Two weeks into construction!

If you’ve been anywhere near the church lately you couldn’t help but notice we are now a full-fledged construction site! Our Church Conference convened after services March 22nd and voted unanimously to enter into a construction contract with Flintco Constructive Solutions to build our new Worship Center! Since the day was sunny and bright, we grabbed shovels and celebrated a ceremonial groundbreaking immediately after the Church Conference

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Not lagging behind in enthusiasm, Flintco quickly began the process of setting up shop on our property with the delivery of a trailer for the construction headquarters and the installation of water management barriers (the black plastic barricade). After markings were laid out, Flintco officially broke ground April 3.

During the construction process life will be a little different around here. Nearly half our parking lot has been removed to allow Flintco to do the dirt work required for both the new building and the parking lot expansion. This means Sunday mornings will be interesting for at least the next six weeks. Because of the reduced parking, Wal-Mart has generously agreed to let us use the southwest side of their parking lot during worship times. We are currently trying to coordinate a bus driver to shuttle folks from Wal-Mart to worship so they don’t have to cross Aldersgate Drive on foot.

 

What does all this mean for all of us who call Aldersgate home?

 

First, we all need to be very aware of safety concerns. The south end of our property is an active construction zone. No one is allowed in that area without permission, a hard hat and safety goggles. As tempting as the dirt piles may be, they are not safe for children to play on. The walk between the CLC and Aldersgate House may be treacherous for a while, so please take your time and watch your step!

 

Second, we all need to be flexible. The temporary discomfort of reduced parking, mud, dust and noise is all for a greater good: a new facility we desperately need. It may be tempting to gripe about the changes construction is bringing, but keeping a positive outlook will make the whole process more bearable for everyone. And if you can help ease the parking dilemma by reducing the number of vehicles you bring to worship and/or parking at Wal-Mart, please consider doing so. We have a number of elderly people and families with young children who need the limited number of parking spaces in our lot.

 

Third, we need to pray for all the workers who are making our dream of a new Worship Center a reality. We will have many people on our property doing a variety of jobs, each of them critical to the construction process, which provides us an excellent opportunity to show them the love of Christ. Praying for their safety and providing a hospitable environment are simple ways to show them how much we value and appreciate them.

 

We will be updating this blog weekly so everyone can see the progress. Be sure to check back and see what’s new at Aldersgate.