Building for Tomorrow!

Late yesterday (Friday) a very large sign was placed on the corner of Westheimer and Bering. The sign has two large street views of the new building and identifies those who are supporting the project: Amegy Bank, Fretz Construction, and Ziegler-Cooper Architects.

Across the top of the sign is our capital campaign theme: Building for Tomorrow! With all of the excitement these past weeks it might be very easy to forget why we are expending such a huge amount of time and effort on this project. If the goal is simply to have a nicer facility I am afraid that we might actually be disappointed. Like all things temporal, over time, the building will begin to wither and fade, like the grass of the field. If the goal is to proclaim the gospel to the very ends of the earth then the Lord will bless our efforts and the new space will serve a special purpose.

Consider this: at the moment Memorial Lutheran School is completely filled with children from eight-weeks to pre-school. The new space will allow us to add nearly forty additional children in these programs. The waiting lists can be turned into more children in our school who are hearing the gospel and are experiencing sins forgiven. Thanks be to God. He does all things well.

The new space will also give our youth (junior and senior high) a special place to call their own. How wonderful to have an inviting space where they want to bring their friends for bible study and fellowship.

Let us not become excited about the building but let us be "doers of the Word" as we use this space to the glory of God and the expanding of the kingdom in Houston. I pray that the Lord will enliven each us to His service.

Plumbing and Parking

Today work is continuing on the new building plumbing and the new front parking lot. The city inspector is expected today to look over the sewer lines before work can continue. The main pipes for the chiller (shown in the picture) are also being buried on the west side of the school building where the chiller yard will be.

On the Westheimer side they are now removing several inches of soil from the entire park area. Because there is no base they will need to carefully prepare the soil for the new parking lot. I understand that they will skim off about 5-6 inches of top soil and then spread lime which will then be covered with several inches of rock. During construction the parking lot will remain a gravel lot so that we do not damage the asphalt finish. Once work is completed on the building the parking lot will be paved.

Underground Work!

All of the piers were poured on Tuesday (including the piers for the chilled water unit and the covered parking lot). Yesterday and today they are working hard to set the water and plumbing for the new building. This has included work to install the piping for the chilled water unit. They are also busy cutting the asphalt pavement in the parking lot (gym lot) as they prepare to install the storm/sewer drainage.

This morning they hit the school water main (again!) and so we will be without water for about an hour as they hook us back up.

Bring on the Concrete

Despite being a bit wet, the concrete trucks have arrived and are in high-gear pouring the piers for the new building. They are using a bit of drying agent to keep from tearing up the dirt work. There is certainly no turning back now!

Architect on Site

As the pier work began, architect Paul Lodholz was on-site to oversee the work. He reported that the deep soil samples looked very good and was going to be strong for the piers and foundation of the new building. Also pictures is Paul's assistant, Gilford Allen, who is helping us throughout the project. A huge thanks to both of them for their own-going over site of our project.

Pouring Piers Today

Today will be busy with the pouring of the new building piers throughout the day. The piers will be drilled and then filled with concrete along with a metal frame inside each pier. Today will be a great day to tune into the web cam to see some work.

All Clear!

Late this afternoon (around 5 PM) the final trees were removed from the campus. I must admit that the front yard of the campus looks extremely different; not bad just different. It is very difficult to picture how everything will look once the parking lot is completed and the new landscaping comes to life. As I stood watching with one of the Fretz workers he said, "It is going to be beautiful when everything is finished." It is hard to see that at the moment but I know that great and glorious things are to come.

There has also been much work to prepare for the installation of the new Westheimer sign. If all goes well the sign may be installed before the end of January. The plan calls for removing the top of the current sign, cleaning the brick, installing new lettering on the brick and placing an electronic sign on top. It will be great to be able to change the sign information with the touch of a button (or a computer key). I pray that the increased curb appeal and inviting look of the campus will be a welcoming invitation to Houstonians.

Another Mess!

Today (Friday) there has been more tree removal along Westheimer for the new parking lot. They are also busy laying out the new building and marking the position of the piers. While it is still too wet to drill they are hopeful to begin this work early next week. If all goes according to plan they will drill and pour the 70+ piers all in one day. Of special note is the removal of four trees that will be used by Jim Keller. Jim is a nationally known artist who specializes is creating wonderful pieces of art from wood. He has a special talent for turning bowls and other such items. Jim has taken these trees and plans to make some special creations that can be purchased by members to support the capital campaign. I certainly look forward to seeing his work; something old turned into something new (that is certainly the way of the gospel).

New Parking

This afternoon (Thursday) work began on the new parking lot that will wrap the front of the sanctuary and will connect the two sides of the campus. This new parking lot is going to be a very helpful addition to the campus.

Of course, the new parking lot means several trees have the be removed around the front and sides of the sanctuary. The removal of trees began this afternoon. By the end of the day they had removed five or six trees from the south/west corner of the campus. While several trees will be removed many of the largest and most significant oaks trees will remain. I would like to think that we are getting the best of both worlds: a new parking lot without sacrificing all of the trees.

More Dirt!

This week has been crazy at the job site. On Sunday you saw a nice fresh layer of dirt on the site of the new construction. On Monday morning another 50+ trucks arrived to continue raising the site.

Early in the week work also continued on the new school entrance/exit. All of that work is now completed and the demolition of the old front walk is complete. The gas line was moved and the last tree on the building site was removed. We also managed to hit the cable line on Wednesday so that the church and school were without Internet access for a day. To date, we have hit just about every line possible (the only exception being the phone line, but I'm sure we will get that one sooner or later).

Because of the rain they are unable to work on the building site today (Thursday). They had planned to drill and pour piers the end of the week but it looks like this work might be delayed. Instead they are planning to remove the remain trees (along Westheimer) in preparation of the new park lot.

God is good and so are the workers. Despite various setbacks and challenges (daily!) everything is moving forward and everyone is working together.

A Flury of Work!

Please don't let my silence these last days be taken for no activity at the work site. The opposite is true. The end of this week has seen work progressing at break-neck speed.

The building site is completely cleared. The base dirt has been cleaned and leveled and new dirt is being delivered and worked. I cannot begin to count how many semi-trucks were in and out doing the removal. I can tell you that we are scheduled for over 100 truck loads of new dirt to be used as the base of the new building. On Sunday (or from the web cam) you can see the stakes with the pink tape marking the layout of the building.

Besides the outside site work for the new building other work has been continuing: finishing off the metal work on the west side of the sanctuary (where the walk-way was disconnected), removing the brick utillity fence near the school office, moving HVAC and electric services on the outside of the school building, and building out the new school entrance and hallway. Again, this has been a very busy week.

Cleaning Up

Today was another day of cleaning up around the site. More concrete was hauled away, especially from around the side of the school. The bulldozer also spent a far amount of time mounding up the dirt that is to be removed.

The biggest problem today was a lack of trucks to carry materials to the dump. It seems that these are the sort of delays one often faces on a large job such as this. If all goes well tomorrow all of the demolition on the north side of the sanctuary will be complete (with the exception of one tree, see below). There is however a large amount of demolition (tree clearing, etc.) that still is coming around the front (the Westheimer side) of the sanctuary in preparation for the new parking lot.

Center Point Energy was also on-site today to make preparation for moving a gas line that is very near a tree that still needs to be removed. Hopefully this work will be done in the next 3-5 days.

Concrete Removal

Today (Monday) was a very busy day at the site. Over the weekend all the new equipment arrived and everything went into high gear early in the morning.

The main task is the removal of the concrete foundations from all four of the removed buildings. Most of the slab has already been jack-hammered and so now the "mean machine" is gently pulling up pieces for removal. The concrete is being loaded into semi-trailers for delivery to a concrete recycling facility. Nice to know that not everything is going into a landfill.

Other work is also progressing. The short south hallway near the library has been walled off during construction. This was done to make sure that this exit, which will be unusable during construction, does not appear as an exit in case of an emergency.

They also began work in the Kindergarten classroom. The new plan calls for a school exit door within the current utility fence (the brick fence near the school office entrance). To access this door a hallway will run across the back of the current Kindergarten classroom. They expect to build that wall and install the exterior door later this week.

Nothing Runs Like A . . .

Today was more demolition of concrete and other site materials. We started the day with a new piece of equipment meant to help jack-hammer the concrete slab. Work was progressing well until the big "mean machine" suffered a fatal blow.

While attempting to pull up concrete from the a-frame foundation one of the major fittings on the claw was broken. The problem cannot be fixed in the field so the plan is to have a new "mean machine" delivered either later today or tomorrow. At least we didn't break any water pipes today!

Measuring the Foundation

Today cleanup work of the trees is continuing. They are expecting that by the end of the day the trees will be hauled off to the mulch maker.

The other major work today was laying out the foundation of the new building. It is amazing how large the new space will be; both its push toward the sanctuary as well as its stretch toward Macaroni Grill. I am happy to report that no lines were broken or cut today (although the day isn't over). As I mentioned in a previous post, the campus now appears so large and open, especially without the trees. Check out the live web cam for a view of the work.

Water Off

It did not take long to hit the water line. We have now been without water for a couple of hours and hopefully it will be on very soon. A school full of children who need to go to the pottie is not a good thing.

The landscape now looks like a hurricane or a tornado has torn through the place. It is amazing how easily the "mean machine" can chew up a tree. There is certainly no turning back now! Check out the live web cam. Without the trees you have a great view of the work.

Trees Removed

Today (Tuesday) the final bit of clearing away of the old buildings took place in the morning. A few more dumpsters (I can't count how many have been in and out these last few days) made quick work of the final wood and brick.

Around 10:30 AM they started on clearing the trees that are directly over the job site (not the front trees along Westheimer). The plan is to remove as many trees as possible today. There is concern over the water lines that run very close to several trees. We will hope that we don't break the line (at least not too many times).

The trees are not coming down without a fight (as the video shows). The big old oak closest to the sanctuary took several minutes of digging and pushing to coax it from the ground. The plan is that the trees will be hauled off site and recycled for tree mulch (or some such products).

As I previously wrote, I look forward to the day when we will begin replanting trees and other landscape on the campus. This will be a great opportunity for us to roll-up our sleeves and do some work together.

Vengence Is Mine . . .

It was divine work.

After years of suffering under the plague of the dirty possum today he/she met his/her match (I didn't lift up the tail and check!).

If you know anything about these last several months the a-frame has been infested with flees that have been carried in with a family of possums. We tried on a number of occasions to exterminate them but with no success. After everyone moved out of the building we simply gave up on ever getting them out . . . until today.

In a strange turn of events the Lord saw fit to bring an end to at least one of the little fellas who liked to call the building home. This is one part of the old building that I will not miss.

My Peace I Give You

I like this picture too. Jesus quietly and purposefully riding into the storm of our mess (whatever that might be). The statue has been there for many years (long before my arrival) but it has often been overlooked. Today with all of the buildings down the statue seems to rise up on the campus.

I like the image of Jesus granting His peace to us even when He is preparing to suffering and die. The triumphal cries "Hosanna" are our cries too. Lord save us and grant us your eternal peace.

A Ship in the Stormy Sea

After the last building was down I took this picture which I thought was great. Now I am no photographer and don't know anything about what makes a photo great but I like the image.

As the old sanctuary fell one of the main beams pushed forward sticking out over the top of the building looking like the front of a ship. Of course, the church is often described as a ship (even an ark) adrift in the tossing sea of this sinful world. The church and therein the gifts of Christ keep us afloat. The waters of holy baptism flow over us bringing us through death into life. The words of holy absolution flow over us like a tide of grace washing us in Christ's forgiving word. Water brings both death and life. In the church it kills to make alive (in Christ).

The image is most fitting in the midst of such destruction (we might even say death) because from it the Lord is bringing new and renewed life. Certainly a new building will be soon to come but hopefully (and more importantly) a new and renewed commitment from the body of Christ to share the Word to the ends of the earth.

The Word of the Lord Endures Forever

This afternoon around 11:30 AM the original sanctuary for MLC was torn down. Because of the size and shape of the structure the demolition crew brought in their supervisor to do the work. They wanted to take great care not to cause any unnecessary problems. Everything went as planned and the building came down without a hitch.

As I wrote several posts ago, in recent years the glory of this old building has been lost through constant deterioration. This place was the house of God, the place where His Name and therefore His glory dwelt in Word and Sacraments.

The campus is now eerily open. It is amazing how much space there is when there are no buildings. I can only imagine how the property will look when all of the trees are removed (next week) and the dirt is being prepared for the new foundation. As I sit at my desk writing this post I am able to see Westheimer and all the passing traffic (previously I only saw the side of a building).

Now that demolition is complete (except for removing the concrete and the trees) I am keenly aware of the congregation's commitment to such a huge project. We are certainly moving forward in faith and trust in the Lord. He promises always to provide all that is needful.

And so while the building is gone the one thing needful has not been taken from us. The Word of the Lord endures forever. His promise to be present to the end of the age transcends all time and space. So let us trust in His Word and rejoice in the new day that He is creating in our midst.

The Walls Come Tumbling Down

Today started off with a bang! The crew got immediately to work with more demolition around 7:45 AM and after about 15 minutes managed to break the "mean machine." You wonder how one could break such a mammoth monster: break a hydraulic line that controls the bottom chomping-teeth of the bucket.

Demolition was on hold for the next several hours while they waited for a part. When the repair man arrived with the wrong part they decided to improvise so that work could continue. Around 2:00 PM demolition went into high gear with the entire school eagerly awaiting some destruction. The two early childhood classrooms were laid to rubble in about an hour and a half. The old sanctuary (a-frame) is schedule for demolition tomorrow morning.

I suppose a few words are in order as I reflect on these two old buildings. I certainly didn't cry to see them destroyed but they have been very important in the life of my children. These classrooms have served our youngest children for the last several years. While the buildings have certainly been lacking what has been going on inside these walls was not.

You cannot judge a book by its cover, the old saying goes. That has certainly been the case with these classrooms and nursery rooms. For years we have made do with less than adequate buildings while faithful and loving care and nurturing development of children has taken place. Those who labored inside these walls are to be commended for their labor of love and their constant hope for a better tomorrow. Tomorrow is now here and the future is bright and glorious.

Live Web Cam

If you liked the bit of video of the demolition (posted yesterday) get ready for the web cam that will go live on Monday afternoon.

Thanks to Fretz Construction and our own computer folks we will begin streaming 24/7 live from the site. This special camera and software will allow you to tune in a see the work over these coming months. The camera is going to be mounted on the roof of the school so that it will be able to see the entire work site. You will be able to scan around and zoom with the camera. Again, the plan is that we will be up and working on Monday afternoon. The camera will most likely have its own static-IP address (for you computer geeks) and so you will access it through a link on this blog (it will not be streaming live here)!

I will certainly try and keep everyone aware of good times to tune in (days when special work is scheduled to happen).

Happy watching!

The Office Comes Down

This afternoon around 2:00 PM the "mean machine" took to work on the old church office building. The whole ordeal only lasted about 30 minutes and it (along with the walkway to the sanctuary) was in rubble.

Originally we thought the work would begin earlier in the day but a delay on getting the "mean machine" pushed back all of the work. Because it was Friday, and the demolition crew doesn't work on Saturday, the only building destroyed was the church office. They were also not able to haul it away (being late in the day) so they placed a temporary fence around the rubble until they can haul it away on Monday. You will get a close up view on Sunday morning!

Monday will also see the demolition of the other three structures (early childhood classrooms and old sanctuary) beginning in the morning. If today was any indication the job won't last more than a couple of hours.

The power of the "mean machine" was awesome. My wife commented that I was acting like a three year old right before opening their long awaited Christmas present. I'm not too old to admit that I was. I foolishly asked if I could have a turn driving the "mean machine." Next time I will ask for forgiveness after the fact!

Today has been a very long time in the coming. While I was sad to see the old office torn down I am very excited for the future of our church and school. Not just a new building but a new and improved place where the gospel can be shared and where the body of Christ can gather for fellowship. Thanks be to God. He does all things well.

All the Papers Signed

On Wednesday evening all of the papers were signed so that everything is official with Amegy Bank and Fretz Construction. This means that the project is officially a go!

We are especially indebted to the faithfulness of Mr. Bob Harvey who has patiently walked the congregation through the myriad of financial options and has willingly shouldered the task of financial oversight throughout the project. Thank you Bob for your continued support of this project.

The Still before the Storm

Today (Wednesday) appears to be the last day of quiet before the work begins at high speed. On Monday Fretz moved in their on-site trailer which will serve as home base as well as a large storage container for equipment.

Due to various delays the city will inspect the cut offs today and the demolition permit will be issued early tomorrow. We have also encountered a delay with signing all of the closing papers with the bank and the construction contract. Everything is now straightened out and the closing will take place this afternoon.

If all goes according to plan the demolition will begin tomorrow afternoon. The plan is to demolition the buildings working from the west to the east (beginning with the church office building). They will do one building at a time taking it down and then hauling it off along with the foundation.

I also hope to have the web cam operational today so that you will be able to tune in live 24/7 and see the work progressing. May God bless our mess!

The Tie that Binds . . . Undone

Today we did the final disconnect of all of the buildings scheduled for demolition. They are now completely without water, power, sewer, gas, etc. Tomorrow (Tuesday) the city will come to inspect all of the disconnects so that demolition can begin on Wednesday. I am reminded how much easier it is to tear down and destroy than it is to build up!

Today also marked the literal separating of the two points of contact between existing buildings and those scheduled for demolition. The first was disconnecting the walkway to the sanctuary and the second was disconnecting the walkway to the school (shown in the picture).

When I asked why Fretz was doing such a methodical job in separating these points I was humored by the answer. I guess that when you invite a demolition crew to the party they pretty much tear everything up. Wyatt, our construction supervisor, said we don't want to let the demo guys do this work because "we might find a hole in the side of the sanctuary!" Biblically "disconnect" always brings death. The church is a body and without all of the parts the whole body suffers but the disconnected part withers and dies. I suppose in some small way the disconnecting of these builds is a reminder of the death and decay that is a part of this fallen world and therefore also a part of us.

This is the Day . . .

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Groundbreaking was a glorious day. The Lord granted us beautiful weather and a church filled with joyful voices. What a privilege to receive the gifts our Lord so lovingly provides to His bride the Church.

After the Nunc Dimittis the congregation processed outside for the official groundbreaking ceremony. What a significant moment in the life of our church and school. Many have stepped forward in faith and trust that the Lord will continue to bless us here in the place. The Lord promises to keep His Word and the promise that His Word will never return to Him empty. This day was about more than a building. The community of believers in this place are moving forward to share the Gospel to the very ends of the earth. The building represents our commitment to "set the Word" (to steal a line from Pastor Murray's sermon) in the best setting possible so that many will hear it and be saved. May the Lord bless the work and may He keep safe all of those who will labor in this place.

Kudos Jutzi

The greatest part about telling the story of this project are the people involved. There have been so many folks who have given time, talents, and treasures. Countless committees have worked through the years to bring about this project. Thank you to everyone who has been involved. May the Lord blessed your continued faithfulness.

Since this is my personal blog I would like to say a few words about Mr. Ed Jutzi. He has faithfully served as chairman of the building committee. Now that the project is in full swing Ed is on campus every day seeing to the needs of the church and school.

I love Ed Jutzi! Ever since I moved to Houston Ed has always been there for me no matter what the need. He has become a sort of fill-in father and/or grandfather. Of course, Ed learned this because he is a PK; not a preacher kid but a principal kid. Being raised in the teacherage, right next door to the parsonage, does something to a person. Ed has always been actively involved in the life of the church. He has a servant heart for the church. He gives himself completely to the Lord's work and once he begins a task he never stops until it is finished. Ed will lovingly and faithfully lead us through another building project at MLCS (he has already done this once before). Thank you for your service and the love that you show to all of us in the church and school.

The Light of Christ!

On Friday we worked to salvage the stained glass windows out of the old sanctuary. The work was successful with not one piece of glass being broken.

While the windows will not be used (as is) in the new building we do have plans for the glass. In the coming weeks the glass will be shipped to Concordia University (Seward, Nebraska) where art professor, Mark Anschutz and his students will rework the glass.

While no final decisions have been made the tentative plan is that the glass will be reworked into small Christian images (perhaps crosses) that can be purchased by members who would like to have a piece of the original sanctuary in their home.

There have been other salvage projects worth noting. The benches given several years ago by the Schoen family have been removed for safe keeping and will be placed in the new courtyard outside the fellowship hall. Both of the crosses from the original sanctuary; the metal cross on the interior and the wooden cross on the exterior have been removed and will find a home on the renovated campus.

Jim Keller is taking away four of the trees set for removal. Jim is a master turner of wooden bowls and plans to make as many as one-hundred bowls from the old trees that can be purchased by the congregation (all proceeds going to the capital campaign).

It is always nice to have some of the old carried on into the new.

Too Dry!

Part of the salvage has been an attempt to remove several hundred feet of the old cedar planks lining the interior ceiling of the old sanctuary. Paul Lodholz had planned to use some of the wood in the new youth.

On Friday Fretz came in with a lift and started working to remove the cedar. Sometimes good ideas don't always work. It was quickly discovered that the cedar planks (approximately twelve-feet long) were so dry that they could not be removed without breaking and splintering. After several attempts the work was stopped.

Dry wood is almost never reusable. Once the oil is gone putting it back in is nearly impossible. The failed attempted reminded me of the dry valley of bones that Ezekiel once say. How could anyone give life to such dry bones!

The beautiful thing about the Lord is His ability to do the impossible. He is able to renew and restore. He is able to bring life out of death. While we see evidence of death and decay all around us let us rejoice that Christ is able (and does) make all things new!

Buildings Off-Line

Thursday and Friday saw a fury of work around the campus.

Fretz worked diligently to get all of the buildings off-line so that demolition can begin on Wednesday of next week. This meant that everything had to be disconnected: electric, water, sewer, gas, etc.

Everything has progressed with a few difficulties. Digging and capping the sewer has meant digging to find old lines that are not always easily found. The water line caused a problem when it was discovered that the four buildings schedule for demolition plus the sanctuary are all on the same line. This means that the sanctuary will be without water until the demolition of the old buildings is complete and a new line can be run under the planned new construction. Gas will be disconnected on Monday and then reworked so that gas remains available to the school.

The plan is that this site work will be completed on Monday and Tuesday so that full-on demolition can begin on Wednesday. The tentative plan is that the buildings and trees will be completely removed within the week.

On Thursday evening I was working late in the office. When I walked to the car it was eerily dark. With all of the power off in the buildings (and exterior and tree lights) it is amazing how dark and quiet the place can be despite being right in the heart of the city.

The Lord has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. I pray that this project will encourage all of us in the faithful sharing of the Gospel with our friends, families, and neighbors. What a glorious location and what an awesome opportunity!

He is like a tree . . .

"Blessed is the man . . . He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." - Psalm 1:1a, 3

I grew up in small town Illinois (Carlyle), also know as the "City of Trees." My hometown is full of trees. Huge, beautiful, well-groomed trees of every kind. As a child we planted trees, climbed them, fell out of them, and even cut them down.

Each Christmas we would pile in the car and drive to great-grandma's house in the country where we would cut down the Christmas tree from a stand of firs that lined the fence row. These weren't just any trees. These were trees that my father had planted as a child. There was something special about those Christmas trees.

Very soon we will cut down more than twenty trees as we make room for the new building. It will be a sad day to see so many trees go. As with most trees, there are stories behind the planting of many of them. Pastor Oesch and Gerald Tackett both have stories to share about many of the trees on campus.

The Lord calls us to be good stewards of His creation. So while trees will be cut to make room for needed space we will continue to care for those that remain as well as make plans for adding additional trees and other landscape to our improved facilities. The City of Houston has mandated that several trees (roughly twenty) will need to be newly planted on the property as part of a comprehensive landscape plan and we hope to do much of this landscaping with our own sweat and blood. When the time comes I hope that many will join us as we plant new trees and create new memories. I certainly plan to have my boys out digging in the dirt along with dad.

All Clear!

All of the abatement work is now completed. Whatever environmentally unfriendly materials existed have now been safely removed and discarded for eternal safe-keeping. The four buildings now stand ready for demolition which is scheduled to begin on November 12.

The final abatement work took place in the church office space. Again, much of the old tile flooring and glue had to be removed.

The church office will always hold a special place in my heart. This is where church business (of all sorts) has taken place for the last several years. Most importantly here is where the pastors have met with families in all circumstances. In these offices we counseled young couples for marriage, planned baptisms and funerals, wrote sermons and bible studies, prayed, laughed, and learned.

The office was also a place of hospitality. Those who visited knew there was always coffee and usually treats to share. The office was the gathering spot on campus. When people wanted to come by and visit they came to the office.

I pray that the Lord will bless the new space that it too might become the gathering spot on campus. A place where people want to come (no matter what the need).

Abatement Nears Completion

The A-frame and old school classrooms have now been completly abated and are ready for demolition. Work on the church offices continues but will be completed tomorrow.

The majority of work has been removing old flooring in the A-frame and part of the church office. Otherwise the work has been minimal throughout. The last two days we had Fretz Construction on site to board back up the buildings to keep unwelcomed visitors out. Between now and final demolition we want the campus to remain safe for daily operations.

Construction Meetings Begin

Today was the first construction meeting with the architect (Paul Lodholz) and the contractor (Fretz Construction). It appears that everything is on schedule to see our project begin on Tuesday, November 13. The loan is scheduled to close with Amegy Bank on Monday, November 12, which will allow all work to begin at full speed.

Great consideration is being given to the timing of the work so that things are done in a practical, cost effective, and least interuptive way. This project is certainly a huge undertaking which will take the time and talents of many in our congregation. As the plans continue to take shape it is evident that the hand of God is continuing to work in our midst. He is faithful. Thanks be to God. He does all things well.

Despite the best planning things are bound to be challenging throughout. With so much work happening in such a short amount of time everyone will have to be patient and endure various inconveniences that are bound to happen. May the Lord teach us patience throughout. May He give us the firm commitment to endure all things for the sake of the proclamation of the Gospel here in this place. To God be the glory!

Ground Breaking, November 11

On Sunday, November 11 at 10:00 AM Memorial Lutheran Church will gather for the Divine Service and to break ground. What a joyous day, as years of planning and preparation now transition into the reality of new spaces which will be used to proclaim the Gospel to future generations.

Sunday School @ 8:45 AM
Divine Service @ 10:00 AM
Barbeque Lunch @ 12:00 noon

Abatement Begins

Today, Monday, October 29, work began on the old buildings which are scheduled for demolition. The crew worked primarily in the original sanctuary (A-Frame Building) doing demolition in preparation of removing the old floor. By tomorrow afternoon there will be nothing inside but a clean concrete floor.

As I walked through the building (one last time) I was reminded of how important this sacred space has been in the life of the congregation. In recent years, due to its deterioration, it has been too easy to forget that from this place the Word of God was preached in its truth and purity and the Sacraments administered according to the institution of Christ.

This is sacred space. A place that was consecrated to the presence of Christ working in His church through the means of grace. Inside these walls people brought their children for holy baptism. Inside these walls families began as husband and wife made vows of love and faithfulness. Inside these walls people came to feed on the medicine of immortality, the very body and blood of Christ. Inside these walls the sleeping flesh of our brothers and sisters came one last time before the resurrection of all flesh.

Whatever scars and blemishes might now appear within and without, this space has been for us the "house of God." As we begin our final farewell we rejoice in the faithfulness of God and His willingness to always provide for His people in every age.

While the old must go to make room for the new, we never forget the past and the sacred spaces that have shaped our lives. We rejoice that the presence of our Lord can never be confined to a single space and we trust that the new spaces will be used to continue the proclamation of the Gospel to the very ends of the earth. May the next fifty-years be as glorious as the first.