Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Time for Giving Thanks

It's always time for giving thanks, but this year we are all so thankful for the beautiful new facility that the "thanks" rolls off our tongues easily!  God has been with us every step of this project. We are grateful for that. We are grateful for the Holy Spirit's guidance and the presence of the living Christ as we've built relationships with our work crew. Many wonderful people have crossed our path through this project. We say "thank you" to them. And "thank you" to God for bringing them into our lives.

We say "thank you" to the congregation who answered the call to step out in faith and support this project, especially in "these economic times" (my favorite new phrase). People gave sacrificially and joyfully, and for that we are grateful. Your generosity will never be forgotten; rather, it will live on as future generations are blessed by this amazing facility.

What are you thankful for this year? I'm especially thankful for the joy-filled purpose this project has brought to so many people. To see men and women, boys and girls, working together on the old barn, delivering wood to persons in need, pulling nails, painting the outside of the ed wing, boxing up books and supplies to be stored, taking tours of the new space, enjoying fundraising tenderloin dinners....the joy all this brings truly makes me thankful. Our purpose is clear; we are living into the mission God has for us.

Today's pics show how far we've come with the interior work. It's really taking shape! And it's beautiful! Great skill has been used to choose trimwork, paint colors, textures and tiles. Our workers will enjoy a well-deserved Thanksgiving break. But, rest assured, they'll be back bright and early Monday morning!


Some of the lovely trimwork on the west wall.

The tray ceiling will be spectacular!


Clayton (right) and two of our wonderful workers.
God has blesed us with a great crew!

Electrical panel boxes in the new space.

The skylights - the amount of light is amazing, especially on cloudy, rainy days!

Looking in to Linda's office from the Fellowship Hall.
Isn't the trim work beautiful?!

Clayton has moved his office to the new Conference Room
just off of the foyer.

One of our Latino workers caulking up the trim work.
He was excited that we offer ESL classes and he offered to teach me Spanish!
Muchas Gracias!

Yes, we have so much to be thankful for ~ this year and every year. Today and every day. Let's be like the Psalmist who said, "I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make God's faithfulness known through all generations!" (Psalm 89)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from your blogging pastor.....