LCEF Art and Architecture Award

And I thought there was nothing else to write about . . .

Today we received a special mailing from LCEF (Lutheran Church Extension Fund) informing us that we are the recipient of the 2008 Triennial LCEF Art and Architecture LCMS Educational Facility - Large Award for the expansion of our church and school facility.

The letter went on to say, "the award jury recognizes and commends your outstanding achievement in religious art and architecture in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The jurors were particularly impressed with the completeness of the design and the successful execution of the design concept through the entire project. Your achievement will stand as an example and encouragement for others in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to purse excellence in religious art and architecture in the construction and adornment of church and school facilities."

To God be the Glory!

Courtyard and Garden

One of the quiet places on campus is the new garden courtyard between the existing school building and the new fellowship hall. Marty Thomas has done a wonderful job landscaping the space so that over time we will have a wonderful garden space. A large portion of the space is covered and the benches donated in 1994 by Jane and the late Robert Schoen have found a new home.

Youth Room

The "coolest" space in the new building is the youth room. This state-of-the-art room has plenty of space for our youth (junior high and high school) to live and learn. The new furniture will be arriving later this week and use of the space will begin. High end AV means our youth can watch moves (projection TV), play Wii on the 60 inch flat screen, or just listen to music (a very nice JBL system). The room has a warm "warehouse" feel and promises to be the "coolest" room on campus. No adults allowed!

Infant Wing

The newly designed infant wing offers clean and colorful spaces for learning and development. The five classrooms are for our youngest children (six weeks to twenty-four months). The space also includes both indoor and outdoor play spaces.

Music Room

The main music practice room is allowing for the continued expansion of our growing music program (choirs, handbells, orchestra, band, etc.) The strong A-frame windows bring back the rhythm of the original sanctuary (over which the new music room sits). The lighting and acoustics make this a marvelous space for learning and living the church's song.

Covered Walk

One very nice addition is a covered drop-off located on the west side of the sanctuary. Through the years we have often been left out in the rain (people sprinting into the sanctuary or walking in slow procession with a casket to the hearse). How nice to have a space where we can load and unload and move between building without being out in rain.

Fellowship Hall

The fellowship hall is the "nicest" addition to new facilities. This formal space is quickly becoming the gathering space for study, food, and fellowship. As a space that we haven't had in the recent past, this hall offers the ability to host large and small events for the congregation and community.

Commons

Here is a picture of the completed church commons. This is a gathering area before and after services for coffee and fellowship. The commons has already been the place of a funeral visitation and a wedding reception.

New Photos

Our architect, Ziegler Cooper, has provided us with wonderful photos of the exterior and interior of the new building. Here is an early morning view of the music room and the main school entrance which attaches the new building into the existing building.

Post Ike Update

We weathered the storm at the church and school. We sustained only minimal damage when compared with others in the neighborhood. Some roof leaking, one down tree, a broken brick wall, and a few others bits were all we saw. All in all we were very luck. The only damage to the new building was a bit of water that came under a door (from the heavy winds) which has ruined some base boards. Thanks be to God. He has spared us and granted us life and salvation.

Where is Your Treasure?

After the dedication I was approached by one person who thanked me for my forthright remarks. They commented that they were impressed that I spoke, on the day of the dedication, about the building wearing out over the years, perhaps even being destroyed through the ravages of time (as were our old buildings). When we started the building process I shared the words below with the congregation. I think them appropriate again as we have weathered IKE but still remained focused on the heart of the gospel and not the things of this world.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:19-21

I recently had the privilege of speaking at the Salem Lutheran Ladies Retreat in Gretna, Louisiana. As the ladies began to arrive the stories about “it” began to spill out. (Katrina is now referred to as “it” by many locals.) The stories came quickly, the next seemingly worse than the one before. As we began the retreat and introductions started each lady was asked to say something good about “it”. While some struggled to find anything good to say, many gave great and awesome testimony to the gracious protection and loving kindness of the Lord.

There was a lot said about the “stuff” of this world. The treasures, as Jesus would say, that we have laid up on earth, which fade away or are destroyed. One woman, who had lost much, made the most profound statement of the entire retreat. “All of this stuff keeps us fixed on the earth rather than keeping our eyes and lives fixed on heaven. Having all the stuff taken away allows you to fix your eyes heavenward, on Jesus.”

The “stuff” of this world often stands between us and our Lord. We spend our whole lives in a ravenous race to collect wealth and riches which only make us more deeply rooted in this world. Good things created by our Lord have been marred by sin, death, and the devil so that what was meant to serve the creator has itself become our god. How we love the “stuff” of this world. We can’t imagine that we could ever live without the “stuff” we have and the “stuff” we don’t have we sinfully covet and desire.

In the coming month the church and school will embark on a capital campaign to expand our campus. I must admit my excitement over the proposals that are being considered. As various committees do their specialized work the overall plan continues to grow together into one glorious creation. There is no doubt, the new and renovated spaces being proposed would be glorious.

But “stuff” is still “stuff” even if it belongs to the church. Certainly we bless and set apart those earthly things that are used in service to our Lord but that doesn’t lessen our ability to place our hope and trust in such earthly treasures that too will spoil and fade. While new buildings, signage, and landscape may all look glorious, they are not worth comparing to our true hope of glory: Christ in us. If our development plans move forward with the hope of making our earthly dwelling more appealing or comfortable then we have missed the point (and the gospel!).

Driving through the neighborhoods of New Orleans was devastating. Seeing block after block of abandoned neighborhoods is indescribable. Clinging to faith one can only confess with Job, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised!” When our earthly “stuff” is taken away we feel stripped, naked, vulnerable and abandoned. But such things can happen to us. New Orleans was not singled out to be punished because of their sin. Rather, all creation continues to suffer under the devastating power of sin, groaning as in the pains of childbirth (Rom 8:22) right up to the present time.

Under the theme “For Tomorrow” we look forward to bettering our facilities but always with a purpose much greater than brick and mortar. Whatever we build must be to the glory of God for the purpose of expanding His kingdom on earth. Whatever we renovate and remodel must be done for the ultimate purpose of proclaiming the gospel and bringing the life-saving sacraments to those in need. We dare not store up treasures on earth, which can be taken away in blink of an eye.

“For Tomorrow” we provide a place of refuge for those who need so desperately to hear and receive Christ in Word and Sacrament. “For Tomorrow” we provide a place where our children learn to confess the faith given them in Holy Baptism. “For Tomorrow” we provide a welcoming space where those wearied from the sinful world come, and for the very first time, hear that their sins are forgiven for the sake of Christ. “For Tomorrow!”

And then, when what is made with human hands spoils and fades (and it will), we have lost nothing. For all that we have really done is store up treasures in heaven, which will never be taken away.

Final Payout

On Thursday morning (pre IKE) we sat down and signed the paperwork for the final payout to Fretz Construction. Present were architect Paul Lodholz, building committee chairman Ed Jutzi, captial campaign chairman Bob Harvey, and congregation president Wayne Murray. A huge thank-you to these men for their faithful and loving service throughout the project.

Singing in the Space!

As the afternoon came to an end we gathered in the new music room to "sing in the space." The hand bells and children led us and we joined our voices in song to the Lord. What a marvelous facility in which to sing God's praise.

The People of God

The day was really about the people of God. What a tremendous crowd that attended the dedication service. It is wonderful to see our members excited about the life and ministry of our church and school. I pray that this enthusiasm will continue as we work to spread the gospel to the very ends of the earth.

Kudos Mr. Harvey

Mr. Bob Harvey shared a few words with the group as part of the dedication festivities. Bob has faithfully guided the congregation through the financial maze of the project. He has done a tremendous job working with congregation committees as well as Amegy Bank. Bob deserves a hearty thank-you for his time and dedication to this project.

Ribbon Cutting!

Sunday afternoon was the ribbon cutting for the new building. It was a glorious afternoon filled with festivities and activities. We had a special dedication service (Matins) at 2 PM with our guest preacher Rev. Daniel Preus of the Luther Academy. With readings and hymns we rejoiced in the gospel and the new opportunity the Lord is giving us with this new space. To God be the Glory!

Dedication Today!

This afternoon at 2 PM we will dedicate our new facilities to the glory of God for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel to the ends of the earth. Rev. Daniel Preus will be our guest preacher. Immediately following the service will be various building activities: ribbon cutting, short remarks from several members, tours, and light refreshments.

Later in the day KKHT (100.7 FM) will be airing live from the new commons. Please come by today and help us celebrate this special moment in the life of our church and school.

Final Aerial

We have received the final aerial view of the work site. It is amazing how much the space has been transformed over the last ten months. We continue to great reviews about our new Westheimer face. The new sign, parking, and landscape have really opened us up to the neighborhood. People know we are here and they are stopping by the check us out.

New Infant Room

Ever wonder what a new infant room looks like when it is set up and ready for school . . . here is Ms. Hewitt's infant classroom ready for the first day of school. This room will also serve as the church nursery on Sunday mornings.

Indoor Play Space

In the infant wing of the new building (the west end) the indoor play ground is slowly taking shape. It will be great to have a place for the youngest children to play without having to be outdoors in the heat. Another small perk to the glorious new facility.

Remodeled Classrooms

Wonder what a newly remodel classroom looks like when it is finally set up and ready for school . . . here is Ms. Engler's Kindergarten classroom ready for the first day of class. The remodeled spaces are wonderful and parents and children alike are delight about their new rooms.

MLS Library

As I have said before, one of the benefits of the new facility is that a number of previously "shared" spaces are no long multi-use. The MLS library has been set up for bible class use for the last several years. No more. With new bible class spaces we have been able to purchase new library shelves and arrange the room for better use of the space. Ms. Hall, the librarian, is very excited about her updated room.

TV Monitors

One of the many cool things in the new building is the use of TV monitors to constantly display church and school news and information. The picture is of the monitor in the church commons. There are two other monitors: one at the school office entrance and the other at the entrance of the new classroom wing.

A funny story. "Sparky" the electrician was back on site working today. When I asked why he was back he said there was a little problem with the outlets for the TV monitors. When they were installed a couple days ago the company had to remove two of the monitors because they were "broken" (at least that is what they said.) What I found out this morning was that "Sparky" didn't wire the outlets with the right voltage and so two TV monitors got "fried" when they were plugged in and turned on. Makes me glad that I am not an electrician.

Piano

A piano (previously in the sanctuary) has a new home in the fellowship hall. The picture gives you a good feel for the size of the space. The piano will certainly find use in the fellowship hall as we sing the Word of God. The other piano in the sanctuary is now in the music room. The other piano on campus (it was at Lutheran High North for safe keeping this past year) has now returned to the sanctuary. It is like musical chairs only the chairs got bigger.

Acoustic Panels

The music room has received a few acoustic panels to help with the sound bouncing between the walls. Too much echo is never a good thing. Actually Cantor Muth has just gotten the biggest bulletin board in the school. A large duBois image would sure look good!

Out for Summer

We closed the school down on Friday, meaning we will have no students on campus for the next two weeks as we make the final move and set up the new and renovated spaces. The school now has five new classrooms (smallest children), the new music suite, seven remodeled classrooms (K-5 and Latin), plus several spaces dedicated for new use (science lab, library, and art). All this new space could not have come at a better time.

MLS registration was this past week and the school continues to grow. Enrollment has increased 33 students which will put us around 260 students this school year. Most exciting is that our Early Childhood program is full (we technically have a few spaces open in Pre-K but not for long). This means that our lower grades will continue to grow too (K-1st both have 18 students this year and could add one or two more). The Lord has richly blessed us and is giving us a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel. And the new buildings do matter . . . many families are coming to visit because they have seen the work happening on our campus and are curious to see who we are and what we are about. The Lord is opening the doors so that the little children might come in. May we rejoice in these gifts and faithfully take up the tasks before us.

Wyatt Working!

It is a rare occasion but early this week we did catch Wyatt doing a little manual labor. While hanging school bulletin boards might not seem like a big job . . . somebody had to do it and most of the real workers have already finished up and moved on!

Without jest we do commend Wyatt for all of his time and efforts in overseeing our project. We could not have had a better man on the job!

Appliances Installed

Several new appliances have been installed in the school wing of the new building. Each classroom has a new refrigerator and the maintenance closet has a large washer and dryer to take care of various school needs.

New Chairs

The new chairs for the fellowship hall (and a few other spaces in the new building) are currenlty stacked in the fellowship hall. The color of the fabric is very nice as it picks up the colors in the carpet.

Painted Cross

A few days after installation the three little crosses received paint to help them match the rest of the metal trim and window crosses around the building. The crosses are a wonderful addition to the large brick plain. There are several other brick locations around the building without such sculpture/artwork. The hope is that in the near future additional sculpture and artwork might be found in/on the building.

Three Little Crosses

The outside of the building has received one of the finishes touches: three crosses. The crosses are on the large brick wall just west of the (A-frame shaped) music room windows. The crosses are visible from Bering and also mark the school entrance. Another small touch to a beautiful building.

Tables and Chairs

At 8 AM on Thursday morning a large delivery of tables and chairs arrived. Thanks to all of the faculty and staff who helped with the move.

The fellowship hall received 250 new chairs and the church library received new tables. As the furniture and furnishings continue to arrive (almost daily) the building is become more and more like home. I know that excitement is growing as the day of dedication approaches. Please remember to join us on Sunday, September 7 @ 2 PM as we dedicate the building and begin a new chapter in our history.

Make a Joyful Noise

On Thursday the new choir risers arrived and so the music room is taking shape. What a joy to have a wonderful new space for our continually growing music program. May the Lord bless the proclamation of the Word through instrument and voice.

One More Move for Old Glory

The flag pole has finally made it to its permanent home. Over the last months the flag pole has been moved a few times around the campus. Originally the flag pole set outside the west side-door of the school (near Macaroni Grill). This was not a visible place on the campus and so often the flag was overlooked. During construction we had the pole moved to the north side of the building near the playground. The cub scouts took turns raising and lowering the flag throughout the school year. The new construction calls for the pole to be in one of the parking islands in front of the school building and gymnasium. We are glad that Old Glory has a new home and a place of prominence on the campus.

Trash Hidden

The enclosure for the trash dumpster is now complete. While the trash company won't like having to open and close the gate it will be very nice to have it hidden away. Maybe the neighborhood folks will stop using it now!

Fence

The wooden fence has been installed between the new building and Macaroni Grill. This helps with sound and foot traffic between our properties. Most significant is the increased security it offers school children. There is still a large double-gate between the properties so that large items can enter.

Asphalt Work Begins

Early this morning they started laying asphalt in the front parking lot. The plan, if the weather cooperates, is that the parking lots will be installed and painted before church on Sunday. Parking installation means that the project is quickly coming to an end. Thanks be to God. He does all things well.

Landscape Complete

The landscape work is now complete. I cannot believe how much the grass and planting tie the buildings together and make the campus feel like home. A huge thank you to Marty Thomas for all of her time and efforts in bringing this part of the project to completion. Let the watering begin!

Garden Counrt

The garden courtyard, between the old and new building, is developing into a wonderful "quiet" spot on campus. The back portion is covered and so affords some shade. In this area we will place some of the benches that lined the sidewalk approaching the sanctuary. As the planting matures this will be once of the nicest spots on campus.

Welcome to MLCS

The lettering on the Westheimer side of the new building is really wonderful. We have already had families visit the school because they have seen our new "inviting" signs from Westheimer.

Church Entrance

The front of the sanctuary is taking on a new look. With the old retaining wall gone and everything on the same elevation (new building and sanctuary) there is now a nice flow and feel into the sanctuary.

Fire Doors

One of the special jobs in the existing school building is placing fire doors in both the downstairs and upstairs hallways. These special doors will be held open by magnetic devices and will then release and close in case of a fire. The doors have been difficult because the door frames wouldn't fit into the jams because of the concrete tilt wall. Everything has been custom cut to fit the openings. This means that Cruz (this is Wyatt's right-hand man, pictured here) has had extra work installing the hardware.

Upstairs Remodel

This afternoon they have been working on the flooring in the upstairs remodel. They have completed the tile installation in the back portion of the classrooms and are now preparing to lay carpet this afternoon. Once the classrooms are complete they will lay the tile in the hallway.

A Beautiful Wall!

The handmade tiles (remember the tile painting party several months ago) are being installed on the outside of the classroom wing of the new building. We always knew that they would look good but they look so good that pictures don't do them justice. The bright and vibrant colors bring the building to life. Thanks to everyone who spent time painting tiles.

Streams of Living Water!

The final touches have been made in the installation of the new drinking fountains in the main school hallway. You may recall (a previous post) that for the past several years the school has used water coolers inside the classrooms (K-4). The new hallway fountains (one on each floor) will allow us stop the delivery of bottled water and the expense of renting coolers.

Remodel Nearly Complete

The classroom remodel is nearly complete. Today they began painting the walls (the last of the work to be done). If everything stays on schedule the remodel (along with the new building) will be complete this Friday (July 11) and will be ready for move in on Friday, July 18.

Teachers will be reporting back to their classrooms on August 4 which will give us plenty of time to get settled in our new spaces before the start of school on September 2. The Lord has been tremendously generous and our enrollment looks to increase over 25 students in the new year.

Welcome to MLS

The new front entrance to the school gymnasium and school office is nearly complete. The brick column work was completed last week and the roof gutters were installed today. You will also notice a new brick utility wall that hides the ugly parts of the building (air conditioning units, gas pipe and telephone connections). All that remains is a new sign welcoming everyone to Memorial Lutheran School.

Bathroom Dividers

The bathrooms are now complete. The final work was done on the bathroom dividers (praise the Lord, if you rememeber the earlier post) this past week.

Signing Out!

I will be leaving town with the high school youth today for the Higher Things Conference in St. Louis, MO. Unfortunately this means that I won't be able to do any posting this week. I am certain that when I get back into town (Saturday, July 5) many things will have changed (change is happening quickly these days).

The scheduled date for the punch list is July 11 with a completion date of July 19. The remodel might carry on one more week. Wyatt said this morning that the cleaning crew will start work in the building early next week to get ready for July 11.

Can you believe that we broke ground on Sunday, November 11? How the Lord has blessed us these past months.

Awesome

It only took a few hours on Saturday to lay the carpet in the fellowship hall. It looks awesome. The colors along with the pattern is wonderful. What a great new space for the congregation.

Fellowship Hall Floor

The carpet installation is now underway in the fellowship hall. This morning I caught the installer laying the very first tiles. Although the room is large they will make quick work of laying the carpet. The fellowship hall has a very nice cross pattern in the floor which is repeated in the wall patterns and windows.

Landscaping Begins

Today also brings the start of the landscape work. Marty Thomas has done the design and Lamar Kennedy (Kennedy Cuts) is doing the work. It is a wonderful plan that will really bring the buildings to life. The crew has been blessed by the rain over the last days. Working the soil is a bit easier and the landscape should be complete in the next two weeks (along with sprinkler installation).

Post Framing

This morning (Saturday) they began framing up the load-bearing posts in the remodeled classroom. The MDF will be painted to match the accent color of the room. Another nice detail.

Carpet Tile

This afternoon they started laying the carpet tiles in the commons and main hallway. This work started because all of the broadloom carpet has been laid (in all the office and classroom spaces). The carpet is going in at an unbelievable speed. I talked with the head installer this afternoon and he says they plan to be finished with the carpet installation on Saturday.

The carpet tiles are beautiful (three different colors on the 1/4 turn with a very nice pattern). This is one of those moments when the building really starts to pull together (light fixtures, paint colors, trim, and door finishes). The color committee (along with the architect) have really done a wonderful job (yes, my wife was on the committee; no, she didn't pay me to say it, nor will it earn me any brownie points at home).

As I watched them I started to think about all the things that will take place in this new space: wedding receptions, anniversary dinners, school concerts, funeral luncheons, etc. The Lord has certainly blessed us these past years. Our decision to stay has kindled in us a deep desire to share the gospel from this place to the very ends of the earth. May the improvements to our earthly home reflect our work in the kingdom that will reap rewards in our heavenly mansion.

MLS Remodel

The classroom remodel is continuing at high speed. The HVAC was turned on today, the walls are being primed, the lights and cabinets installed. The ceiling tiles will be installed on Friday and the painters are scheduled to begin on Monday along with the floor tile installation. They are certainly making quick work of the remodel.