BROOKINGS – Following a Christian, scriptural-based and prayer-filled dedication service on Monday afternoon, Monica Aspon, with her three children – Lillianna, 14; Jared, 11; and Cooper, 8 – at her side, accepted the keys to a newly constructed Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity home on River Run Road in Brookings.
Leading the dedication service was Jess Vrchota, executive director of Brookings Area HFH. Quoting from Ephesians 2: 1922 and Colossians 1:11, she noted also that “Jesus Christ himself is the cornerstone” of the home.
Following her welcome and introduction came a candle lighting ceremony with the Aspon family. “The candle is a symbol of love, knowledge and cheer,” Vrchota explained. “With gratitude to God, who has provided the materials and given us the strength to build this house,” She then led the nearly 30 people attending through several prayers,” and the people responded to each with: “We dedicate this home.” The prayers went on to cite many virtues “essential for the growth and fulfillment of this family.” Those virtues included: “the vision, courage, faith and hope that make life cheerful and serene… the beauty and order and cleanliness that provide a wholesome atmosphere and elevates the spirit of living… to the training of the bodies, minds, and souls of all who live within these walls.”
Nearing the conclusion of the service, the director noted “the work of God’s kingdom in the world and in cooperation with his people.” The people concluded by responding : “We dedicate this home to the glory of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
In her closing, Vrchota prayed: “Most loving God, we thank you that you make us all members of your eternal family. Fill this house with your divine presence, we pray. Pour out your love to deepen the fellowship shared here. Let your wisdom guide us, your trust free us and your peace bless us! Amen.”
“It’s been a long time coming,” Monica Aspo nsaid, expressing her gratitude to all those who contributed to the building of the family’s home. “I’m very excited.”
In the dedication program, she extended “Special thanks to all who helped make this home possible, with gifts of meals, labor, services, financial donations, materials, in-kind support, volunteerism, prayers and friendship.”
“We’re very excited for you,” Vrchota said. Continuing, she added, “I want to take the opportunity to thank the foundation crew for their unwavering time and talent spent here to make this happen. This has been, honestly, an incredible timeline for a home built with 90 percent volunteer labor. You guys and your time and your work are so appreciated.”
A presentation of gifts for the home came next, including: a fire extinguisher, from the Brookings Fire Department Auxiliary; a shovel, from Homestead Do-It Center; a rake, from Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse of Brookings; a homemade quilt, from Brookings Quilters Guild; a storm door, still to be installed, from Larson Manufacturing; a King James Bible, from Gideons International; and an American flag, from American Legion Post No. 74, Brookings.
In the final act of the dedication service, construction director Jason Hett presented the house keys to the Aspon family’s 1,200 square foot, four-bedroom home.
Among those on hand for the dedication ceremony of the local Habitat affiliate was Keith Rounds, president of the Brookings HFH board of directors.
A time for refreshments and fellowship followed the dedication service.
— Contact John Kubal at [email protected].
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