February 20, 2008 by Andy Lunt.

We learned just this afternoon from our contractor that they will not be able to complete our new building in time to allow us to hold our first worship services there on May 11 as planned.  This information is so important, I wanted to share it with you as soon and as directly as possible.  Basically, a number of factors (including weather) have prevented the contractor from closing in the building and making it weather-tight.  That, in turn, will make it impossible to complete the required interior work necessary to assure occupancy by May 1.  At this point it is not possible to know a firm date for completion, but we should be able to share that information within the next two or three weeks.

For now, though, our previously announced timetable will have to be postponed at least several weeks.  Prior to communicating that schedule, we thought we had allowed sufficient time for inevitable delays.  Our judgment, however, turns out to have been incorrect.  I take full responsibility for having communicated a schedule that is no longer accurate.  And, I want to assure you we will not announce a new schedule until we are certain of the dates when occupancy of the new building will be available.

There are really several ways to receive this latest news.  Naturally, I’m disappointed to have to put on hold (once again) the growing excitement I am feeling about our move.  At the same time, having a few extra weeks to get ready can only help us to do a better job when we ultimately do make the move.  After seven years of waiting, another few weeks shouldn’t make that much difference.

If I’ve learned anything during those seven years, it’s that we are not in control of this project.  I’ve learned to trust that everything related to the new building happens in accord with God’s timing rather than ours.   This latest news doesn’t change that conviction in the least.  What it does is to encourage me to pray more fervently and seek to discern how God is calling us to use the additional weeks before our move in ways that best reflect God’s plan for us and for the new facility.

Speaking of prayer, it looks like the 100 Days of Prayer will need to be extended.  Nothing bad about that, though, and I hope you will join me in continuing to pray every day for Glen Mar, for the people who are working to complete our new building, and for the people you will invite to join you in using the building to advance God’s mission in Howard County.

Posted in Pastors Ponderings, New Cut Road Building Progress | No Comments »

February 19, 2008 by Beth Haynes.

Sprinkler pipe is being installed in the ceiling of the multi-purpose room, and in the ceiling of the main level of the narthex.

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February 18, 2008 by Larry Resch.

On the 10th of February, it was very windy and no big deal, right?  Wrong — it seems the wind literally blew the web cam off the side of the trailer and there it hung until today.  (Ok, I’ve been busy and I should have asked Dale to deal with it, but I was too busy to think of that!)  I mounted it back to the trailer in a slightly different spot that had more than 3/8 plywood to screw to (hopefully) and got the camera aligned.  Unfortunately, while it was hanging by its cable, the camera was rained on and filled about 1/4 of the way with water.  It still works, but the picture has a lot of water vapor messing it up.  Maybe in a few days, the lens area will dry out and the picture will get better (or not).

The good news is that in 3 months to the day, we will be having our Grand Opening celebration!  Thank You God!

Posted in Glenmar Road Building Renovations | No Comments »

February 11, 2008 by Beth Haynes.

The insulation has been installed on the lower roof of the narthex.

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February 5, 2008 by Larry Resch.

The Rowells and I were at the site Saturday trying to finalize some of the audio-visual infrastructure that we need. While Harry and I measured and scratched our heads and discussed unrelated stuff, Jen did something more useful and took some pictures. Way to go, Jen!

Here are three views of the outside.

This first view is from the upper lot looking toward the main entrance (the opening in the middle of the brick wall).

This view is from the upper lot also, but looking towards the Narthex area. The big open area is the glass wall in the Narthex that overlooks the outside amphitheater/entrance to the lower Narthex area.

This is the view of the “Big Room” (aka the multipurpose room) where we will be holding, among other activities, interim worship until Phase 2 is completed. Practically all of the openings you see will be glass.

Here is the Narthex as seen by someone coming in the upper entrance (photo 1) hallway. The bright area to the left is the glass wall overlooking the outside amphitheater.

Here is the view of the lower Narthex area looking towards the “inside amphitheater”. Off to the right is the Youth & Sunday School office (i.e., DC’s cage).

This is the view from the doorway leading into the “Big Room”. This picture doesn’t do it justice - this room is big!

Here is the stage area from about where us techies will be sitting. The ceiling will be at the level of the top of the brick wall.

Posted in New Cut Road Building Progress | No Comments »