The Lord Builds

It’s been about a month since we posted the new color scheme for our facility, both here on the The Lord Builds and in the lobby. We’re just about ready to begin painting the facility, but before we get to that, a few notes about the painting:

1. We’ve been waiting to get started on the paint project because we wanted to make sure our flooding issues were resolved. Thanks to the recent rain storms, we believe we’ve got the flooding issue under control.
2. Painting will be done in two phases. The first will be the Worship Center, Preschool areas and the main entry (Glenhurst) doors. The second phase will be all remaining public spaces, including hallways, Grace, the Workroom, Lobby and stairwells. We are waiting on an insurance settlement from the flooding before repairing flood damage in the lobby/stairwell.
3. There have been some questions about how the cross will look against the blue wall. We will be adding some subtle LED back-lighting to the cross to make it stand out. It will be a single color (white) and will probably have the ability to be dimmed as needed. We are working with some distributors to gets costs and options.
4. The “IHS” on the wall can not be back-lit because it is flush against the wall. We are looking at options to light it so it also stands out from the wall a bit. We’re leaning towards a mounted light that shines on it, but we’re still considering options.
5. The descending dove and Alpha/Omega symbols are being moved from their existing locations in preparation for painting and a new projection system. The walls where they are located now will become projection surfaces. We are discussing options for their new placement. If you have suggestions, please leave them below in the comments.

Here’s the painting schedule for phase 1:

• Entryway doors: October 12 or 13. If you are using the facility on these days, plan on entering through the gymnasium doors or the boulevard entrance.
• Worship Center/loft/cry room: October 12-16.
• Preschool halls/entries/stairwells: October 15-16.

This means that the paint job in the Worship Center will be finished in time for services on October 17/18. At this time, we don’t have an estimated start time for phase two of the painting project.

EDIT: The paint schedule has been updated. Our paint contractor was able to double-up the crews so we’ll have everything done in one week. Great news!

The entrance ramp project has been completed and the Stucco is nearly done as well.  Not much to say about it, other than the fact that all of our contractors are doing some great work for us. Here are some pictures of the finished ramp and the stucco progress:

The concrete pad for the garbage cans is smoothed out.

The finished project, drying.

The crew works on the Glenhurst entrance concrete. This is the replacement for the existing section that was demolished because of the tripping hazard.

The finished concrete work, as seen from inside the church.

The finished project from outside the church. Notice the new ramp on the far side of the brick column.

A closeup up the new wheelchair accessible ramp. There will be railings installed on the side of the ramp nearest the brick column, wrapping around the column.

A wide shot of the front of the worship center stucco repair. The two brighter columns are complete. The remaining await a final coat of stucco.

A close-up of the stucco work.

The stained glass repair project moves into phase two this week. The lift has arrived and the work crew is taking down the existing glass that will be replaced.  Some shots:

The lift in action.

Removing the windows from up high.

More window removal.

The sanctuary, set up for the Jami Smith concert.

The Loft in the Sanctuary.

Eye level while sitting in the Loft.

Major: Worship

Minor: Large Events, Meetings

What’s it used for?

• Two worship services on Saturday evening.
• Two worship services on Sunday morning.
• Large events (Power Team, Jami Smith, etc.)
• Band rehearsal.
• Voters Meetings.

What are the challenges?

• Stained glass windows are in need of repair, causing leaks which in turn damage the paint.
• Video projector is under-powered for the room.
• The projection screen covers the cross when it’s down.
• Chancel is uneven, which is a challenge for dramas.
• Overflow seating in the loft can’t see everything happening in the chancel.

What’s the vision?

• Repair stained glass area.
• Repaint walls.
• Change projection system to improve quality of picture and aesthetics of the room.

Stuff We’re Thinking About

• How do we improve visibility for the seating in the loft?
• What can be done to make the Baptismal Font more drama-friendly?

Lobby, as seen from main entrance.

Bulletin Boards in the Lobby.

Lobby, as seen from Sanctuary.

Major: Gathering space pre- and post-worship

Minor: Information delivery (bulletin boards, mailboxes, tracts), small receptions

What’s it used for?

• Bulletin boards are space to tack up information for wide range of ministries and purposes.
• Mailboxes for members to receive information and fliers.
• Food pantry drop-off.
• Displays with tracts.
• Coffee hour.

What are the challenges?

• Water damage in some areas.
• Paint is chipping in places.
• Bulletin boards aren’t kept up to date.

What’s the vision?

• Repair ceiling and walls.
• Repaint all walls.
• Remove most bulletin boards and replace with video monitors with up-to-date information.

Cry Room, off the Lobby.

Major: Cry room

Minor: Small meetings of 2-4 people

What’s it used for?

• Cry room for kids during worship.
• Food pantry storage.
• Archives room.
• Storage.

What are the challenges?

• Room is sub-par as a cry room due to decorations and quality of toys/furniture.
• Archive and storage space is poorly organized and difficult to access.

What’s the vision?

• Update the decor.
• Upgrade toys/furniture with an emphasis on kids.