HAPPY FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI!
The readings for today can be found here.
We celebrate the great gift of the Most Holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ this weekend. We realize that Jesus is fulfilling His promise to be with us until the end of the age through the gift of the Eucharist. In His Body and in His Blood we receive the gift of life. In His Body and in His Blood we have Him within us. In the Eucharist, we receive LOVE. It is always good to spend a few minutes to praise God for His great gift to us.
UPDATES ON PROJECTS
This summer we are going to be completing several projects. Unfortunately the entire list of projects will not be able to be completed as prices continue to increase. We have several projects that are needed as well as some that have been deferred as long as possible:
Fire alarm system in the original school building: when we did the Parish Center project we had three years to bring the whole building up to code. This summer marks the third year, and we have to do the project.
Bathroom addition in the Preschool: The DHS has a minimum staffing level for the 3-year old and 4-year old programs. Currently we need to have a higher ratio than required because there is not a bathroom in each classroom. With the addition of the bathroom we can reduce the staffing ratio and provide a safer environment for the program.
Concrete: We have several areas of concrete that need to be replaced. The stoop on the back door of the Parish Offices is deteriorated as well as several holes in the parking lots, sidewalks and curves on campus.
Retaining wall: In the lower parking lot below the preschool playground, the retaining wall collapsed with the heavy rains this Spring. We had not expected this project, but need to fix it right away.
Painting: the lower level of the church building was last painted about 15 years ago (according to the best estimate). Additionally, the gathering space walls have significant damage from posters (the reason why they are still up). We need to fix and paint these areas.
Master key replacement: we need to update the church complex security. One of the most basic ways is through rekeying the building as we know that copies have been made over the years, and we don't know who has keys to the buildings. We already have the electronic key access where we can monitor access, so by changing the outdoor keys, we will have better security.
Cameras in the parking lot: depending on the costs of the above projects, we hope to install security cameras in the parking lots.
Because of the cost of these major projects, there are several projects that are on hold until next year:
The relocation of the tabernacle: we have a solid design, but the cost to move it was a little less than the retaining wall. We will look to see how the tabernacle is fixed to the floor. If we are able to move it into the sanctuary safely, we will look at doing this summer with little cost, and then next summer the more expensive project.
Martha and Mary updates: the carpet in the Martha and Mary Fellowship Hall has hosted many feet and absorbed many spills. We have cleaned it, and it is worn out. We will look at reflooring the MMFH in the coming years as well as additional sound absorption.
Ceiling Fans in the church: we will need to replace the light fixtures in the church as the bulbs will not be available in a couple of years. When we replace the fixture, we will install ceiling fans to help move air.
HVAC: The heating system and the air conditioning system do not speak to one another. We also have had some issues with the computer that controls the AC, causing a really warm church. We will need to look at fixing these issues.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Once again, a word of gratitude to Sherri Hunt for her 13+ years of ministry among us. She will be spending time with grandchildren and family, and enjoying her free weekends. Please keep her in your prayers as she begins this new adventure.