James warns us not to say what we’re going to do today or tomorrow, but it’s so hard not to set a date, assuming things will work out. We thought we were going to be in the gym in time for our Thanksgiving dinner, but that didn’t happen.
A break in our water line had to be repaired before we could cut the trench for a gas line to the gym, and weather held up installing the HVAC units and the external ductwork. We also decided to put a balcony on top of our planned storage units, and equipment that was ordered was often delayed.
Last week, however, things really got rolling. Insulation was blown in the ceiling, the doors between the fellowship hall and the gym were installed, the heat detectors for the fire alarm system were attached, and the basketball hoops were delivered. The gym floor is scheduled to be laid, boundaries painted, and holes for the volleyball pole sockets drilled this week and next. I think it’s safe to say, Lord willing, we will dedicate the gym on February 15th.
While thinking about this dedication, I couldn’t help but think about the dedication of our church building back in 1976. We planned to dedicate it the first Sunday after we moved in. The Sunday before we moved in we marched from the storefront on the square to our new building carrying flags and singing. We knew there was still a lot to do, and lots to move. When we got to the church we held a prayer meeting, and I’ll never forget the prayer of Jerry Aulich. “Praise God, Bless His People. Fill this Church, and Deliver the Steeple.”
The steeple arrived, and on Saturday while the men were hoisting it in place, the women were moving furniture, arranging rooms, and putting books on my still sagging shelves.
Hopefully everything will ready to go for the dedication of our gym, and the first church volleyball game of the season, on the 15th.
If not, we’ll do it on the 22nd, or…
God Bless, Rick
Chatham Christian Church 