Some folks say that summer is a time for rest, but the exact opposite has been true for the Move Team this summer. I recently sent a link for each family or individual unit in my old church directory to view our Project Superintendent’s YouTube walk through the Mission Outpost as it nears completion. Special thanks to our professionals for doing a great job, and to Jo Marohn who chose our beautiful color scheme and will order the furniture when needed. Soon our voices will join with others through the ages saying, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” Ps. 122:1 As you read this, I can almost hear you saying, “When will we move into the Mission Outpost?” The answer is “soon”, but as you’ll see, we don’t have an exact date yet.
During the past month permanent patching was completed on Token Valley, Hoadly Rd., and the neighbor’s driveway—three places where asphalt was cut to install underground utilities in the easements. Those neighbors replaced their whole driveway just before the utilities were installed, so now it must be sealed to restore it to its original condition. The construction trailer is gone. Final grading was completed, and topcoat of asphalt installed on the church driveway and parking lot. Gutters, downspouts, lighting, steeple, ceilings, toilet partitions, flooring, doors, hardware, and door frames have been installed. Utilities and HVAC are connected. Due to one paint number being transposed, one room had to be repainted because it was the wrong color. All finishes, trim, AV booth, interior painting, and millwork were completed. Grass is growing in front of the church, and more will be planted this fall. The landscaper planted all our trees, bushes, and shrubs which have a one-year warranty. They are being watered multiple times each week until we move into the Mission Outpost. The church sign will soon be placed in a location where it can be seen by traffic from both directions on Hoadly Rd. If needed, a few trees will be relocated so they do not obscure the sign. Our Move Team met on July 12 to pray, discuss progress, and continue planning for the move.
Work continues on the Hoadly Rd. paving and milling; altar rail is installed; and altar rail padded kneelers should arrive in late August. Thanks to Bob Mann who spent multiple days at the church for several weeks while the security system was being installed, and as an electrician installed the interior wiring for phone and internet since Verizon only installs wiring from their nearest telephone pole to the electrical room. The building is being cleaned in preparation for occupancy. A preliminary punch list will be generated on July 19 by Bob, Chloellen, Phil Westcott, and our project superintendent, Jeff. On July 27 Chloellen, Phil, Jeff, our GC, and our architect will include additional items on the punch list. Our G.C. hopes to complete all items on that list within a few weeks.
Prayers and praises for these items:
1. Praise God, our steeple is now lighted at night.
2. Generator/DEQ permit: The generator was expected in late August, but praise God, it was shipped on
July 13, 2022. It was ordered over a year ago, but an inadequate supply of parts delayed production. After it is connected to the pump station, the DEQ permit will be filed, and should be issued within 30-90 days.
3. Fire alarm control panel: Delivery of the fire alarm control panel is expected before the end of September.
4. Exterior cross: It was out of stock, but production will now resume. Pray for our exterior cross to arrive quickly so it can be seen when driving up the driveway.
5. Pray for approval of our permit for the required fence on top of the retaining wall.
6. Asphalt shoulder and turn lane: Unexpectedly, VDOT just required drilling of core samples on the shoulder and through lanes because Hoadly Rd. was recently repaved. Based on core sample results which we’ve just received, they will require a deeper layer of asphalt on the shoulder, turn lane, and throughway.
7. Church sign approval: Our application has been submitted 3 times and we’re told approval was delayed because a new PWC reviewer continues to request unusual documentation. Pray that it will be approved without further delay.
8. Several recent afternoons, cars racing at high speed caused 2 wrecks on Hoadly Rd. and one wreck on Token Valley. The police are now ticketing vehicles parked on the Hoadly Rd. shoulders because it is too dangerous. Pray for the safety of all who drive on these roads.
9. Protection for our property. Lightning caused an outage in 3 light poles in the parking lot and problems with the lighting controller in the building. Lighting training has been delayed until the lighting controller is repaired.
10. Protection and good health for our professionals and their families: Our sign maker’s father recently died; our architect’s wife was hospitalized for much of this year and is finally recovering; and some of our Move Team members and construction workers have had other illness or challenges.
In closing, 1Thess. 5:12-24, The Message, is most appropriate. “Honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!” Thank you, Vestry, clergy, and staff for your leadership!
For our Move Team members and our entire congregation as we wait, The Message continues, “Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part… reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out…Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens... Check out everything, and keep only what’s good… May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole.… The One who called you is completely dependable. If He said it, He’ll do it!”
Bob Mann, Chloellen Miller
Move Team Co-chairs
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