Updates Upon Updates
Good morning,
If you were not able to be with us on Sunday, I announced that we have two candidates for elder: Chris Brinton and Austin McMillion. I am excited to work with both of these men and believe they are absolutely qualified to serve as elder. We will have a congregational vote of affirmation for each of them on Sunday 11/22 after the worship service. If affirmed, Chris and Austin will begin their 3-year terms on January 3.
I also wanted to pass along another update on building project:
Where are we at as of today?
We passed the big initial inspection! There are just a few minor issues that the builder needs to address. That means that things can really start to move ahead. This week the railing for the ramp, porch, and lower walkway were installed and most of the vinyl siding has been hung. The mini-split HVAC unit for the schoolhouse was also installed.
What happens next?
Bearing in mind that “the plan” is constantly changing, tomorrow insulation is scheduled to be installed everywhere that it is needed. Then on Monday drywall will start being hung. The mini-split units will be installed in the new section early next week and then the electricians will return to start hooking everything back up. I believe the plumber is also scheduled to return, but I haven’t received confirmation on that yet. We’ve definitely turned something of a corner and I expect the work to start moving quickly soon.
When is the project scheduled to be done?
As I said in the last update, that depends a bit on what you mean by “done.” The schedule is being adjusted, so having the main project finished by Thanksgiving may not happen. Hollow Ridge Builders will likely finish up in early December.
How will the new lobby be set up? What about new furniture and window treatments?
We want to wait until the majority of the work is completed and we can open things completely up and be in that space before we start making decisions. Same thing goes for window treatments. We also want to get a much clearer picture of where the church finances are at before making a bunch of purchases.
We have purchased an inexpensive coat rack that should be in the new lobby on Sunday for folks to hang their coats on in the meantime.
How are the church’s finances?
We remain in a strong position financially. We have received some very generous financial gifts in the last six months and are trying our best to manage them well. Our goal with the building project has been “functional over fancy” and we have stuck to it. I plan to give a brief (but more specific) financial update after the service on the 22nd.
What about heating and the bathrooms?
This Sunday may be a bit on the chilly side again, as we only have the one mini-split in the sanctuary available for heating. However, the fresh insulation being installed tomorrow should help. We should be warm and toasty on the 22nd. As for the bathrooms, it looks like we’ll have to make do with the port-a-johns for this week. They were moved to the upper parking lot. I am hopeful that we will have at least one bathroom available to us on the 22nd.
How about Sunday School?
The elders agreed that Sunday School will remain on hiatus until after the holidays.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out.
Here’s what’s happening:
1. TONIGHT - Youth Group
2. TOMORROW - Double Nickels Service Project at Blessings of Hope
3. SUNDAY - Communion Sunday
4. 11/22 – Congregational Meeting/Elder Affirmation Vote
5. 11/22 – OCC shoebox collection Sunday.
6. 11/22 – Thanksgiving Meal – A sign up sheet will be available on Sunday.
7. 11/29 – Youth Group Luncheon
On Sunday we will look at the first stops on Paul’s 1st Missionary journey, when he and Barnabas set sail for the island of Cyprus. While there they encounter resistance from a sorcerer who seeks to hinder the spread of the Gospel. We’ll look at why the church needs to be a “launching pad” for ministry, why opposition to God’s work is inevitable and how God wants us to respond to it. Hint – God’s power is far, far greater than Satan’s opposition!
See you on Sunday,
Scott