Ben’s Blog

As we continue our mid-summer admin update…

A campus update on two of the major projects going on right now.  Both fit within our campus design draft that Mike referred to in the sermon on Sunday August 3.  I took a few pictures this morning of the latest as these are behind the scenes type projects that aren’t always obvious on the typical Sunday morning.   (see below)

The first project is continued progress on putting a fresh face on the 33 Lawrence Avenue building.   The draft campus design has the building on Lawrence Avenue being used for group (small groups and Bible studies) & community workshop space (events like our Job Hunting Workshops or possibly Financial Peace University).  With the growth of the children’s ministry there is less and less space that can function as adult ministry space.  The Lawrence Avenue building will give us some additional space in this regard.  (a big thanks to the volunteers that have been investing time in this project!!)

The second project is replacement of the roof above the Sanctuary lobby.  For those that don’t get to this part of the building often for some time we’ve had water leaking into several locations.  This area is not expected to be impacted by any addition to the building therefore any repairs done now are not “in vain”.  Once the roof is replaced (which may be complete as early as Friday) we’ll be starting in on giving a fresh coat of paint.

Part of what is given in our offerings is used to maintain and improve the campus and facilities.  So your continued giving is important.  For instance we budgeted $1000 per month in 2008 to pay for the roof repair.  So it’s important that the year finishes strong in offerings to fully cover this repair.  Also the rising cost of materials caused the final quote to be about $2400 above budget.  So the fact that we are currently above budget in offerings helps in this area - but again we must finish strong.  Improvements to the Lawrence Avenue building are mostly above budget so your continued giving allows us to continue chipping away at this project.  Thanks for beign part of furthering the work in this part of His Kingdom!

A few new trees in front of Lawrence Avenue, in coming weeks you’ll also see a new small entrance sign.

The main meeting room (there will be at least 3 rooms available once all rooms are freshened up) is getting a layer of drywall to cover over the concrete block and a coat of paint.  Light fixtures are being replaced with new ones and the air conditioning/heating ducts are getting some new insulation and vents.  Next spring the AC unit will be replaced.

 The hallway has received a fresh coat of paint and the ceiling tiles are getting a coat of paint.

 The new roofing materials have arrived and the old roof is being torn off.

Part of the roof decking was completely removed because of damage.  This was the view today in the restroom by the Sanctuary!

Communication and Information Sharing are two things that we want to continue to work on and share as often as possible.  Actually communication will be this Sunday’s (August 3) last topic in our Google sermon series.  Some may recall we posted a series of postings on the first quarter back in April.  At the conclusion of those postings we made those available at the Info Kiosks for anyone that misses these as I go, we’ll do that again with this series of postings.  In the coming days I’m going to post some updates ranging from VBS numbers, attendance, offerings, budget, building updates, etc.  So sit back and enjoy!!

Part One - VBS 

The average nightly attendance (kids only - preschool thru middle school) was 238 this year, up from 211 last year (12.8% for those that prefer percentages).

The high attendance this year was 246 vs. 225 last year.

The biggest classes this year were the Kindergarteners and First Graders averaging 33 kids in each class.

For some fun we attempted a little O-H-I-O in Canada…

Of course while attempting the shot we had the wandering “H”

And the charismatic “H” with his sideways “I” brother

Well internet access hasn’t improved so I’m sending this from Starbucks.  Not quite my style as there are some time limits…  Anyway, Camp wrapped up great.  200 people came out for the barbeque. (or as we call it in the states, a cookout) 

Friday afternoon we took the kids to a local park for swimming - I think it was about 60 when we got there but the winds shifted and we got closer to 70 by the middle of the afternoon.  As a crew leader this made my job easier as we were about the only people there.  By the way it snowed in the mountains Thursday night (see pictures below). 

Our family will be taking a week of vacation starting after church on Sunday.  When I return to posting next week I’ll do a wrap up post on the trip and give some updates on church planting in Canada along with some opportunities we may have to help establish great churches in Canada.  Have a good week!

Preschool Teaching Time

Swim trip to Sikome Lake

Snowy morning up in the mountains

A creature checks out Joseph’s lunch

All is going great in Calgary.  Day 3 & 4 are about the same as Day 1 & 2…I have some pictures but unfortunately our internet connection is in and out at the moment at the house we are staying, thus I’m sending this quick note from a local coffee shop.  As soon as I can get some more computer time I’ll get those up hopefully Friday evening.

Friday night is the closing barbeque be praying for families to come out to that…

Ben