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From Rev. Brock Patterson
“It Stinks a Little Bit, but Easter is Coming”
A little less than two weeks are remaining in this Lenten Season and I’m starting to get anxious. This is the time of year when most things break, flood, or self-combust. Over this past weekend, we again had a little trouble with one of our restrooms at the Chapel. I’m guessing that 60-year-old (1963) plumbing has reached the end of its useful life.
Fortunately, we’ve had several groups of people paying close attention to our facility infrastructure, and last week we were presented with a complete plan to remedy our immediate needs. If you missed this past Sunday’s Worship Service at the Chapel, you may not have heard my announcement about some exciting, upcoming improvements.
For the last several years, dedicated Chapel people have been working on architectural drawings, renderings, and, of course, the overall feasibility of some much-needed updating at the Chapel. We’ve bumped our heads and rear ends along the way, but it appears that we’re finally near a realistic starting point.
The Chapel’s Renovation Committee is proposing a complete reconstruction and remodel of the Women’s and Men’s restrooms (main floor, lobby area), the Prayer Chapel, an extensive Lobby (Narthex) renovation to open the main entrance hallway, and a complete reconstruction of the Chapel’s staff offices. The Committee is hoping to begin construction as early as June 1, with an anticipated construction timeline of 6 months. Yes, the intent is to complete the project in the “Off-Season” (unlike the Florida Road Department which seems to enjoy beginning major road projects during the busiest time of the year).
Therefore, on Sunday, April 7, we’ll host a chapel-wide meeting in the sanctuary immediately following worship. (The meeting will be streamed, and you will be able to ask questions via email and text if you are unable to attend in person.) The purpose of the meeting is to make
a complete presentation of the project proposal and answer everyone’s questions. In the meantime, a set of the project plans is available in the sanctuary lobby (narthex), and if you’d like, you can take a set home with you to review. Members of the committee will be available before and after each worship service in the next few weeks, so please engage them if you have questions!
This is good stuff. Yes, it’s very busy right now, which explains a little of my anxiety. In some places, it literally stinks. However, the rapid growth of the Chapel is a great thing and it’s helping us to address some things that will allow us to continue our growth. We’re not playing catch up. We are exactly where God needs us, and our LORD knows exactly what we need to continue the work within the LORD’s Chapel.
What about you? Are you anxious or ready? Close your eyes, take a breath, say a prayer. God is at work in you and all of us through the Chapel. Easter is just the beginning, and the air is already starting to improve!
God Bless, Brock.
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