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.