If any of you were as curious as was Marilyn, you may have been as shocked as she was to find the name of our church, and my name, included in the Delinquent Real Estate Tax List. But fear not, the unintended delinquency has been addressed. There is no need to change churches, or preachers.
You may not be aware of it, but not only did Bonnie leave us sufficient funds to build a gymnasium, she left us her house. While the change of ownership was being processed the second half of the tax bill was disregarded, thinking as a church we wouldn’t have to pay it. However, upon calling in response to the
published list of delinquents, we found out that taxes payable in 2025 are for 2024, so the second half would have to be paid. And we were told if they didn’t receive payment by November 5th, a tax auction would be held, and the owner could lose their property.
I was never more thankful for my wife’s curiosity. I thought if we had missed the notice, we would have lost the house. I did find out it doesn’t take place that quickly, but I was still very thankful.
And speaking of being thankful, we are indeed thankful for all that has been entrusted to us by Jack and Bonnie. In fact, we are hoping to be able to hold our Thanksgiving Dinner in the gym. The floor has been poured, and the wiring and HVAC should be roughed in by the end of this week. The walls will then be
insulated, and the interior panels put in place. Once the lights are installed, and the furnaces and AC are operational, we should be good to go.
Even if the sport flooring and sports equipment isn’t in place, we should be able to eat dinner in the gym. We did not put plumbing or a new kitchen in the gym due to expense involved in connecting to the sewer line, and the lack of perceived need. We have an adequate food prep area for potlucks and refreshments, and the bathrooms are readily accessible.
Even if we aren’t able to eat dinner in the gym, we’ll give thanks for it, and celebrate Thanksgiving together.
God Bless, Rick
Chatham Christian Church 