Real work has begun!

This first full week of physical work got underway on the stained glass renovation. This first delivery came from Builders General Supply, as the driver maneuvers around the snow and ice piles.

The barrier wall was assembled and connected to the ceiling with the use of the scissor lift. It then received 1/2" plywood sheathing at the bottom and ran up 8', (for occupant safety). The remaining 19' was placed to the exterior side so it would provide a better shield from the high work. The entire exterior side of the wall was wrapped with 6 mil vapor barrier. One of the original double glass doors was placed in the barrier wall. This will provide access when needed but it will also allow members to peek in at what is going on.

USHER UPDATE & THE WALL:

In an effort to crack down on unnecessary & wrongful behavior during church services, the ushers have requested some hi tech help. It starts with a head usher command post mounted high on the temporary wall. This restricted space will feature wireless headset communications, CCTV monitors, infra red tasers, MEGA amped bull horns audible sirens. Now Curt will be able to redirect the "stragglers", lock down church service, and humiliate up to five groups of people in 3 different locations, all without moving and at the same time.

Giant video screens will project his image holding out his arm in the HALT position, also shaking his head and or frowning at parents with poorly managed children & collacky babies. At his discretion, Curt can simply use the touch screen display menu that can authorize the distribution of collection plates and monitor contribution totals.

He will not have to deal with those improperly sized groups of people going up for communion. Laser assisted tasers can be used on those people who try to approach the communion table before HE says it is time.

Another exciting feature will be his ability to cut short and override any lengthy sermons or temple talks. With a simple touch, he can command the next hymn to commence and control the timing and the tempo of the organist, a BIG time saver. Early estimates project a start to finish and out the door church service of just under 15 minutes.

I don't know about you, but just thinking of bringing back a good old fashion Lutheran church service, brings tears to my eyes. ;o)

BACK TO WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK:

Tuesday & Wednesday were a couple of pretty disruptive days as the masons cut & then jack-hammered out the concrete slab, (the base for the bluestone). This turned out to be quite a job as this concrete reached an average thickness of 18", (4 times normal).

A special thank-you to Pastor Matt and Debbie, for working through the very disturbing noise and vibrations, (not even a frown). **FC2 is not responsible for any errors in church office management or bad sermons that may have been preformed this week, ;o)**

Along with carpenters and masons, the electrical, plumbing, and fire alarm contractors were also here prepping for the removal of the front wall. After last Sunday's worship service, Charlie Brady asked me what I was going to do with the old flood lights in the narthex ceiling. Further he went on to say that the lights have not worked for at least 6 or 7 years, (the bulbs are too difficult to replace). So on Tuesday we replaced the lamps and they work great. Now, consideration of using LED lamps to extend usage and to provide more illumination of the stained glass. THANKS CHARLIE!

This picture was taken early Wednesday morning from the scissor lift before the barrier wall was fully enclosed and before anyone else had arrived to the job.

Throughout the day and amidst all of the commotion, my intentional glances to the cross would help keep me centered on Christ.

It is when I am living and working in Christ that gives me the most incredible peace that only God can offer, (give it a try).