WISE AND FOOLISH BUILDERS

Jesus was a carpenter's son so it isn't surprising to hear him, in Matthew 7:24, using a construction metaphor to talk about the wisdom of living out the truth he has taught us.

The story has to do with flooding -which caught my attention as I thought about the conversations in our Trustee and Building Committee meetings this week. We were talking about -among other topics- water damage in our basement, the recent flood in the Great Hall, and the current leak from the sides and center of the Chapel ceiling. We joked about doing baptisms by immersion throughout the building, or handing out water wings to the members of our Chancel Choir.

You know the story Jesus tells. Jesus says a wise person builds their house on a rock. When the rains come the foundation doesn't give way, it holds, because it is built on rock. (The rock is faith that Jesus is the grace and truth of God in the flesh.) People who receive truth and don't live it out, Jesus says, are like someone building their house on sand. When the rain comes, the house built on sand falls.

The leaders of our church (Trustees and the Building Committee) have made some decisions this week that could have a major impact on the future of our church. As we wrap up the completion of the courtyard project (June 1st is our hoped for completion date), after a 15-year delay, and as we make plans to recover from the damage caused by frozen pipes, our leaders have voted to take two major steps:

First, they have decided it is time to do a major structural/electrical study of our existing building. What are we facing in terms of deferred maintenance? What do we need to do to make sure the building is in good shape for the next 25+ years? (Some of the cosmetic issues -worn front steps, doors difficult to open, worn and stained carpet, missing ceiling tiles, lack of insulation in the sanctuary, etc.- may or may not be matched by deeper structural issues.)

Second, they have decided it is time to partner with a highly competent architectural firm to look at our facility to address not only deferred maintenance issues but also look at improving the building so it functions better for worship, fellowship, study and service.

Both of these steps will cost money, and we'll be looking at existing funds in the church budget, a foundation, or going to the congregation for support. (Our Church Council will vote on these steps when a formal proposal, with numbers and funding, is ready.)

Not to address these issues and to fail to dream about building improvements that could make the structure a better instrument for ministry with future generations is to miss a great opportunity. And to leave coming generations with a building where these needs are not addressed in a comprehensive way is to leave them with a facility that is more a burden than a helpful resource.

We'll be doing this while continuing to finish some elements of the old post office lot, such as fencing and parking lot maintenance and signage, until a more permanent use for the property is determined. We are looking at how a new configuration of church offices might make them more welcoming and more accessible. We are exploring if there are ways to develop some new spaces for adult groups and Sunday school classes. Finally, our Building Committee is working with a local contractor to see that PDO (Parents Day Out daycare) is back in their facilities as soon as possible (with needed improvements having been made).

So, as you might imagine, I found myself thinking of that story Jesus tells in Matthew 7. What all of this is about, of course, isn't creating a more impressive facility to house a religious association than it is about taking care of its own needs. But it is about having a facility that allows us to serve God and faithfully reach out in service to the larger world. This isn't about limestone and mortar and glass, but it is about living out the truth God is giving us in Jesus. When the building consistently demands attention because of repeated emergency needs or design challenges, it is time to resolve those and move on to a focus on people and ministry.

God is calling us to be wise builders. That means making wise, faithful and visionary decisions with our property and buildings so that future generations will be blessed. It also means living out the grace and truth of God...not just talking about it.

Let's get to work!

In Christ and for Christ,

Mark