Little steps of improvement

After prayer on Monday night, several of the men stood on the sidewalk and described what we thought the front of the building would look like next summer. Duane sent me some pictures that helped to explain what he thought that we talked about so I decided to post the progression that we are making in little steps.


Here is where we started from in 2007. The bushes surrounded the front of the building like a moat used to protect castles centuries ago. A precariously perched sign also labeled the building instead of the people.

Here is what the front of the building looks like in 2008. It is clearly more open and inviting and represents a clean slate that we can work with.


Here is just one example of something that we could do in 2009. People have mentioned many elements that could be added like fountains, brooks, and stone walls. When 2009 rolls around, I am sure there will be more ideas from the church and from the community.

Two weeks of Work Complete

Week 1: Scott Faulkner, Adam Eby, Paul and Tracy Barth, Kim Foster, Theresa Holmes, James, Emily, Aaron and Joshua Davis, Matt Hind
Week 2: Scott Faulkner, Becca Eby, Paul Barth, Mike Brady, Tony, Jacob, Abby, David and Caleb Jones, Carmen and Adam Eby, Marc and Kim Foster

We all had lots of fun working two full Saturday's and have lots of stories to go with the fun. If you weren't able to make it, at least you have the pictures. I think we have enough of the outdoor work done so that the Ice Cream Social will go well next Saturday. We still need to rent a chipper and remove the last few stumps and turn all the brush into mulch this next week.

Outside:

• Crush the sign ( sledge hammers ) - Adam, Scott
  
• Pull out the stumps from the bushes ( shovels, pick ax, stump grinder ) - Matt, James, Joshua, Aaron, Adam, Scott, Emily
  
• Mow the tree sanctuary ( weed eaters, hand mowers, no grass over 12" ) - Kevin
  
• Trim the trees in the santuary ( lopping shears, hand saws ) - Theresa, Kim, Paul, Tracy
  
• Clear the fence rows - Kevin, Paul, Emily, Tracy
  
• Trim the hedges ( hedge trimmers ) - Kevin, Paul
  
• Install small lights that shine on the steeple, building and walkways
  
• Remove the dying barberry bushes in front of parking lot ( chainsaw, hand saw ) - Matt, James
  
• Trim the trees on the lot ( making it easier for lawn service to mow ) - Kevin
• Move contents of the shed to the dumpster - Kevin, Scott, Becca, Paul, Mike
  
• Tear down the shed - Kevin, Scott, Becca, Paul, Mike, Tony, Jacob, Abby, David, Caleb, Carmen, Adam, Marc, Kim, Mike's truck, Scott's drill, Kevin's rope
  
• Brainstorm on new ideas for the front that engages the community ( Everyone - not done yet )
  

Hiring a plumber for the following items: (Van!)

• Repair the outside faucet in the rear of the building
  
• Repair baptistry heater ( water heater or jacuzzi heater instead of current system)

Fellowship Hall:

• Replace ceiling tiles - Scott
  
• Repair men's bath room ( exhaust fans, lights, ceiling tiles, leaks ) - Scott, Kevin
  

Whole Building:

• Fill dumpster with stuff that no one knew who it belonged to - Kevin, Adam
  
• Move few valuable things from shed to new closet space! - Scott, Kevin

Work List for June Work Days

LCF did a great job of moving out and cleaning up last Saturday. Now it's time to repair things and move in. Depending on how much help we have on each day, and on the weather, we will be working both inside and outside.

Outside:

• Crush the sign ( sledge hammers )
• Pull out the stumps from the bushes ( shovels, pick ax, stump grinder )
  
• Mow the tree sanctuary ( weed eaters, hand mowers, no grass over 12" )
  
• Trim the trees in the santuary ( lopping shears, hand saws )
• Trim the hedges ( hedge trimmers )
  
• Install small lights that shine on the steeple, building and walkways
  
• Remove the dying barberry bushes in front of parking lot ( chainsaw, hand saw )
  
• Trim the trees on the lot ( making it easier for lawn service to mow )
• Tear down the shed
• Paint the 25 year old tan trim white ( or replace it )
• Replace front door
  
• Spread mulch
• Brainstorm on new ideas for the front that engages the community
  

Hiring a plumber for the following items:

• Repair the outside faucet in the rear of the building
• Repair baptistry heater ( water heater or jacuzzi heater instead of current system)

Sanctuary:

• Redo the lighting on the stage ( direction, amount, appearance )
  
• Build a wide canvass for projection
  
• Install projector and monitor in a more attractive and hidden manner
  
• Reorient sound board
  
• Repair ceiling tape and prepare for painting
  
• Design and build new altar in front of stage ( no more wires, cables, cords )
• Blend baptistry design with the altar ( stones, brook )
  
• Replace doors between sanctuary and foyer to open things up ( taller doors )
  

Fellowship Hall:

• Waterproof the closet in front ( tear down wall to make more usable?)
• Replace kitchen countertop
• Replace fluorescent fixtures, lights, and covers as necessary
  
• Replace ceiling tiles
• Remodel both bath rooms ( new sinks, cabinets, exhaust fans, lights )
  

Education Wing:

• Cabinets and counter tops
  
• Six switch light panel
• Install white board ( with canvass cover for projection? )
  
• Stop emergency heat from kicking on when it gets too hot
  
• Install video equipment securely
• Finish mudding the Sound Closet
• Remodel Mike's office
• Replace carpet in all the offices, closets
  
• Paint all the offices, closets, stairways, hallways
  

Other things that can be done ( wish list ):

• HVAC ( Install air return for the sanctuary )
• Arrange for exterminator to protect church from termites
• Install thermostats that are not adjustable by occupants
• Grade the parking lot for better water drainage before repaving