer from various parts of the country. God is so good. Look for more this week. We get underway at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow! Fun, fun.

Feeding Our Friends From Pennsylvannia

2010-06-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

Above: Hugs and smiles were all around at tonight's celebration BBQ. Below: People from our church serve Iowa pork and Christian love as thanks to our friends from Pennsylvania.

You might say to yourself driving across five states seems pretty extreme to help someone in need, and you'd be right. So what do you say about a group of people who do it two years in a row? I guess you say THANK YOU! The people of First Lutheran did just that tonight. We threw open the doors, turned on the music, put out brightly colored tablecloths, and fired up the grill for a good old fashioned cook-out. Tom Olmstead, Everett Collins, and Joe Musil grilled some wonderful Iowa pork and chicken breasts. About a dozen other people from the church welcomed, served, and ate alongside our friends from Pennsylvania. A group of 23 people made the trek this year to do flood recovery work in Cedar Rapids, about the same size group that came last year. Many of them have come two years in a row. Every night the work crew came back to eat at our church, but tonight we gave their cooks the night off and treated them to a party! We're looking to do the same next Thursday for our group coming from Omaha if you'd like to help out.

Renovare...in the community

2010-06-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

Ellen Collins and Jeanie DeWolf bring God's love to a house touched by the flood.

Following a recent study on transforming discipleship, our Renovaré small groups took to the streets with other people from our church family to help heal the destruction of the floods of 2008. While some baked 45 dozen chocolate chip cookies in the church kitchen to feed hungry volunteers, others peeled shingles off roofs, pulled up sidewalk forms, and painted everything from sheds to bathrooms to foundations in the Time Check area with Block By Block, an organization that works to rebuild neighborhoods destroyed by the flood. If you would like to be part of a small group that not only studies together, but also serves together, please call Marcie Watson, Director of Spiritual Transformation, at (319) 365-1494 or email marciew@firstlutherancr.org.

2010 Flood Recovery Launches!

2010-06-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

Today's Shopping Trip with the Penn State Fans officially kicked off our summer of flood recovery.

My heart picked up a few beats as I rocked back and forth from my heels to my toes in the entryway of Wal-Mart in Northeast East Cedar Rapids. I was anxious to meet Glenda and Shirley, two ladies responsible for cooking and tending after a crew of 23 big-hearted people from Pennsylvania. More than anything, today's meeting symbolized First Lutheran's official kickoff to 2010 flood recovery.

We were blessed this year to receive a grant from the Greater Cedar Rapids Foundation to financially support 6 groups coming from out-of-state to stay at our church and do flood recovery work. Finally Glenda's broad smile and pleasant voice ended my anxious wait as she approached me. "Pastor Craig?" "Yes, Glenda!" I replied and our work was quickly underway. We shopped for all kinds of goodies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the next five days with one exception...eggs. Glenda and Shirley carted six dozen eggs across five states in a cooler in their backseat. Apparently someone from their church donated them and the ladies wanted to honor that. So every day they will wake up with Pennsylvania eggs in Iowa!

If you are looking for a way to support these groups, we could use your help with BBQ and party from 5-7 p.m. each Thursday night we have a group here. We are planning our first cookout this Thursday. There will be another one next Thursday as well. Please Contact Pastor Craig to see how you can pitch in.

June Help on the Way!

2010-06-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

I just got off the phone with a nice group of people from Pennsylvania who are set to arrive Monday June 14th and leaving Friday, June 18th. They will be staying in a hotel and using our kitchen during the day to prep and serve meals. I am excited to be their host and help take them shopping for food. I applied for and our church received a Flood Grant from the Greater Cedar Rapids Foundation to financially support the many groups coming in this summer.

Our small but mighty flood team is working on having a huge BBQ on the Thursday of each week an out-of-town flood group stays with us. The first one would tentatively be Thursday June 17th. We're looking for people to cook, serve food, clean-up, eat and socialize with our guests. Please let me know if you can help!

New Year, New Direction for Flood Recovery at First Lutheran

2010-02-04T21:31:00.000-08:00

We are on the cusp of some exciting changes at FLC in the way we do flood recovery! In 2008 we helped people flee to safety, we mucked and gutted their homes, and we held their hands and cried with them over their tragic loss. In 2009, we rolled up our sleeves and went to work! We reached out to our members and beyond to the community to help three families rebuild their homes and their lives. We celebrated the one year anniversary by holding a community picnic and helped kids recover through Camp Noah. We canvassed flooded neighborhoods to help the city assemble a massive flood recovery map. Now it's 2010 and we have a new mission.

The Holy Spirit is at work, my friends. Due to the success of this blog reaching throughout the country and our daycare recently vacating space in our building, a number of out-of-town work groups have expressed to me their interest in wanting to come and stay with us to help. Ask yourself, how might you fit into that plan? Could you help cook meals? Could you provide rides? Might you provide some summer entertainment for our guests or even be a friendly face greeting people around the church? Would you like to roll up your sleeves and do a little rebuilding alongside of them? Do you or someone you know have a house that needs worked on?

We have the space to house groups at our church. I am also working with a group in Wisconsin who would like to move their shower trailer from an area affected by Hurricane Katrina to our church parking lot for this summer only. In addition, we have a couple of key guys who recently retired in our congregation that have approached me about leading rebuilding teams. I still feel called to be a host and help co-coordinate flood recovery, even if it's in a reduced role this summer as I feel out being a first call pastor.

I've contacted the teams coming in and encouraged them to sign up with First United Methodist in Marion here: http://fumcmarion.org/Flood/index.html to get involved in the block-by-block program. I'm also praying heavily for the Holy Spirit's guidance for additional work for them if we need it and asking for your help in every way that you can offer it. Bring on 2010! Let's be the hands and feet of Christ in our community.

Construction Nearly Complete at Gilpins!

2009-12-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

The Gilpin's newly poured cement porch, beautiful cedar wood posts, new front door, new foundation, and a lower graded and soded front lawn.

God is at work my friends through the life of First Lutheran Church. Mike Cutter of Cutter Construction is set to button up the Gilpin's home this Saturday and call for final inspections. The insulation goes in Friday, but the house is already 10 times warmer due to Mike's tremendous job of sealing up the basement with new blocks and new windows. The contractor was able to nearly double his efforts due to our church lobbying Jumpstart for more funding and Mike's kind-heartedness in providing free upgrades. Shawn and Mariann are very grateful of everyone's efforts! We are in conversation with the young family to find a time to have an open house and house blessing. We'd love to see you there!

This whole project has truly been a joy for me this summer and fall of 2009. It's a year I will never forget. At the start of the summer there were many tears and little hope. The Gilpins, the Boardmans, the Gruhn's, and my "Little Brother" Marcus' family sat in shelled out houses down to the studs (or worse), they faced a mountain of paperwork, they were filled with frustration at the process, and some wondered where God could be in all of this.

As you read these words, just a few short months later, ALL FOUR FAMILIES are back living in their homes. Isn't that amazing? The Holy Spirit filled the hearts of dozens of our church members to pitch in. You roofed, made lunches, scraped carpet, hauled junk, prayed fervently, and moved boxes. (Gosh, we moved a lot of stuff this summer! Let it be known I hate moving.) The Spirit sent us every thing we needed just when we needed it including angels with hammers and paintbrushes from cities around the country. The Spirit gave me strength and wisdom to do something I've never done before - coordinate building a house! I am so grateful to God for all of you. May you be filled with blessings beyond what your heart can hold this holiday. To God be the glory!

May All Who Enter This House Be Blessed

2009-11-23T06:56:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Tom Olmstead, Dave DeWolf, Jim Jahnke, John Shaw, Scott Gerhold, and Greg Young for putting in two beautiful new and secure doorways at the Gilpins! The crew headed up by Big Tom (the hardest working person with the biggest heart I've ever met) worked for 5 hours to hang a beautiful new entryway on the front of the house which was purchased by the church, and move an existing storm door to the back of the house.

The Gilpins recently graduated Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University Class, which says the most important part of real estate is a good first impression. A good looking front door will do just that. Hopefully when the Gilpins are ready to move into a new house someday due to their wisdom gained from FPU and to meet the needs of their growing young family, a buyer will say, "Wow, what a great entryway," and buy the place.

After hanging the doors, the volunteers put up new brick mold trim which really cleaned up the appearance and added lower trim aluminum at bottom of door plus seals. The front door was tricky because the old door was slightly wider than the replacement and the opening was not plumb. They were able to reinstall the nice historic interior trim and John made a couple of small trim filler blanks because the new door was slightly taller than the old. They also filled the nail holes for now so it will be okay for winter.

Help Needed Hanging Doors

2009-11-20T05:56:00.000-08:00

Do you have an hour or two you can donate Saturday? Tom Olmstead (and his big heart) is heading up an effort to hang two doors at the Gilpin's. Due to the nice weather that keeps hanging around, he'd like to do it

at 8 AM TOMMOROW, Sat. Nov. 21. Call Craig at 310-6888 if you can help. Bless you!!

How Firm a Foundation

2009-11-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

Work continues to go strong at our third flood family we are helping, the Gilpins. The young family's house is jacked up while the contractor, Mike Cutter, continues to build new basement walls, replace leaky windows, plug holes, insulate drafty floors, level up the house, and give a firm foundation for the family to stand on for years to come. I'm working with Jumpstart to extend the money available for the family and expand Mike Cutter's work at the house. We are currently waiting to hear back from Jumpstart on our request. Next up, we will have people from our church hang a few front and back door we bought them with our flood fund. Then we will visit their home to see the good work we've done and bless their house! We are waiting for the contractor to finish to set a date.

House Repairs Underway for Flood Fam #3

2009-10-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

Bulldozers whirled, saws zipped, and and hammers pounded today symbolizing a giant leap towards the end of First Lutheran's flood recovery efforts in 2009. Workers from Cutter Construction tore off the porch and cut up and removed a giant oil tank that the flood waters uncovered behind a hidden wall at the Gilpin's. Contractor Mike Cutter said he would wrap up in about 10 days. Check back for a time and day for Gilpin's house blessing.

Construction Set to Go at Gilpins!

2009-10-08T13:53:00.000-07:00

This has been a fun week full of good stuff and God's surprises. Mike Cutter of Cutter Construction and I just met to discuss a work schedule of repairing the basement at the Gilpins home! Both the contractor and Mariann Gilpin have signed a contract which is required by Jumpstart to officially begin the project. Cutter Construction was selected during our "bid meeting" with Jumpstart officials earlier this week. Thanks to recommendations from people in our church, we were blessed to find three high quality, highly recommended contractors to bid on the job. Thank you all!!!

We have agreed on the following dates to repair the Gilpins home:

Oct. 19th Probable start date
Oct. 26th Definite start date

Oct. 31st Probable end date
Nov. 6th Definite end date

We are also planning a house blessing on-site and a celebration at the church once the work is completed. Stay tuned for a date and time on that one.

Lutherans Provide a Shelter Over Shellsburg Mom's Head

2009-10-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

From Tom Brennom of St. Mark's in Marion: THANK YOU for your volunteering! We were very successful and 4 of us finished up the roof Wednesday with another perfect day (Thank you God for 2 great days between really bad ones). We had 15 volunteers on Tues from 6 churches and 4 on Wednesday. Tuesday was equivalent to 3 people working a full week(40 hours)...what a lot of good work was completed! We put in ventilation baffles, ice and water shield on the whole roof, shingled it with new shingles, and installed a ridge vent across the top. We also put on new fascia boards, vents in the soffits, and painted these. The west roof was completely shingled with all the vents installed (and heat was pouring out when we installed them).

Transition to Family #3

2009-10-04T21:59:00.000-07:00

We had a nice turnout today for the house blessing at the Boardman's house. With our first two families moved back in, we turn our focus to family #3, the Gilpins. I have a "bid meeting" this Wednesday with Shawn and Mariann and an official with Jumpstart. We have obtained 3 bids and hope to get the greenlight from Jumpstart on which contractor can get to work fixing the collapsed wall in the Gilpin's basement. It's been deemed safe for the family to live there, but quite a hassle. We hope to have the work completed before the snow flies and celebrate with them "returning" to their home before the end of the year. Stay tuned for celebration plans to come! God is so good.

Come Celebrate with Us This Sunday!

2009-09-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

Please welcome our second flood family, the Boardmans, this weekend at worship. They will be here for the 11 AM worship at First Lutheran Church on the corner of 3rd Ave and 10th St in Southeast Cedar Rapids. We will have cake and a celebration for them around 10:30 AM in the Narthex, just outside of our worship space.

Then join us at their house from 2-4 PM at 823 12th St. NE (Off of "H" Ave, near I-380) for a house blessing and open house. See all the hard work we've completed and share a hug and smile with the family now living back in their home! See you there!

Dozens of Warm Hearts Make Move a Success!

2009-09-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

Below: The 26' Monster truck pulls up to the Boardman's house. Above: Nearly 60 volunteers from First Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran in Walford form a "bucket brigade" to unload the many trucks.

It was a kind-hearted Christian effort as large as the truck itself. After 15 months in exile from the flood, Roger Hughes masterfully packed the largest commercial truck on the market wall-to-wall with personal items and everything - the Boardmans included - returned to their proper place...home.

It’s a move unlike anything I’ve ever coordinated before. Roger and I started the day at 8 AM picking up our behemoth of a moving vehicle. We were joined by more than a dozen First Lutheran folks at the storage unit donated free of charge to the Boardman’s by one of our church families, Jim and Nancy Mohni. We said a quick prayer for everyone’s safety and no rain and then went to work. Next it was off to Darla’s apartment, where 30 volunteers greeted us! We filled the 26’ truck, five pickups, and several vans with Darla’s furniture and personal items. I sent the pickups to unload at the house and then met them at the FEMA trailer where Darla’s Mom, Loraine, has spent over a year living since the flood. We greeted another dozen or so volunteers at the trailer! I gave a few marching orders and we loaded the half dozen trucks with Loraine’s personal items. We were fortunate most of the furniture belonged to FEMA and stayed with the trailer.

Still, by the time we all got to the house, it was nearly 1 PM. We all gave Roger a big hand, and we also clapped for our handful of guests from Trinity in Walford. We thanked God in prayer for holding off the rain and for being a mercy-filled and loving God who is working through the volunteers to help our community recover from the flood one family at a time! Then we formed up two bucket brigades, one made up of adults & the other youth, to pass the remaining boxes from the big truck and the 6 pick-up trucks at the same time. I was pleased to see several youth and their parents serving others today.

It took about 50 of us just 5 hours to move the family. At the end of the day I handed back the extra house keys Darla gave to me earlier in the summer. I told her and her mom, “You are no longer a flood family! You are simply a church family.” I hope that sinks in for them a bit amidst all of the busyness of unpacking. All of that work, paperwork, and coordinating everything they've struggled with for the past 15 months to get them back into their home is now OVER! They are back; the job is done. Praise be to God!

Moving Schedule for Sat: RAIN or SHINE

2009-09-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

Please join us at any or all of the following locations. (Call my cell phone at 310-6888 for updates that morning):

8:30 AM Cedar Storage Southeast
Behind Casey's on Mt. Vernon Road and Highway 13

9:30 AM Darla's Apartment - Glenbrook West Apartments
4827 1st Ave SW Apt. D

11 AM Lariane’s FEMA Tralier - Cedar Terrace Trailer Park
Off 16th Avenue SW by Brothers3 Homes
Enter Trailer Park and TURN LEFT
1818 Janna Drive

1 PM Unload at Boardman's "New" Old Home
823 12th Street NE
(Off of "H" Ave, near I-380)

Emergency Help Needed this Week

2009-09-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Here's the plan this week at the Boardman's: Carpet goes in Tuesday, Baseboard Trim on Wednesday, we move the family on Saturday. However, we hit a little snag. I'm praying that you can help!

One of the two men I had lined up to do the baseboard trim fell and hurt his back. I'm looking for someone to swing a hammer in his place along with John Shaw. John was planning on being there this Wednesday night at 6:30 PM. Could you you meet him there to help? Please call my cell at 310-6888 if you might be able to help. Thanks and God bless!

**UPDATE: Thanks to John Shaw, Tom Olmstead, and Jay Hunt for tackling this tonight!

Roofers Wanted

2009-09-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

CrossRoads Mission has uncovered a family in Vinton who has been through a string of unbelievable difficult circumstances lately, not to mention a "flood of water" from above that has collapsed their roof on their home! An inspection by Tom Brennom of St. Mark's in Marion revealed a complete roof failure. Pastor Mark has raised in actual money or pledges of money, including a Thrivent "Care Abounds in Communities" grant, the necessary funds to buy roofing and building materials necessary to fix the house.

Pastor Dan at First Lutheran in Cedar Rapids has helped to raise funds and volunteers as well. CrossRoads has four committed volunteers as of this evening, and are looking for eight more. We need your help! We hope to remove the old roof and replace it in one day, Tuesday, September 29. Tom is also checking with a group at St. Mark's about preparing an on-site luncheon/meal and cold refreshments for the volunteers.

If you can help, please contact Pat Kane at CrossRoads Mission. His phone is 981-1273. His email is: www.crossroads-mission.com

Movers Needed!

2009-09-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

Spread Christ's Love - Help Move our 2nd Flood Family Back Home on Saturday, Sept. 26th. Please come even if you can only give one hour Saturday! The Boardman's are anxious to get home and are grateful for your assistance. Plus, the Iowa Hawkeyes are away and don't play until 7 PM. No excuses! :P

Please join us at one or more of the following locations:

8:30 AM Cedar Storage Southeast
Behind Casey's on Mt. Vernon Road and Highway 13

9:30 AM Darla's Apartment - Glenbrook West Apartments
4827 1st Ave SW Apt. D

11 AM Lariane’s FEMA Tralier - Cedar Terrace Trailer Park
Off 16th Avenue SW by Brothers3 Homes
Enter Trailer Park and TURN LEFT
1818 Janna Drive

1 PM Unload at Boardman's "New" Old Home
823 12th Street NE
(Off of "H" Ave, near I-380)

Help Needed Hanging Door

2009-09-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

"I'll take what's behind Door #3, Monte!" Remember when people used to say that to Monte Hall on "Let's Make a Deal?" Well we're trying to turn a zonk into a nice place to live for our third flood family, the Gilpins. When I stopped by their house today to let a contractor in to do an estimate, I discovered their back door is not in the greatest shape. We need to shore this up a.s.a.p. as the workers will be going through this A LOT in a few weeks to fix their basement. Do you know how to hang a door? I sure don't.

**UPDATE: Thanks to Tom Olmstead and Greg Young for handling this Saturday morning!

Flood Ministry Team Meeting

2009-09-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

7-8 PM Tuesday, Sept. 15th

@ FLC Room 312

Please insert the date into your iPhones and Blackberrys and if you're old school- mark your calendar! Why? We have a lot developing in flood recovery the next two weeks that we need your input on, including some fun, upcoming celebrations! See you there!

New Move in Date for Boardman's

2009-09-06T22:30:00.001-07:00

After talking to Darla and Pat the contractor, it seems like moving back the move-in date to Saturday, Sept. 26th is the thing to do. Pat's guys continue to make great strides on the finish work, but with the all the inspections needed and a short holiday week this week, it just makes sense. This will Darla's family another week to get packed up and ready. We will be moving Laraine from her FEMA trailer, Darla and her boys from her apartment, and some stuff we had put in storage.

We also need to finalize details on the house blessing when our Ministry Team meets again. Barb will be gone this Thursday, so we need to find another day to meet - perhaps next Tuesday, Sept. 15. Stay tuned for that date. We are getting close!!

Want to Help? A Few Odd Jobs Left

2009-09-02T06:32:00.001-07:00

After a mega-huge, productive work day Saturday at the Boardman's we have just a few odd jobs that need to be done to finish out our work.

Floors: We pulled up the carpet upstairs which revealed a thin, black carpet pad glued to the floor. Ken with Done Done advised that we use a scraper to scrape that up. If we leave it and carpet over the top of it, Ken says little black pellets will work their way up through the new carpet when Darla walks on it. Yuck! If you have a few hours day or night this week or next, call me at 310-6888 and I'll let you in to help us clean that up. **UPDATE: Thanks to Tina & Carol for completing this Friday!

Paint: The small ceiling in the stairway could use a second coat of white paint. Most of the other painting is done. Terry Straight came in yesterday and touched up everywhere else. It looks great!

Thank you to the 30 people who showed up Saturday (especially our friends from Missouri). The newly painted rooms look great! We are a mere 3 weeks from our projected move-in date. Let's get their house ready and get them moved in!!

KCRG to Air House Blessing

2009-08-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

Be sure to watch the TV9 News at 5:30 and 10 PM tonight to catch the story on the Gruhn's moving back into their house. I believe the main story will run at 5:30. Set your DVRs!

**UPDATE: The story ran and it looked great! You can check it out online here: http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/56225222.html

Clean Team Gets Gruhn Home Ready for YOU

2009-08-29T22:03:00.000-07:00

Above: Marcie Watson sweeps the steps to Robert's Hawkeye Man Room. Below: Ladies vacuum and tidy up for Sunday's Open house.

Nova Kolander's crew was a welcome site to Lillian and Paul Gruhns' eyes. The seasoned citizens were somewhat concerned, as we all would be, about potentially dozens of people walking through their home and seeing what it looks like. But Nova and her team eased the couple's fears by doing everything that needed to be done for last minute prep as the hours tick down to Sunday's house blessing at 1 PM, followed by an open house from 1-4 PM. The event is open for everyone from First Lutheran Church and beyond to come and see the work we've completed to return the couple, their adult son, Robert, their granddaughter, Kia, and their lovable dog, Daisy, back to their home.

'Show Me' State Makes Good on Promise

2009-08-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

They left in early July with a promise to return. Today a handful of youth from Jefferson City, MO, made good on their vow. Last month the Spirit directed some of the hardest working people I've ever met in my life to Cedar Rapids to help us with flood recovery. For that story click here: http://floodrecovery.blogspot.com/2009/07/missouri-kids-leave-their-mark-on-our.html The youth connected with 15 year-old Kia Gruhn as they fixed up her room. They were so touched by what they experienced that at the time they talked about returning for the house blessing and possibly another work trip. Honestly, at the time I wondered if was all talk, and then the "Show Me" state lived up to its name.

When the young adults returned home, their youth director, Ellen, told me it was if the Holy Spirit caught fire in their church because not only did the youth want to come back, but so did their parents and grandparents! So Ellen organized a return effort. I put them up at the church, Kathy Runnels helped assemble some sack lunches for them, and they went to town on the Boardman home today. Alongside many of our faithful volunteers from First Lutheran, they painted both coats of colors today in the kitchen, laundry room, living room, bathroom, the downstairs bedroom, and the porch. We also ripped up the old carpet upstairs, painted a second coat of paint in the stairway, hung a drop ceiling in the laundry room and part of the kitchen, and painted a second coat of white on all the upstairs trim. Wow! What a day's work. Sunday the MO crew will join the Gruhn's for a special worship service at 9:30 and attend their house blessing at 1 PM before heading back south. They have left their mark on our homes and hearts and will most certainly be missed.

Guys Finish Gruhn's Garage

2009-08-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

A team of a half dozen volunteers put in the last piece of the recovery puzzle at the Gruhn's today. It was a long day stretching from before 8 AM to well in the afternoon, but the guys wanted to get it done. I bought two new steel doors to put in. It's like night and day. The old little door was an eyesore and a security hazard. The new steel doors look beautiful and really set off the beautiful siding. The job included the time-consuming effort of cutting different shaped, little pieces of siding to take it all the way to the top. Be sure to check out their handiwork closely at Sunday's open house 1-4 P.M.

Work, Worship, & Celebration

2009-08-27T22:29:00.000-07:00

This Saturday/Sunday is going to be a barn-raising experience to be sure. I'm tempted to let my beard grow like the Amish and put on suspenders and a straw hat (Oh, I love the movie Witness!).

We will be doing some work on Sat., honoring our work at all of our worship services, and then celebrating with the Gruhn's on Sunday. Here are some highlights:

Saturday:

8AM-12PM Finish Siding the Gruhn's garage

9AM-12PM Prep the Gruhn's home for open house

8AM-?? Finish painting Boardman's house, rip up carpet, put in a drop-down ceiling

5PM-6PM Worship

Sunday at FLC:

8 AM-9AM Worship

9AM-9:30, 10:30-11 Cake at church for Gruhn's

9:30-10:30 Special presentation in worship for Gruhn family

10:30 KCRG-TV9 Interviews FLC

11AM-12PM Worship

Sunday at Gruhn's:

1 PM House Blessing at Gruhn's

1PM-4PM Open House at Gruhn's

Sump Pumps and Croissants

2009-08-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

Today was a wild day. Ira Way, Larry Lundgren, and Karolyn Smith finished off priming the main floor of Darla Boardman's house so we're ready to rock and roll the paint colors this Saturday. I bought Darla a new sump pump to replace the old one that wasn't working when we took on 8 inches of water over the last 24 hours! Ken and I dried up the basement and cranked up a new humidifier I bought to dry it out.

Good news - the plumber reports the furnace and water heater were not damaged by the foot of flood water in the basement.

At the same time Ellen from Missouri called and said 12 people are committed to returning to Cedar Rapids this weekend to do flood recovery work at the Boardmans and celebrate at church with Kia and the Gruhns. So I ran out and bought some apples, sliced turkey, and croissants to feed them a nice lunch. The Missourians will stay on the floor in our church basement and use our kitchen, bathroom, and showers all weekend. I've been prepping with the custodian for their visit, including rounding up housing for a more seasoned member traveling with them.

Yuck, Enough with the Water Already

2009-08-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

I got over to Darla Boardman's house today to let in a few painters and she had a foot of water in her basement. Her brand new furnace, etc. is all soaked. Bummer. I called her, went to A-1 Rentals and got a pump that puts out 62 gallons a minute! That should get it dried up. The contractor Pat said hopefully homeowners' insurance will cover any damage to the furnace.

Meet the Gilpins!

2009-08-22T22:07:00.001-07:00

Say hello our third flood family we'll be walking with this summer - the Gilpins! Shawn and Mariann head up this young family with two beautiful children and another one on the way. Lucas is 2 and Ava is 1. When I stopped by to meet them at about 8 o'clock in the evening, poor Ava was fighting exhaustion near her bed time (hence the grumpy picture). We finished our visit with a quick prayer during which time Lucas prayed for the dinosaurs. You gotta love it!

The Gilpins will not be needing our "sweat equity" rebuilding their house as much as they will need our support in other ways. The flood water swept through their cute, little home on K street, nearly knocking the cottage home off it's foundation. Inspectors said the house was structurally in good enough shape for them to move back in, which they did, but the floodwater's effects continue to linger. Both the front and back porch swag a little and their front door doesn't quite shut tight, which let frost into the room last winter.

I will be helping the Gilpin's navigate the paper trail that is government assistance. If they come up a little short on the needed repairs, the church may be able to provide them a little financial assistance. Needless to say, like with many families the flood has STRESSED OUT this family! They have signed up for our fall Financial Peace University class, which is helping families all over the church lower their stress level when it comes to money and life. The Gilpins could also use your prayers and whatever creative ways you can think to help them.

Calling on a Higher Power to do Flood Recovery

2009-08-22T20:55:00.000-07:00

More than a dozen men from across denominational lines ascended the Gruhn's roof. Getting higher on God's green earth made me think about the Highest power.

I'm not a guy who spends a lot of his days sitting around pouring over books thinking about how God works. I would much rather roll up my sleeves and get to work helping my fellow man. (Point of reference, read Matthew 25). But this morning something came over me as I stood on top the top of a garage in a circle with a number of men I didn't know. We were about to bow our heads in prayer as the unusually cool August air swept over us and the morning sun peeked through the tree branches. I looked around at these men's faces and thought to myself, "I'll tell you how God works - He gives us exactly what we need at exactly the time we need it." Don't misread me. He doesn't always give you what you want, or even what you think you need, but He always gives us what we need.

Case in point: I have prayed non-stop since the beginning of this walk with the Gruhn family that God would take care of the things that need to be taken care as we progress every step of the way. The flood recovery volunteers will tell you, I'm not a carpenter, nor do I pretend to be. The closest I've come is watching home makeovers on HGTV with my wife. God didn't gift me with that skill set, but He has surrounded me with people who He has! I recognize that, not only do I recognize that these people are skilled, but I recognize that it's a gift given to this project that comes from God. Sometimes you simply have to stand in awe how good He actually is to us!

Just like those HGTV shows, our open date house at the Gruhn's is bearing down on us. For some time now I've worried about how we were going to get the garage re-roofed. It's a fairly skilled job. Even the faithful, talented volunteers from our church told me as we put siding on the garage LAST WEEK that roofing not something they feel they can do or really desire to do. They said they would help out; they just didn't want to lead the charge. But you know, strangely my confidence level never dropped that somehow it would get done. I just have learned to trust this summer that somehow God will get it done...in His time.

Then I came across an old email from a friend of a friend at church who said she knew of someone who did roofing as a ministry. I replied to the email weeks ago. At that time the man, named LaMar Grafft, said his Bible study group already had a few houses lined up to work on this year so I kind of let it go. Until this week. I shot a quick email to LaMar to see where they were at with things. He called me back and said he would drive by the Gruhn's in the morning. The next phone call I got from LaMar was that he had spoken to his group and they wanted to do it this Saturday! Can you believe that? Does that just floor you how God works?! On top of that, roofing can be a hot job, and God put it all together for us on a 70 degree day in August! Does that just give you goosebumps?

So about 12-15 guys were up and down ladders ALL DAY. It was our longest day yet. They went from 8 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. I never asked a single one of them to stay past noon, and they guys stayed until the job was done. The Gruhn's finished the day with a beautiful, newly roofed garage complete with new tar paper and shingles. The workers had to do quite a bit of repair to the wood underneath the old shingles. Robert Gruhn and his Dad built the garage themselves out of old salvaged wood from a barn the year Robert graduated high school - 1983! And now 26 years later, through a flood of water, a flood of kind-heartedness, and a truckload of human obedience to God's Guiding Spirit, the job is done.

Next Saturday we are asking volunteers to return to finish siding the garage. We also need a "clean team" to pick-up and clean the inside of the house and tidy up around the yard for the open house the following day (Sunday, Aug. 30th). God bless you all!

Painters Swarm the Main Floor of the Boardman's

2009-08-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

Dixie and Sarah Olmstead prime what we become the Boardman's new living room.

The good-hearted people of First Lutheran moved into the final phase of work at Darla Boardman's home today. Ira Way led the fast-passed flurry of paint colors and smiling faces as we now near completion on yet another flood home. Half our team knocked out the trim paint and colors upstairs, while the other half prepped the bedroom, living room, and dining room on the main floor with white prime. We even got into painting some accent colors on the main level.

Next weekend we welcome back our enthusiastic friends from Jefferson City, MO. They are returning for the Gruhn's house blessing and other festivities at church surrounding the weekend, but they said they also want to work. So we will work shoulder-to-shoulder with them to complete all the painting in the house next Saturday! At that point, we will turn the keys over to the finish carpenters to finish up the home. We will then return to the house to move the family in, bless their home, and celebrate with them! Hope you can join us for the upcoming paint party this Saturday!

Shooting for the Roof

2009-08-19T21:17:00.001-07:00

I got an exciting phone call tonight from a LaMar Grafft. He attends a Bible study with a group of guys who read the book and apparently take it seriously. They go around and roof houses of those in need. Well, it just turns out we need a new roof badly on the Gruhn's garage to finish out the project. LaMar said he'd swing by to look at it tomorrow morning, but thinks they might be able to tackle it THIS Saturday. Can you believe it!? I called Mark Scheibe and he's pumped as well. The weatherman is calling for clear skies and a high of 77 degrees - perfect for roofing. LaMar's crew is 5 strong, so they could use another 5 or so people to tackle it in a half day. Are you in??

Carpet Conversation/Opportunities this Sat.

2009-08-17T20:27:00.000-07:00

I met Darla tonight at our "old school" carpet guy to pick out texture/color for the upstairs of her pad. This guy is an absolute stitch. He's got great prices and good installers, but what puts him over the top is the way he does estimates. His name is Gary Downs and his business, G Downs Distributing in Marion, has been going for like a bazillion years. No fancy calculators, computers, or price guides for Gary. All he needs is a yellow legal pad, a pencil, and the information inside his head. It was a thing of beauty. We can put down the carpet as soon as we get Darla's place painted up and looking good. That's where we need you! Please consider one of two opportunities this weekend:

**JOB COMPLETED - THANK YOU!

Option 1: PAINTING
Address: 823 12th St. NE
(Off of "H" Ave, near I-380)
8 AM-12 PM

The contractor is working hard to insure the main floor of the house is ready for us to paint this Saturday. If we have enough interest, we will finish painting the upstairs as well. We have all the rollers and brushes we need, now all we need is you!

Option 2: SIDING/ROOFING
Address: 1642 8th St. NW
8:30 AM-12:30 PM

Mark Scheibe has done an excellent job of leading the troops as we transform the Gruhn's garage to a sharp-looking, clean new space. Come for an hour or two or more and help us nearly close the deal. Bring a hammer and a friend.

Home, Sweet, Home!

2009-08-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

Bottom: Robert, Kia, Paul, & Lillian Gruhn sit in their "new" living room with their empty moving van pictured outside the window.

It was all hugs, smiles, and tears of pure joy today. Frankly, Saturday was a day many of us have been looking forward now to a long time. No more so than the quaint, multi-generational family put through hell and back in the past 14 months. As we wrapped up promptly at 11:59 AM, I stood in the living room and pressed the silver key so hard into my palm that it made an imprint. It was the extra house key that Robert gave me over two months ago so I could come and go as I needed. Those days are now over. I handed the key over to Paul, put my hand on his shoulder, looked him in the eyes and said, "You are no longer a flood family; you are now just a church family! Just like everyone else," I told him, "we will be here for you whatever your needs." We hugged, took some pictures, and closed an important chapter of flood recovery in the life of First Lutheran Church.

My day started before dawn, as I dropped off a few things at the Boardman home and headed to Marion to pick up the Gruhn's moving van. I got the biggest truck they had - a 26 footer. I mean this thing was so big it had air breaks and a small ladder to climb aboard! Have you ever had this frightening feeling you have bitten off more than you can chew? As I went over the agreement in the parking lot with the rental guy as this beast of a truck loomed over us, this same fear washed over me. Please, Holy Spirit, help me with this behemoth! And then the Spirit answered.

I pulled up to the Gruhn's FEMA trailer. Kia greeted me with a smile and a wave. Soon after Vicki Hughes and her uber cool son, Roger pulled up. As it turns out, Roger worked as a professional mover for two years and drove a similar truck in downtown Manhattan in rush hour! Tell me the Lord doesn't provide for all our needs! Dave DeWolf, Robert, and I loaded nearly everything as Roger went to work packing it all in. Kris Cleveland did a saint's job inside packing and cleaning along with Vicki, Kia, Nova Kolander, and Lindsey Sheibe. After a short stop to pick up a few things in storage, Roger and I pulled the big rig into the Gruhn's drive at 11:15 AM. Our crew on the other end made short work of things. After some short direction, we had everything unloaded by noon. It was a remarkable day, one I will never forget as long as I live.

If you'd like to get in on some of the celebration, please join us in any worship service the weekend of Aug. 29/30 and at the Gruhn's for a house blessing and open house on Sunday, Aug. 30th. See you there!

Gruhn's Garage Takes Shape

2009-08-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

Mark Scheibe and his team of 7 volunteers continued transforming the Gruhn's garage this morning before the moving van arrived and demanded their attention. The crew got the most out of its 3 hours on the carport, siding most of the back and two sides, as well as putting up new plywood on the front.

Mark plans on using the next two weeks to finish up the siding. I've got one lead on a group that does roofing. If you'd like to help finish off the garage with a new roof or know someone who does, please contact me! It would be great to have it all done before the Gruhn's house blessing and open house on Aug. 30th!

Boardman's Bedrooms Begin to Sparkle

2009-08-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

Ira Way lead a team of 4 volunteers as they continued to add more color to the Boardman's bedrooms. Both Darla and the boys' rooms are fully painted and work has started in the upstairs hallway. Next Saturday we will return to give all the upstairs rooms a second coat.

The grand plan is to focus a lot of our efforts on the Boardman's now that the Gruhn's are back home. I spoke to the contractor and he is very much on board with this. If we can get all the painting done inside the house over the next two weekends, the contractor says his finish carpenters can complete the job in 3 weeks after that. That gives us a move in date of Saturday, Sept. 19th. Please mark your calendars for another joyous celebration!!

Steps to Completion

2009-08-12T19:02:00.000-07:00

I stopped by Darla Boardman's today, our second flood family, to drop off some stuff a church member donated and SURPRISE - she has steps into the house! Yea! Prior to today, we were walking into the raised first floor by balancing ourselves on piled up cinder blocks. Yikes. Today I was pleased to see a pair of carpenters building a small deck off the side door and three steps. I think the hope is United Way will come and build a wheelchair ramp alongside the deck for free.

Meanwhile, Ira Way, our paint coordinator continues to make great headway with the orange and blue boys' room upstairs and Darla's green room. We'll be back in there painting this Saturday morning from 7:30-11:30. Please drop by for an hour or two if you can. With your help, we could have her family in before the end of September!

Countdown to Completion at Gruhn's

2009-08-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

Above: Sarah & Sam Janke clean the Gruhn's refrigerator. Below: Our crew residing the garage.

I looked Robert Gruhn in the eyes and mouthed, "Just seven more days until we move you in!" "Six!" he smiled and shot back at me in his hearing impaired voice. Okay, six, I conceded after seeing his ear-to-ear grin. The Gruhn's are no doubt exciting to finally be going home after a 14 month exodus into the wilderness of FEMA trailer 15 miles away in Marion.

Today we prepped the home for the arrival party next Saturday. The entire Janke clan joined Judy Johnson's "clean team" that windexed windows, vacuumed, and spruced up everything. Marvin Quaas made the bathroom sparkle. Dixie and Sarah Olmstead scrubbed and swept. Kris Cleveland touched up the paint. Julie Banker, Kia Gruhn, and Alex McDaniel tidied up here and there.

Meanwhile Lou Banker, Tom Olmstead, Mark Scheumann, Scott Gerhold, Larry Johnson, Jim Janke, and Robert Gruhn went to work on the garage. Mark Scheibe led the way as the team cleaned out the garage to use it as a staging area. They began by moving the furniture from the garage into the house and tossing a bunch of stuff to the curb. Menard's delivered the materials and our guys went to work. They replaced three of the walls' existing siding and spongeboard with brand new plywood. Next step will be to replace the fourth wall and begin putting up new siding. Mark wants to have the prep work done this week so siding can go up on Saturday. We figure some guys can work on the garage Saturday while they are waiting for the moving truck to arrive. Hopefully we have enough people to help to get it all done!

This week I'll be supervising some odds and ends to get the house ready for the big move. On Monday, the installer comes back to finish carpeting Kia's room (he was rained out on Friday). The plumber will call for his final inspection on Monday, which is our last hurdle before the overall inspection. We expect to pass. TV and phone arrive Friday to hook up the cable. The big move is on Saturday! Hope to see you there!

Boardman's Bedrooms Brighten Up

2009-08-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

Above: Larry Lundgren tapes out a game plan. Below: Haley Wesbrook rolls on fresh paint.

Our small, but mighty crew of 6 led by Ira Way began to transform white walls to green and buttercream today. Ira began the day by prying all the old baseboards off the walls and prepping the two bedrooms and hallway for paint. Haley and Scott Wesbrook painted the angled ceiling walls in the boys' bedroom while Haley, Karolyn Smith, and her husband primed the ceiling and the walls in the stairway. Larry Lundgren finished off an entire wall and several cabinet doors in Darla's bedroom in green. Scott also pulled up all the tack strips and padding on the stairs, making our trips up and down much easier.

The hallway is ready for the first coat of buttercream next week and the bedrooms are ready for their "accent" colors. I'm going to talk to the contractor this week about getting some mudding done in the closet so we can paint in there as well.

Smiles Contageous at Boardman's

2009-08-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

Emily & Elissa Musil and Ira Way transform a bedroom from pink to white.

Perfectly cool weather blessed our volunteers today as we converted the attic of Darla Boardman's house into future bedrooms for the mom and her two boys. Darla joined Greg Young, Judy Johnson, Sarah Fershdal, Nancy Hendricks, Iray Way, Dixie & Sarah Olmstead, and Emily & Elissa Musil in the morning paint party. The group started the day by boxing up and cleaning out the last few items we didn't get moved out last week. Old railings and curtains were removed and our happy crew went to work. Pat Steglitz provided a yummy treat for our break. Our time with Darla stimulated some good conversations about how God loves us and spiritually walks with us from the time of our baptism throughout our entire lives. And the people of the church certainly play a role in that walk!

Next week we will add a little color to the rooms upstairs. We'd love to have you join us even for an hour or two!

Gruhn's Approach Finish Line

2009-08-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

Scott and Shane Wesbrook put the finishing touches on the Gruhn's home.

The countdown clock to completion is running full speed ahead at the Gruhn house as the days left until we move them in reaches the single digits this week. Today 10 volunteers worked vigorously to close up all the loopholes that make a house a home. Tom Olmstead fired away with his hammer on the basement steps, closing in the back of each step to make a beautiful staircase. Jim Janke painted a boxed in pipe in the bathroom. One of the contractor's men, Joe Roling and his partner, Amy, even volunteered today helping Shane Wesbrook and Kia Gruhn clear out Kia's room upstairs so that it could be carpeted this Friday. John Hall, Shane and Scott Wesbrook cauked in the crown molding. Marvin Quaas, Jim, Shane, and Scott painted the basement walls. Tom finished out the hallway closet with a cedar wood lining.

Next Saturday will we need people to come in and give the house a thorough cleaning (especially the windows). We will also be residing the garage and clearing it out to make room for the Gruhn's vehicles. Move in day is the following Saturday, Aug. 15th. Please consider lending a hand the next two weeks to help us get this monumental task complete!

Clark Family Says Goodbye to 50 Years of Memories

2009-07-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

KCRG-TV9's Nicole Agee interviewed First Lutheran members Eugene and June Clark this morning as they watched their home of more than 50 years crumble before their teary eyes. Their grandchildren who grew up playing in the yard looked on, the cameras rolled, and the wrecking machine went to work. The family spent five decades building up memories; it took the heavy machinery just 20 minutes to take it down. Pastor Dan was on hand to comfort the family. He had me contact TV9 about this human interest story late last night, and they graciously came on short notice! Be sure to check out the TV9 News at 5 PM tonight to see the story.

**EDIT - The story ran, and Nicole did a great job! Pastor Dan had a couple of good quotes. Check it out: http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/51816467.html

Volunteers Excite New Flood Family

2009-07-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

"I'm surprised how much you all got done!" exclaimed an excited Darla Boardman as she and I stood in her driveway and waved goodbye to the final volunteer, Kris Cleveland, who left with her trademark smile on her face. This morning more than a dozen volunteers from First Lutheran wrapped their loving arms, the very arms of Christ, around Darla, her Mom, Laraine, and her 4 year-old son, Brayden. Today marked the first step of our long journey together towards recovery.

Nancy Hinrichs, Karen Shaw, and a few others helped Laraine go through box after box of keepsakes that were in the flood, salvaging what they could and saying goodbye to the rest. Meanwhile Tom, Dixie, and Sarah Olmstead formed a bucket brigade with Pat & Tina McCollough, Kandy Sands, Mark Scheumann, John & Karen Shaw, and Larry Johnson. The crew passed down boxes from upstairs into people's pickup trucks and vans, which were then driven out to a secure storage unit. Larry Muters and Lou Banker joined in when they finished their work at the Gruhn's about mid-morning.

Today's hard work will clear the way for us to come back to the Boardman's next Saturday (Aug. 1) to prime and paint the upstairs. The boxes filled with personal items were put upstairs by the Boardman's before flood water surged into their home last June. The Cedar River broke into their house located near Interstate 380 and consumed up to about two feet on the Boardman's main floor. Walking through their home today, it was hard to believe the river could run that far geographically from it's source. You can't see it, hear it, or smell it from the Boardman's home today.

We had a prayer to start the day and a few tears were shed. Today I think we brought a little bit more hope to the situation. Next week I pray to God we can do a little more of the same.

Things Get "Hazy" at Gruhn's

2009-07-25T11:52:00.001-07:00

Scott Gerhold, the BRAVEST MAN ALIVE pictured here, strapped on the protective paint gear and went to town in the Gruhn's basement today. With Robert Gruhn's help and a little direction from Ken with Done Done Services, Scott sprayed on a think coat of black paint onto the basement ceiling. If you see Scott in church, tell him THANK YOU for his wonderful work. While Scott was trying not to succumb to paint fumes in the basement, Lou Banker and Larry Muters stained all of the window sills on the main level.

The carpenters go back to work on Monday, putting in the rest of the carpet and base boards in the bedrooms and living room. Pastor Dan is going to take Robert shopping for a new washing machine and over-the-stove microwave oven this week. Pastor Dan also hopes to take Kia to get some carpet ordered for her room upstairs. Our church decided it would be easiest to hire out the carpet installation in Kia's room, giving the difficulty of lay people accomplishing this and the fact that we have money left in the Gruhn house budget to do so. This coming Saturday, we shall return in full force to paint the basement walls and side the garage. Hope to see you there!

Meet the Boardmans!

2009-07-23T12:45:00.001-07:00

After much searching, God has given us another flood family to walk with towards recovery! Meet Darla Boardman (pictured here in the blue shirt). She is a neat lady with a big heart. She lives with her two sons (one of whom has Down's Syndrome) and her 65 year old mother who is in a wheelchair. She is working through the same hired contractor as the Gruhn's, who introduced us.

When I met her for the first time today, we both had this, "I know you from somewhere!" moment. Well, it turns out Darla watched our son, Kirk, when he was an infant at his old daycare! Can you believe that?! Katie and I LOVED her when she took care of our son. I can tell you she has a heart of gold. And her poor heart is stretched and stressed out! She could use a hug and your willing hands. I know you are just the church to do it. Our goal is to have her back in her home before the snow flies.

Darla's mother's name is Laraine. Her kids are Kayla (25), Ashley (18), A.J. (16), and Brayden (4). Their home is located at 823 12th Street NE. It's just off of "H" Ave, near Interstate 3-80. See the work schedule on the right side of the blog to see where you can help out!

Camp Noah Kids Meet "Noah"

2009-07-23T12:33:00.001-07:00

Day 4 of Camp Noah brought another familiar face of sorts, as our fun-loving kids got to come face-to-face with the cruise director of the Arc himself, Noah. Today's theme was all about using your gifts and talents for others. Could you imagine some of these kids using what they've learned here and spreading hope and God's love to other kids affected by the flood? What a cool thought.

Tomorrow wraps up the weeklong adventure. The camp culminates with an ice cream social for the church staff, camp counselors, the kids, and their parents from 2-3 PM in the LFC (the church basement) on Friday.

Camp Noah Day 3 Reigns in Star Power

2009-07-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

The childrens' faces lit up this morning when TV9's Joe Winters strolled into the building in a crisp purple shirt and tie. "Is that really Joe Winters!?" one child exclaimed. "Yes, it really is!" replied one counselor. The kids ran to his side, shook his hand, and posed for pictures. Joe talked to the kids for nearly an hour about the astronomically low chances of another devatstating flood, how to deal with severe weather in general, and how he puts his faith to work from his weather seat. He said whenever a storm hits, he prays before he goes on-air for all the people involved and their safety. Joe also mentioned how the disciples got scared in the boat (just like the kids in Cedar Rapids), but Joe reminded the kids that Jesus woke up and told his friends not to worry and that God is in control! It was a stunning witness.

Ironically, KGAN also dropped by to do a news story when Joe was here. Click here to see the story: http://www.kgan.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/videos/kgan_vid_709.shtml

The pet therapy animals from St. Luke's hospital dropped by after KGAN left. The kids also played more games, sang songs and danced, and brought in pictures of flood memories for their Wall of Remembrance.

Gruhn's Going Full Gear to Finish

2009-07-21T22:04:00.001-07:00

I dropped by the Gruhn's home this afternoon to find a house nearly finished and an exhausted homeowner with a smile you couldn't wipe off his face if you tried. Our contractor is highly motivated to finish up our First Lutheran home and he has kicked into high gear. He put two of his best men including our own Joe on the job this week. The two put up all the crown molding and window trim; now the skilled pair are blazing through the flooring and kitchen cabinets. I think it's a matter of hours to the finish on the main floor.

I happened to bump into Robert at his house when he got off of work. He looked at the big picture window framed up in his living room and exclaimed, "It's beautiful!" He said he might cry. I wrapped my arm around him and we had a "man moment" to which he exclaimed in his beautiful hearing impaired voice, "Thanks, Craig!" I can't think of any better payment. I scribbled on my clipboard as I so often do to communicate with him. This time I only wrote two words: "Praise Jesus." He looked at it, nodded, and smiled.

The whole thing of what we are doing kind of hit me today when I parked my truck in the driveway and then walked half a block to use the city's port-a-potty on the street corner. Here's a house that is SO CLOSE to being livable, yet for more than a year now, Robert and his family and all of us who have worked on the house have had to walk half a city block to do something so many of us take for granted every day in our own homes. I know I'm fully vested when I'm dreaming of the day when we will set a toilet. That day is coming very soon.

This weekend will be a light one for us in the home. We could use someone who has used a paint sprayer before (or someone willing to try) to spray the basement ceiling black. We could also use a couple people to clean the glass in the windows and stain the trim around the inside of the windows. For various reasons, we are going to put off siding the garage and carpeting Kia's room until at least next Saturday (Aug. 1).

At the direction of our flood ministry team, I've contacted the Gruhn's contractor for another lead of another person he's working with who was touched by the flood. I called the homeowner tonight and she has an interesting personal story, as so many of these wonderful people do. Since we have such a light weekend at the Gruhn's (and things are wrapping up with them overall) this may provide another opportunity for some service, even as early as this Saturday. She's talking about having us clean a few things out of her garage. I'm hoping to know by Thursday.

Camp Noah Day 2 Rains Down Memories

2009-07-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

With rain beating down on the windows, tiny tennis shoes took to stomping to music, making indoor crafts, and sharing difficult memories of the rain that wouldn't stop until finally taking their homes a year ago last June. Counselors said today's heavy rainfall and gray skies provided the perfect backdrop for 22 kids to open up a little about the emotional toll living through a natural disaster takes on a tiny soul.

The weeklong camp continues to impress me with it's fun ciriculum mixed together with a few sober moments for kids to process what they've been through. For example, the children really seemed to put their hearts into putting on a drama with thunder, lightining, and non-stop rain. One trained counselor at the camp told me often times children express themselves best through play. The camp continue tomorrow with visits from local celebrity weatherman KCRG-TV9's Joe Winters and pet therapy animals from St. Luke's Hospital.

Camp Noah Kids Come Ashore!

2009-07-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

Today 24 active and fun-loving kids affected by the flood of 2008 decended upon First Lutheran. They started the day doing puzzles, singing, and playing games such as drawing their full-body outline on paper. Cool! They will be here from 9AM-3PM all week. There is still room to join in Tuesday. The cost is $10. Scholarships are available.

If you'd like to help out, we could use people to serve and clean up after lunch this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Please call the church office at 365-1494 and ask for Barb or Craig.

Gruhn's Home Reaches "Tipping Point"

2009-07-18T12:37:00.001-07:00

It was another monumental day of flood recovery in the life of First Lutheran Church. Today 20 people showed up to lend their hands and open their hearts to their fellow church members in need. Together we reached the "tipping point" of the influence our volunteer efforts inside the family's home. We can help a little here and there in the weeks ahead, but largely we turn it over to the skilled craftsmen. "Your volunteers have helped us out a great deal, more than any other house we've ever done," Contractor Pat Freilinger said. "Volunteers can help more and more each week up through putting up drywall and painting. Then there comes a point where finish carpentry kicks in and we kind of take over." According to Freilinger, we're at that point.

Karolyn Smith, Ira Way, Tanya Rosenkranz, Mary VanHauten, Sue Vittetoe, and Karen Shaw finished up all the trim paint inside the house and then took on the wheelchair ramp and front porch posts in the front. It looks beautiful. Mike Sinnott applied the house numbers and Scott Gerhold attached the mailbox. Jim Kanke & Mark Scheumann wrapped all the duct work in plastic so the basement ceiling is ready to be sprayed with prime this week. Then Lou & Julie Banker joined Jim & Mark in sanding down the basement walls so they are ready for texture and hopefully prime this week. If this gets done, our painters could roll the basement walls on Saturday.

Meanwhile, outside John Shaw put up new gutters on the house with the help of Jim, Lou, Scott, and others. Tom Olmstead fixed up the broken swing which Robert is joyously enjoying in the picture above. (For more pictures, check out the slideshow "faith in action" in the upper right). Scott and Ira built a new flowerbed off the deck. Dixie and Sarah Olmstead did an amazing job cleaning up the back deck. Tina and Pat McCollough brought some delicious treats and Pastor Dan and Nova Kolander stopped by to encourage the troops.

This week the contractor's guys will concentrate on getting the kitchen floor in this week so we can help him hang cabinets this coming Saturday. Depending on what materials arrive this week, we might hang doors, put up cedar wood in the closets, trim the windows, carpet Kia's room, and/or start in on siding the garage.

Searching for a Positive Voice Out There

2009-07-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

KCRG-TV9's Justin Foss just called me in regards to my blog post about the city being over halfway rebuilt! I told him we found when we walked the neighborhoods to do the survey, it really hits you in the face how far we've come! You get a positive impression when you walk the streets, knock on doors, and talk to people, a very different one than you get in some of the media reports. We found many people back in their homes watching TV! It's encouraging!!

Justin said there are still pessimists who point out, yes, we are 51% rebuilt, but that is still 49% not yet built. What say you? What are your impressions from walking through? I think Justin is looking into a news story tomorrow, but I won't be around to talk to him on camera. Would one of you like to offer a :08 second sound bite on what you saw?

**EDIT - Justin's story ran. Check it out here: http://www.kcrg.com/news/coverage/50896772.html

Crown Him With Many Crowns!

2009-07-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

I met with the contractor today at the Gruhn's house for a walk through of all the work we've done so far. He is very impressed! We came up with a list of work we can do next which starts at the top with crown molding (see sample picture). We will prime and paint the molding Saturday so it's ready to be put up next week. We can also put up cedar wood in three closets, sand and paint another closet, trim paint to the top of all walls, finish wrapping the duct work in plastic downstairs, and hang gutters outside. The contractor's men will concentrate on the floors next, so we can be ready to help install the kitchen cabinets possibly next Saturday. We are also looking into the financial viability of siding the garage. The contractor thinks our original, fairly aggressive schedule to get Kia back in before school starts in 5 weeks is very doable. Woot!

**JOB COMPLETED - THANK YOU!!!****
What: We need painters, carpenters, people to hang gutters, and unskilled folks (like me!) to clean and prep areas for the next phase.

When: 8 AM-12 PM, Saturday, June 18

Where: 1642 8th St NW

What should I bring?: Yourself, a friend, a paint brush, hammer, and/or cordless drill. See you there!

Cedar Rapids is Over Halfway Home!!!

2009-07-13T12:53:00.001-07:00

According to a new Americore report coming out this Thursday, 51.1% of flood affected homes in Cedar Rapids have completely rebuilt! That's just over half of all flood damaged residences. Way to go!! We are on the downhill slope! According to their report, they visited 5093 homes in the flood plain. They break down like this:

569 Homes "Untouched" or Unknown (10.4%)

210 Homes Demolished (4.1%)

919 Homes in the "Muck and Gut" phase (18%)

832 Homes Rebuilding (16.3%)

2603 Homes REBUILT! (51.1%)

To see the complete report, click here: http://www.vistacorridorrecovery.org/

Paint Party Pt. 2

2009-07-13T11:39:00.000-07:00

From L- Karolyn Smith, Matt Sinnott, Mike Sinnott, Ira Way, and Terry Strait (not pictured Tanya Rosenkranz) showed up on a moment's notice to finish painting the 2nd coat of color today at the Gruhn's

It is done! The paint that is. All rooms of the main floor have two coats of paint (three in the kitchen). When I pulled up in my pickup at 8 AM I was greeted by two volunteers and they just kept coming and coming! We had it all done well before noon. Your generosity continues to overwhelm my heart, and I know it does the Gruhn family too. Our eager and near professional painters- wow, were they good! -made short work of the hallway, living room, kitchen, and both bedrooms.

The homeowner, Robert Gruhn, finished off the bathroom and Saturday's crew knocked out Kia's purple room upstairs. The basement ceiling and walls are sealed off and ready for the contractor to spray on primer. The kitchen cabinets are in boxes in the house and ready to be hung. I am meeting with the contractor for a walk-through tomorrow; he and I will figure out what we need to do this Saturday and lay out the schedule for the rest of the project! Exciting stuff!

Paint Party Pumps up Flood Family

2009-07-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

Have you ever walked into a house that has been freshly painted? The smell of a new beginning is undeniable in the air. You know instantly when you walk in that something fresh and new has been created. It's a house that is improving, it's on the uptick, and it's ready for a new occupant.
That's what's happening now with the Gruhn family. Thanks to the hard work of Deb Hartung, Tanya Rsenkranz, Ira Way, Scott Gerhold, Kris Cleveland, Tina McCullough, Greg Young, Catharine Cashner, Terry Shie, Jim Jahnke, Judy Johnson, Marv Quass, Stacie Johnson, Brian, Lindsey, and Pastor Dan, the Gruhn home now smells fresh and new. The crew worked from 8 AM until past noon on Saturday rolling and brushing paint, building a new chain link fence, and enjoying treats and fellowship.

The goal was to prime the entire main floor, but once again, the Holy Spirit soared above and beyond our human plans. Our crew was able not only to finish the prime on Saturday, but put on the first coat of colors as well! If we can get the 2nd coat of paint on in the kitchen in the next few days, the contractor can hang the kitchen cabinets yet this week. (I have to touch base with the contractor's hired man first thing Monday morning to see where we are, because I think he may have done some work after we left Saturday at noon). If you want to help us out, I will open up the house at 8 AM Monday morning for people to start coming in and working whenever they can, for as long as they can. Please let me know when you can help.

Feeding Others with Food & Faith

2009-07-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

Today our church provided food for the Mission of Hope, a fantastic downtown Cedar Rapids ministry that began by helping men and women go from prision back to society and now has evolved to something much bigger. When the flood took out 28 churches and non-profit ministries last year, the Mission of Hope was one of the few still standing. And guess what? If you build it, the people will come. People in need flooded the well-kept building by the hundreds.

The people First Lutheran kicked into high gear and responded in kind. We provided lunch and supper every week for the months of June, July, August in 2008. Since then we've settled into a groove serving lunch every 2nd Thursday of the month. Today was our day, and yes, the need is still great. The dinner bell rang (literally - they have a dinner bell - I love it!) and men, women, and a few children lined the walls for prayer. I was blessed to say grace and we sat down and broke bread with one another. I got to meet a few people and hear their stories. It was a wonderful hands-on experience where you can feel Christ's presence in the midst. I told the Mission that I will organize about 6 people to return with me in August and help serve the meal. Will you be one of them?

Check out a related story by our member, KCRG-TV9's Justin Foss:

Free Lunch Programs See Need Double, Even Triple

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/49648652.html

Break Bread with Flood Workers

2009-07-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

We have been asked to serve a potluck dinner for young flood volunteers from Washington, New Jersey at 6 P.M. on Thursday, July 16. Please come and eat! Bring a side dish or dessert to share, join in the fellowship, help serve food, and/or clean up after the meal.
PLEASE CONTACT: Vicki Hughes 365-1494 or recept@firstlutherancr.org if you can help. Vicki will have details of time, and other arrangements. There will also be a sign up sheet at the Information Desk in the narthex this Sunday. Let’s show them how much we appreciate their help in our flood recovery.

Make Your Home an Ark for Camp Noah!

2009-07-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

We will be hosting a National Team of volunteers July 20-24 for Camp Noah. We are looking for people who would be willing to host them in their homes during the week they are here. The team is arriving on Sunday the 19th in the afternoon. If you are willing to serve as a host home please let Barb Hanson know at 365-1494. We are also looking for people to help with preparing and serving the lunch for the kids each day. Thanks.

God's Gift from Michigan Pushes Project Forward

2009-07-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you," says scripture (Matt 7:7). It couldn't be more true this week. God sent a skilled crew from Grand Rapids to Cedar Rapids to put our schedule at the Gruhn's right on track. Eight talented drywallers and mudders skillfully worked today to finish - that's right FINISH - the prep work for us to paint this Saturday. What seemed insurmountable just a few months ago is now attainable today. To quote former Hawkeye Basketball player Andre Woolridge when he hit a last second shot to beat #8 Michigan State, "If you don't believe in the power of God...there it is."

The crew showed up from Grand Rapids, MI yesterday and went to town on the Gruhn's home inside and out. One crew is finishing up the siding, two strong young men are cutting drywall in the hallway to the basement, two more retired men are skillfully scraping mud, and a lovely, older gentleman named Ken is scraping and painting the trim at the peak of the house. Ken told me, "We are not here by coincidence. God had this in His master plan that you and I would meet." It nearly brought us both to tears. The grand designs that the Gruhn family had, the contractor had, or even my overly optimistic schedule I drew up are being FAR OUTWEIGHED by the power of God's plan. Honestly, the house may be done by the end of this month. I never, ever, ever would have remotely dreamed that possible when I got involved in this venture in May. It just floors me. I hope it does you too!

We shouldn't feel bad that it is not us doing the work. Frankly, this is kind of what Dan Garrick of the Recovery Coalition told us he had in mind, that is, local churches would take up certain houses to be their hosts, then workers would come from out of state to lend a hand. Like many things in the Kingdom of God, we can accomplish more together.

Our hard work (and free labor) at First Lutheran is now paying dividends. For example, the contractor currently framing up the walls in the basement to be insulated and drywalled. Previously, we thought we would just slap up some paint on the cement walls. The whole house is being scheduled to be sprayed with texture by the end of the week. That means we will come in and put on prime on Saturday. I still can't believe it. If we have enough people, Pastor Dan would like to finish putting up a chain-link fence in the yard. Please stop by Saturday to help us paint or just to pray and celebrate God at work in Cedar Rapids! Yea!

Calling All Painters!

2009-07-05T23:22:00.000-07:00

**JOB COMPLETED - THANK YOU***

What: We need painters, people to put up siding and finish putting up a chain-link fence.

When: 8 AM-12 PM, Saturday, June 11

Where: 1642 8th St NW

What should I bring?: Yourself, a friend, a paint brush, hammer, and/or cordless drill. See you there!

Cedar Rapids By the Numbers

2009-07-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

Here are the results from the canvassing project that First Lutheran helped complete last month of EVERY HOUSE IN THE FLOODED AREA! The statistics will help the city get a better handle on ongoing recovery efforts and will help the Recovery Coalition concentrate efforts to rebuild the city. Here is what we found:

Disaster Addresses visited	3135
Phone number given	474
No one home	1829
Looked Abandoned	592
Rental	175
Owner Occupied	503
Being worked byVRC	0
Being worked by UMCOR	46
Rebuilding
Yes	536
No	90
Need help rebuilding
Yes	181
No	183
Rebuilding steps needed
Muck & Gut	47
Electrical	58
Plumbing	59
Siding	80
Drywall	76
Paint	96
Carpentry	143
Jumpstart
Yes	219
No	103
Declined	27
Undecided	19
2nd interview	30
FEMA THU
Yes	61
No	315
IUNDGP
Yes	217
No	82
Most important flood need
Rental Housing	13
Food	18
Clothing	21
Furniture	46
Appliances	39
Utilities	28
Support systems	16

Missouri Kids Leave Their Mark on Their Peer's Heart

2009-07-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

It was a fitting end to a bright and colorful journey from Jefferson City, MO to the heart of the Cedar Rapids, IA neighborhood affected by the flood. Kia Gruhn, 15, asked her new friends to leave their mark (literally) on her newly remodeled room they helped to decorate. Just one year earlier, Kia stood in her old bedroom covered wall-to-wall with stinky flood mud and wrote the word "PAIN" on her door. Today, the Jefferson City kids transformed her door from PAIN to PAINT...purple paint that is. Each kid dipped their hand in purple goo, placed their own print on the door, and then signed their name and hometown. It was Kia's idea.

The girls stood side by side and giggled with each other as they painted their hearts out. In an instant Kia was a 15 year old girl again, talking about music, being goofy, and just chillaxing. For one afternoon anyway gone were her worries about taking care of her elderly grandparents, communicating with her hearing impared father, and worrying about the future of rebuilding her life. No, today's topics were throw pillows and accent colors. Just as it should be. And to top it off, the young people from Jeff City left their mark forever on Kia's door. Hopefully the handprints will remind Kia each night before she goes to sleep how much God loves her and so do her friends from Missouri.

Iowa Governer Calls for "Summer of Service"

2009-06-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

(Press-Citizen) Iowa Governor Chet Culver said Iowa has come a long way in recovering from the fourth worst disaster in United States history. Culver said last summer’s flooding caused $1.5 billion in damages.

However, Culver said the state still has a long way to go. People are still displaced from their homes and many businesses have yet to recover. One way to continue to rebuild is through the work of volunteers, he said. “We saw the impact of volunteerism last summer,” Culver said. Approximately 50,000 volunteers helped out the 40,000 displaced Iowa residents last year, he said.

“Those volunteers were the calm within the storm,” Culver said. “They were the heroes.”

In the spirit of that service, Culver unveiled the Culver/Judge “Summer of Service” program. Culver said the statewide program will mirror President Barack Obama’s “United We Serve” nationwide volunteer campaign. “This summer, we want to encourage more Iowans to serve,” Culver said. Culver’s program has three goals: bolster civic engagement in Iowa; improve our communities in four national priority areas – energy and the environment, education, health care and community renewal; and develop partnerships with nonprofits, faith-based groups and other organizations.

Those interested in the program can log onto volunteeriowa.org to find tools and resources to match volunteers to service opportunities. “We’re going to recover from this natural disaster and at the end of the day, have a better state,” Culver said.

"The Show Me State" Lives Up to Its Name

2009-06-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

Wow! What an impressive group of young people with heart and a work ethic unmatched anywhere. A group of 10 Missourians went to task today at Paul and Lillian Gruhn's house. In one day they dug and cemented in a half a dozen fence posts for a chain-link fence, finished out 20 feet of landscaping along the south side of the house, and boxed in and hauled 9 yards of dirt from the street to the backyard to finish Paul's dream of having a big, beautiful garden. In a word - impressive. "They are some of the hardest working kids I've ever seen," commented Pastor Dan, who shoveled side-by-side with the teens from Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Jefferson City, MO. Their youth director emailed over the weekend saying their mission trip to another part of the country fell through at the last minute. The Junior and Senior High Students still wanted to help out somewhere on the planet. And guess what? They found my blog on the internet, and God did the rest.

When they finished up with the last wheelbarrowfull, they took off to the waterpark in Waterloo for a little afternoon fun. They plan on coming back tomorrow to finish up the chain link fence and possibly do some siding. I can't say enough good things about these young people. It makes a young pastor-to-be warm inside and hopeful of the future of Christ's kingdom here on earth!

Reality Strikes on Flood Tour

2009-06-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to give our friends from Missouri a quick driving and walking tour of the flooded areas this afternoon. Some wet eyes surrounded me as I described the devastation and feelings of despair around town in the weeks and months after the muddy water receded. I think the reality set in for them of what our community has been through and the tall task ahead (which these folks will play a part). I told them they are literally the hands and feet of Christ in our recovery and I thanked them for their presence this week. They also had a chance to meet Kia Gruhn, who at 15, is very much one of the their peers. Smiles and hope abound at their meeting. I think they are excited to help transform her bedroom space and this will help make the experience all the more real and personally fullfiling.

MO' Help Arrives!

2009-06-27T16:07:00.000-07:00

I just welcomed the group from Jeff. City, Missouri who will be working with us the next several days at the Gruhn's home. Nice young folks. They are staying at FLC tonight and will join us for worship Sunday at 11AM. If you spot them, please extend a warm Iowa welcome.

They head off to Gloria Dei to stay Sunday-Wednesday nights, as we have the daycare and can't take overnight folks. I've lined up food and a shower trailer for them (doesn't that sound like fun?!). Pastor Dan will be working with them to build a garden and fence for the Gruhn's. I hope they meet Kia while they are here. Pastor Dan hopes they can paint Kia's room upstairs (untouched by the flood). Word is she wants it purple.

Volunteers Overwhelm Contractor

2009-06-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

"You had how many people today?" asked the voice on the other end of the phone. "21," I replied. "WHOA!" came the voice again. I admit 21 was more people than I expected and apparently it is the magic number to get a "whoa" out of seasoned contractor Pat Freilinger on the phone. He told me, "I've worked with volunteers on other flooded houses, but I haven't seen anything like what you guys are doing. This is great!"

Activity was fast and furious all morning. Three teams of drywallers filled the inside of the house with sounds of cutting, driving nails and screws into the fresh, new walls. The "Dynamic Duo" of Dave Bey and Dave DeWolf worked as fast as they could sealing of the insulation to stay ahead of drywallers John Shaw, John Hall, Kerry Kupka, Tom Olmstead, Kent Dvorak, and Scott Gerhold sweating in the intense heat inside the house.

Meanwhile, four teams of guys outside put up trim boards and beautiful gray siding, each piece cleanly covering a little more evidence of last year's destructive flood water. Marv Quaas, Nathan Burger, Matt Musil, Terry Shie, Mark Sheibe, Ken Van Zee, and Larry Johnson cut, placed, and pounded the siding, and all while trying to avoid the beating sun. Mary Van Houten brought by a delicious coffee cake, lemonaide, and water for our break. While Larry Muters, Carol Lakin, and I transported new appliances and furniture out to a storage unit. Pastor Dan calculated and purchased the materials needed for the yard work this week done by our friends from Missouri.

Our progress kept our on-site professional Joe Roling hopping. We finished up the drywall in the living room, one bedroom, and got a head start on the kitchen. We prepped the whole house for siding and siding over half of one wall. Freilinger said he lined up another volunteer crew from the coalition to drywall Monday. Then the pros will tape, mud, and sand our work. The hope is to finish up the siding and be painting inside on our next work day July 11th! Hope to see you then!

Kids Bless Quilts

2009-06-21T12:07:00.001-07:00

A full house at 9:30 Worship helps the children bless 60 beautiful quilts to go to kids affected by the flood.

The First Lutheran "Comfort-makers" crafted 60 snuggly, homemade blankets: one for each child attending the Camp Noah, a nationally recognized summer camp to help kids process going through a natural disaster such a flood. FLC is hosting the camp July 20-24. Space is available! For more information click here: http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/46864792.html

The comfort makers draped the colorful quilts over the backs of the pews during all worship services this weekend. At the 8, 9:30, & 11 AM services, kids placed their hands on the quilts to pray for the well-being of the children who would use them.

FLC Volunteers Impress the Pros

2009-06-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

"(The people of First Lutheran) got way further than any of us ever dreamed we would get today!" Joe Roling from Done Done Contracting offered this ringing endorsement to the more than dozen people who showed up with willing hearts and eager hands to help one of our own flock recover from the flood.

Dave DeWolf and Dave Bey smiled ear-to-ear as John Hall helped Roling put the first piece of new sheet rock in place. It had been a long time coming. "Dave and I put in a lot of time tearing all of the old stuff out," said Bey. "It feels good to see that go up."

Signs of progress all around made this morning one of the most optimistic days in the life of First Lutheran Church since the flood water hit one year ago year last week. Dave Karpa and Fredrick Rotemiller arrived an hour early to string phone and cable - the last hurdle inside the house before the ball really starts to roll downhill now with insulation, sheetrock, and painting. "I honestly thought we would just start putting in insulation this morning," offered Roling. "I never thought we'd get everything done we did." I told Joe, "That's the power of God at work!" I really could feel His presence this morning in everything taking place. Once the phone and cable went in, Hall, Bey, and DeWolf went to work on the insulation. Like Bey and DeWolf have done for so many months, the trio rolled up their sleeves and knocked it out before noon. John even hung the first piece of sheetrock.

If cleanliness is next to Godliness, Robert and Kia Gruhn are ready for sainthood! The pair scrubbed the basement clean and sprayed on a mold preventer. Robert also helped Larry Johnson and I take down a neighbor's donated chain link fence for the Gruhn's dog, Daisy. Karolyn Smith brought a delicious coffee cake for us during our break. Jim Janke and Terry Shie spent all morning on ladders wrapping the house in much-needed waterproof paper.

Next Saturday we will be hanging sheetrock and possibly putting on siding from 8 AM to Noon at 1642 8th street. All we need is YOU! You don't need any expertise, just a willing heart to help. Hope to see you there!

Meet the Gruhns!

2009-06-16T21:02:00.001-07:00

You might be asking yourself,"Who is this Gruhn family I keep hearing so much about?" Well, they are a neat little, atypical family worth getting to know.
Like you, I had heard so much about them that when the day came for our first meeting, I found myself piloting my pickup anxiously through the raindrops with my hands gripped to the old, leather wheel. As I passed by house after half-built house, my heart grew heavy in my chest. I thought to myself, here it is almost one year to the day after the flood and so many people still need our help! The sky over my cherry-red pickup was dull and gray, the exact same sky as that heart-breaking week of the flood. But my spirits were about to be lifted by a furry little friend.

As I opened the door to the Gruhn's flooded out home, I was greeted by a cute, little, white and brown dog. A blond teenager swooped down to pick up the dog and introduced herself, "My name's Kia," she said with a teenager's optimism, "And this is Daisy." Kia was very pleasant and we hit it off right away. She happened to know a close friend of mine who will also be a sophomore next year in high school. I felt God's Spirit touch my soul and I opened my mouth and put words to it, "Kia, we are going to have your family back in your house by the time you start school!" (Their general contractor told me in an earlier conversation that he is committed to the same goal). I just know the people of First Lutheran will come through. The moment gave me goosebumps. Daisy pranced around us in circles and Kia told me, "You know, Daisy just seems more happy here in our house. She loves to play over here even though it's just plywood floors and bare studs."

Next I met Kia's Dad, Robert. Robert is a hard-working, fun guy with a smile you can't seem to ever wipe off his face. Robert is also deaf, which made communicating with him a little challenging at first. The two of us talked about how the gray skies, the upcoming flood anniversary, and all the challenges we've faced thus far have made us all feel glum. I told them I honestly wondered one year ago, "Where is God in all of this?" Then I shared with them that I've since come to realize that God is present in those of us who come to help out others. God is also present in people who have lived through the flood and teach the rest of us humility. The three of us then joined hands and prayed for God's guidance and protection in the weeks ahead.

A few days later, I had the chance to meet Kia's grandparents in their FEMA trailer....that's right 3 generations living under one roof! Paul and Lillian have been members of FLC for over 25 years. The cute, seasoned couple celebrate 46 years of marriage together this month. Sure they are not perfect people (none of us are), but all in all, they are a family I feel glad to give my time and energy helping this summer. I think you will too!

Touched by the Flood

2009-06-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

I sent this email to friends and family one year ago this weekend. I share it with you today in honor of a city on the mend...

This is a difficult email to write. I am in the throws of trying to put together a sermon where people so badly need to hear the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have members of our congregation who have been evacuated from their homes and others who have personal businesses under water and in jeopardy.

As many of you may know, I am also in the Big Brothers program. My 'little brother' Marcus' house is entirely underwater. I received one of the saddest phone calls in my life 6 AM Thursday morning from Marcus' grandmother and caretaker, Dorothy, who fighting through tears, told me she thought they would lose everything. Dorothy runs a daycare out of her home to pay the bills. Now she doesn't know how she will sustain life. When I talked to her, she was exhausted from staying up all night watching the waters overtake her house. Dorothy and her family are unchurched. I assured her she will not go through this alone! I promised her I would ask my internship congregation to help her clean-up in the weeks ahead.
She took a deep breath and said, 'Really?!' I could hear a glimmer of hope in her voice. 'That would be wonderful.'

Our house is on a hill about 3 blocks from the edge of the flood water. The flood water laps at the bottom of the hill. Yesterday, I walked down to the National Guard solders who are guarding the water-blocked road to thank them for their service. I told them I was a chaplain and that I'm praying for them. One of the soldiers reached out to shake my hand and wearly said, 'Thank you.' He told me he was from Davenport and had been in Cedar Rapids working 36 hours straight. Many other fire and police officers have worked countless hours in boats pulling flood victims and their pets from their homes and saving their lives. Our pastor and her husband spent yesterday visiting with people at a makeshift shelter at Prairie Schools, where my wife teaches, visiting with displaced victims.

Katie and I have been without power for five days. We are fortunate our house isn't a total loss like some of our neighbors, but we live close enough to them that the power company told us it would be a calculated risk to turn our power back on. We were told it could be a week or two before power is restored. We have Kirk's milk on ice in a cooler. We lost everything in our fridge, which will cost us a few hundred dollars to replace. I took some of our frozen foods to the church freezer and some to a friend's house in Fairfax (about 2 miles from Cedar Rapids).

In addition, the entire city is operating with just one water well (about 25% of the needed capacity to run the town), so we are asked to limit water use to drinking only. That means no showers, little toliet flushing, and no laundry or dish cleaning. Our friends in Fairfax have opened their home to us for all our day-to-day needs and we are thankful to God for that.

At this time, I would ask you all to pray for the people in Iowa City and other places down river. Pray that they would take serious the gravity of the situation coming and they would take precautions including evacuating their homes when told to by emergency workers and city officials.

God bless,
-Craig

Soaked but Not Sunk

2009-06-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

I have witnessed a lot of strange things in my life: a complete double rainbow, a giant troll under a bridge in Seattle, and Iowa's Dallas Clark catching a last second pass to beat the Boilermakers, but none of them compare to what my eyes saw Friday.

I stood in complete amazement as 250 people showed up for a free picnic with smiles on their faces in an absolute downpour. That's how bad our city needed this event. Family after family streamed in through the rain with enthusiasm and determination that has sustained our city for 365 days since flood waters took so many of their businesses and homes.

The day started rather promising. Massive crowds began arriving under cloudy skies a half hour before our event! A week early, our team knocked on 1,000 doors in the neighborhood; nearly everyone we talked to said they would come for free food. KCRG-TV9 Meteorlogist Joe Winters went live from our cookout at 5 and 6. All the pieces were in place for a massive turnout! And then, much like one year ago, Mother Nature had something to say about it.

All of our good-natured volunteers from First Lutheran, Oakhill Jackson, and Family of Faith all teased Joe as the rain came harder and harder. Joe gave us all a hearty laugh when he shot back, "When you all said grace, I didn't hear anyone praying for no rain!!" I told Joe, "If anyone has problems with the weather, they should talk to our boss!" Joe smiled and knew what I meant. God is in control of the weather, Joe just reports it (and does a fine job too).

I am just as convinced that God didn't pour rain on our picnic to "get back at us," as I am convinced that God didn't flood our city one year ago today to repay our sins. That task was handled in full 2,000 years ago by Jesus Christ. Recall the story of Noah and the flood. When the rain ended, God set his rainbow in the sky and proclaimed, "Never again! Never again will I forsake my people." And so we take God at His word. I believe God loves us so much that He will always deliver us from our trouble and despair, even now. He is using you and I to rebuild a great city in Cedar Rapids. We saw it time and time again on Friday.

Four brave souls soaked to the bone (Andy, Tom, Dave, and Al) kept flipping burgers all night without any cover over their heads. The women serving the food never complained. Our band and facepainters got washed out, but enjoyed some free food. Some of the seats around them may have been empty, but the conversations were full. A homeless gentlemen told me a story of helping move a woman from evacuated Mercy Hospital to St. Luke's just in time to deliver twins! Another couple told me and I reminced about not being able to flush the toliet or shower for a week. It was a night full of hope.

The event's overall coordinator told me today that our Bever site had 500 people; Noelridge saw 600. Altogether we had over 3,000 people at 11 sites. Had the weather been nice, he said all of us would have run out of food. But that wasn't the case. And so maybe that's how God would have it - a tangible reminder that water can not overcome us and that ultimately water is a good thing. Andy Meyer looked at each other at the end of the day and just smiled. I said, "Well, it was memorable, Andy." He replied, "I wouldn't have it any other way." Neither would I.

Friday Cookout Gets Some Star Power

2009-06-11T21:46:00.000-07:00

I just got off the phone with my old friend, KCRG-TV9's Joe Winters, who is coming to our Friday Night Cookout at McKinley Middle School! The Free cookout is from 6-9 PM. Joe will be doing live weathershots on the 5 and 6 PM Newscasts.

Joe is a devout Catholic and a stand up guy. I liked him personally and professionally all 5 years I was at KCRG working as a news reporter. I was pleased to see him take over as Chief Meteorologist for Denny Frary and I am pleased to see he's coming to our cookouts! His presence will do wonders to promote all the Christian-based events this weekend to celebrate Cedar Rapidians making it one-year flood free. These events demonstrate God's amazing grace and love for all the world - even amidst a tragedy such as the flood. Please tune in at 5 and 6 to see Joe live - or better yet - set your DVR and join us on site for a free hamburger and shake the man's hand. God is so good!

Gruhn's house is Greenlit!

2009-06-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

Oh happy day! After months of backlog and red tape, Jumpstart has finally approved all work to be completed on the Gruhn family's home. I am SO excited. I spent a full day driving back and forth from the Jumpstart offices to the contractor's house to the Gruhn's in Marion to get all the paperwork signed. Folks, we are a "GO."

Here's the plan: I met with the Gruhn family to get a list of their priorities and needs to finish the job. We all have the same goal: Get Kia back home before she starts school in mid-August. I backdated our weekly priorities from August and took the work calendar to Pat, the contractor hired by the Gruhn's. Pat said it looks great and is doable!

We will have workdays EVERY SATURDAY morning beginning Sat. June 20th. Please watch this blog for weekly needs.

Pat's guys are currently putting in the HVAC. This is in HIGH demand right now in CR. Pat hopes to have this completed by Friday, June 19th, so we can get in on Sat. the 20th to begin putting in insulation and siding. I will be busy with the flood anniversary this weekend; I plan on contacting you next week about your availability.

Sign Here Please

2009-06-10T13:48:00.000-07:00

Our worship planning group decided to add a wrinkle to worship this weekend. Seeing as it is the one-year anniversary of the flood, we are asking people to write down the FIRST NAMES ONLY of people on their hearts who were touched by the flood on our cityscape banners. We will then hold them in prayer as we worship each week by having their names surrounding our worship space.

How will this work? The group decided it wouldn't be best to take down the banners and put them in the Nave, as we don't want to rip the banners or tear up the walls. So, we have decided to invite people as they are coming or going from worship or communion to use one of the pens placed under the banners to write names as high as they can reach. Tall people, please reach high!

I think this will be a moving experience for many members of our congregation (myself included) as we ALL know at least one person, if not many, touched by the flood. This isn't limited to just Cedar Rapids or just First Lutheran Members. If you know people in Palo, Iowa City, or elsewhere touched by last year's floods, please include their first names on the banner.

An Organic Shot in the City's Arm

2009-06-08T05:55:00.000-07:00

Hundreds turned out on a rain soaked Saturday for what turned out to be a monumental occasion for the city of Cedar Rapids, all wrapped in the normalcy of home grown radishes.

Katie is a HUGE fan of the farmer's market (as are a number of Cedar Rapidians) and we've been circling this date for a while. Last year, CR started a new venture. In addition to the number of smaller farmer's markets at various locations, the city decided to try one mega market in the downtown area, which later turned out to be ground zero for the flood. Last year's one mega market was a huge success, but then the waters came and washed out any future ventures, until this past weekend. This was the city's first reload for the mega market and the townspeople apparently were ready for radishes, homemade bread, fresh cut flowers, and the like. Katie and I had talked for days about going and we weren't going to let a little rain stop us! So we packed Hayden in his "yoda pack," put Kirk in the stroller, and we hit the city streets.

Oh my gosh were there a lot of people there! It was like an umbrella city, but the moisture couldn't wipe the smiles off people's faces. It felt so good to participate in something so positive for our town. It was normalcy again. Thank God! A little rain without fear of causing any damage. I'll take it! Oh, and I got some fantastic, fresh radishes and Kirk got a bite of a hot, apple turnover! The next mega market is on the first Saturday of July. If it's a dry day, I can't even imagine how many people will be downtown soaking up the sun and experiencing the sense of a city on the mend.

Flier Drop Touches Hearts

2009-06-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

Larry and I walked up and down 14th Street SE, put papers in people's hands and said, "Free food." People said, "Okay, I'll be there!" It was fantastic and very easy! Larry and I were even touched by encountering a few people living in new homes after being flooded out of their old houses. One really nice woman effected by the flood was putting in some beautiful new flowers in front of her new house. Larry asked a few questions and we ended up having a short prayer with her. The woman was in tears and I think Larry and I were both fighting them back too! God is so good. He never gives up on us...even when we are forced by Mother Nature to relocate our entire lives. There is hope! This was a great, spirit-filled activity.

Extra Extra Read all about it!

2009-06-03T19:59:00.001-07:00

Our own Barb Hanson made the news with a story about the fantastic "Camp Noah" we are hosting this summer for kids affected by last year's flood. Check it out. Here's a link:

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/46864792.html

Creative Minds Wanted

2009-06-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

We are in dire need of inspiration. Our church is charge of music/entertainment next Friday night for our neighborhood cookout. I for the life of me can't seemed to get motivated to figure this out. Does anyone have any ideas of how to bring live pop/rock musicians or recorded music to this event? Challenge: We don't have electricity on-site at McKinley. I am about ready to crank my pickup radio and roll down the windows!

We also need some yard games and fun stuff like face painting. Anyone have redneck golf?

Ideas greatly wanted! Your thoughts...

What's REALLY going on in the flood areas

2009-05-31T13:01:00.000-07:00

Well, we hit the streets of the SW side of Cedar Rapids effected by the flood this week and there were a few surprises...

1) I can't believe how well a lot of folks are doing. My fellow canvassers (is that a word?) and I went door-to-door to help give the city one big map of every home touched by the flood. Where are folks at? Mucked out? Rebuilding? Rebuilt? Most common answer was "rebuilding" and "rebuilt." A lot of folks affected by the great flood got on the ball, called on family and friends and churches and charities for help and got to work. Iowans are quietly resilient. I wonder how many people though are still quietly hurting inside?

2) Unfortunately there are still a few "eyesores" right next door to the rebuilds of people who have simply walked away and haven't even mucked out their homes. Sad angle to this story: We have all the volunteers we need for the job and we will do it for free; it's just tracking down these homeowners. Who are they? How do you get ahold of them to offer our help? Hopefully this canvassing will turn up a few names. Stay tuned. (BTW, This could cost the homeowners and/or taxpayers an arm and a leg to scoop off the curb after FEMA money for debris removal dries up June 12th. I'm told $2,000 a house.)

3) So far the canvassing has turned up 140 new homeowners who said they would like help! That's awesome! What a feather in the Recovery Coalition's hat. Of course, many of those folks will likely be whittled down as they attempt to qualify for help, but in the end, it will most likely mean a number of new projects for the thousands of volunteers coming in from out-of-state. Thanks to all the kind-hearted folks from First Lutheran Church for helping with this much needed, very fruitful survey! You ARE the hands and feet of Christ. Good job!

"Pray-ers" Needed for Flood Anniversary

2009-05-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

"Pray-ers" Needed for Flood Anniversary

Do you like to pray? How about for other people? Well we've got a gig for you...

First Lutheran needs 9 volunteers to fill the prayer tent at the "Healing the Heartland" Festival at the Kingston Sports Complex to mark the one year anniversary of the flood. Our church has committed to having at least three people in the tent from 12 PM to 3 PM on Saturday, June 13. Can you cover a one-hour shift?

**UPDATE** We got all the folks we need. Thank you!!

RAINDATE: People Needed to Canvas Flooded Areas!

2009-05-21T19:13:00.000-07:00

This event has been moved to Thursday. Are you availible that day? Please post! Be sure to include your first and last name.

Guess what the big problem facing Flood Recovery in Cedar Rapids this summer? No, it's not needing more volunteers. Some 4,000 people are expected to come to Cedar Rapids in the next few months. The big problem is there might not be enough work for them! Can you believe that? Why? It gets confusing, but the short answer is many people are doing it themselves, there's lead paint restrictions, and there's a lack of knowledge of the need out there.

What can you do? Ah, good question! The Rebuild Coalition announced today that a citywide canvas of the flooded areas turned up 140 new homeowners asking for help! That's great! They canvassed all 2,875 effected homes EXCEPT a few neighborhoods. I nearly jumped out of my seat when I heard this and said we at First Lutheran Church would love to help them finish this! What do you think? Are you up for it?

We have 10 packets of surveys that will take 2 people 1 an hour and half to complete. The survey is simple. You knock on doors and ask questions. I'll teach you everything you need to know. I'm proposing three times; I'll narrow it down to the two most popular:

Thurs. May 27, 9:30-11:30 AM
Thurs. May 27, 2:00-4:00 PM
Thurs. May 27, 6:00-8:00 PM

Please post your availability and your comments below....

Thanking God for Barb

2009-05-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

I have been praying one of those daylong prayers today of thanksgiving to God for Barb Hanson. Have you ever had those? ...a prayer that just sticks with ya? She has been firmly on my heart since this AM and I continue to thank God for her late into the night as I write this. Barb is one of those people who hears the tune "Here I am, Lord" and raises her hand and says, "Here I AM, Lord!"

The skinny: This morning at our FLC staff meeting we began our transition of flood coordination from Barb to myself. She and I will continue to meet weekly through the summer to keep each other "in the loop" on what's happening. It's overwhelming to think of the plethora of work she's done for almost a FULL YEAR now on disaster relief. I am proud to have her on our team at FLC! If you get a chance, please thank her for all the work she's done and continues to do.