Taking a "Day On" for MLK Day

Home Depot and its employees joined with United Methodists in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day – January 21, 2008 – by taking a “Day On.”

Over fifty employees of Home Depot, Wesley House staff, and members of Eben-Ezer NewStart and Preston Highway ReStart (Louisville District) gathered at 5:30 a.m. on a cold Monday in January to make much needed repairs to the facility at 5114 Preston Highway in Louisville that is used for ministry to the community by the two congregations and Wesley House.

The MLK “Day On” is a nation-wide program that brings together companies and community ministries and agencies.  Robert “Sarge” Brown, Director of Operations for Wesley House, and Rich Rankin of Home Depot were the project organizers and coordinators.  Mr. Rankin is a member of Covenant United Methodist Church.

The project included repairing restrooms, laying new flooring, painting walls, hanging new ceilings, reconstructing the handicapped access ramp, and much more.  All materials were provided by Home Depot.  The hard work was fueled by 24 dozen doughnuts and gallons of coffee and juice provided by the Preston Highway congregation.

The two congregations are a part of the Louisville District ReStarts and New Initiatives (LDI).  Wesley House partners with LDI in much needed service to the surrounding community.  The two churches offer three worship services, Bible Studies, individual assistance, and English classes.  Wesley House offers day care, after school care, adult education, English classes, and many other services.

“The Home Depot folks had a great attitude and a lot of energy,” said Dr. John Slider, LDI Director.  “And without Wesley House – especially ‘Sarge’ Brown – this project would never have happened.  Through the partnership of Wesley House and these two congregations, the United Methodist Church is reaching into a part of the Louisville community that needs our witness, ministry, and presence.”

John Slider

In Photo from Left to Right:  Rich Rankin (Home Depot), Keith Bertrand (Service for Peace), Dr. Renee Campbell (CEO, Wesley House), Congressman John Yarmuth, Rev. Tim Jepsen (Pastor), Rev. Alfonso Rodriguez (Pastor), Dr. John Wesley Slider (Director, LDI), and Robert “Sarge” Brown (Wesley House Director of Operations)