Robert's Ramblings

You Are the Most Gracious of People

      You.ve put up with a lot since construction began in April:  a parking lot reduced to dirt, detoured entries through fire exits, displaced classes, home hosting of meetings, cancelled activities (haven.t you missed those fellowship dinners?), restroom lines, no air conditioning, no heat, a sanctuary that looks anything but, metal folding chairs and dust, dust, dust and mud.  No one could have predicted last April that we would have the wettest summer on record.

      You.ve met all these challenges with grace.  Not once have I heard a complaint.  (If you have had one, please don.t tell me.  I.d rather live with what I haven’t heard.)  And you.ve answered each inconvenience with rich humor.  Among my favorite lines is the quip one of you made upon seeing the demolished but not yet cleared old fellowship hall:  /Just look at this mess!  Isn.t it beautiful?0 For me your positive spirit is a thing of joy to celebrate, as much in its way as the completion of construction—when it is completed.

      Ah, “when?” That is the question we all want answered.  As I write this, we are awaiting a revised schedule from the contractor.  Perhaps we.ll all know the answer by the time this issue of The Messenger arrives.  The best opinions are that it will be soon after the first of the year.  Of course, rain delays might further affect the schedule.

      At present, we are awaiting testing the fire sprinkler system and installation of the heating/air conditioning system in the new classroom building and the fellowship hall/ office complex.  Those have to be done before the ceiling tile and floor covering can be installed.

      The delay in completing the narthex and renovation of the sanctuary is the result of a deteriorated beam in the sanctuary roof system.  It was discovered during demolition for the new narthex.  The structural engineers have devised a remedy whereby the load can be transferred through trusses to the outside walls without our having to go to the considerable expense of replacing the beam totally.  The trusses have been ordered.  Until the roofing is completed over the narthex and that portion of the sanctuary, refurbishing the sanctuary is “on hold.”

      It.s been a long time, and you’ve been most gracious and understanding.  THANK YOU!  Just be patient a little longer, please.

      —Robert E Shelton