Restoration News - I
September 16, 2011
Exciting times at Knox Presbyterian Church now mean doing ministry in the midst of a construction site!
This is remarkably challenging if one attempts to do things in “the way we’ve always done things.” Sometimes I think I’m in Star Trek mode bravely going where no man has ever gone before… then I realize the foolishness of my thoughts. I stop and contemplate how blessed I am that the Lord has gone before and prepared the way!
As I compose this update to our Pastor’s Musings Blog, I am sitting in the upper reaches of the Christian Education rooms tucked away in what was once the Youth Room, then the Counter’s Room, now my little corner of solitude. As I reflect on the massive changes that are going on at Knox, there are Skil saws, hammers, and scaffolding being erected around me to confirm this is no mere dream.
Earlier this week Frances and I sat at Bumper’s enjoying lunch and using a coupon from our Dining Out Promotion Booklet as we observed the arrival of a large crane truck along with a redi-mix cement truck. The commotion and difficulty of parking alongside the church was fascinating not to mention the engineering task of pouring cement pads in the crawl space in preparation for the jacking up of the roof! In observing the traffic congestion we once again encountered a safety issue which we want to bring to the Town’s attention.
The right of way between the church and the adjacent restaurant is becoming dangerous as opposing cars are meeting in the single lane available. Therefore we are recommending to the Town that the proposed one way designation be posted immediately and not wait until we are finished construction relieving the access to Main St. thus ensuring public safety. We are most concerned for the people of our Town during our restoration work. Our contractors have been great in assisting us in this regard. This is evidenced by the incredible care and skill in assembling the scaffolding; ensuring the safety of the work site.
As we continue the work we ask you to continue your prayerful support. The Underground Church has been a tremendous learning experience for all of us and we thank the Lord for the presence of a faithful and thriving congregation in the midst of all this turmoil. I believe He is preparing us, strengthening us, so we will be ready when we emerge from this experience to welcome not only our own people, not only those who have drifted from our care, but a whole new group who are attracted to the story of faith in action.
With this is mind we are working not to become too focused on the restoration and lose sight of the pastoral and ministry goals of our church. We continue to celebrate the birth of infants, the growth of our children and youth ministry, the compassionate care of our seniors. All of this we accomplish through the inspired engagement of a congregation that believes in its mission: Unified by Christ’s love, we share Him with the world.
Come join us and see that God is good indeed!
Pastor Howard
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