January 12, 2009 by Larry Resch.

Here is an update from Dan Kagey, Building Team Chairman

Competitive bids for the educational wing were back by mid-November. We were very pleased to see that 3 of the bids were not only very close but within our range to recommend that we move forward. The winning bid and the financial picture was presented at the November 18^th church conference information meeting and then again at the December 2^nd church conference voting meeting.

This winning bid included all the options mentioned in the last update back in November. The recommendation passed unanimously.

In general, the church approved that the finance committee should go to our bank and secure financing of up to an additional $4M for both floors of the educational wing. That is consistent with the total loan amount that was approved last year of $10.1M. Due to all the factors that have changed since our last vote, the Building Team felt it necessary to come back to the church conference to request a new affirmation of our proposal. We are now working with the bank and are optimistic about a loan approval in mid to late January. Construction could start shortly thereafter.

Other related news, the phase 1 punch list has only a few remaining items. As you may have noticed, temporary trailers have been located on the site to provide space for clergy and admin offices until permanent offices can be constructed in Phase 2. That should stop the musical-computer chairs that are presently being played by several of the staff, including Andy.

What about the road? Well, the parting of the waters seemed easier, but after many months, the telephone pole holding up progress has been removed. Oak Construction has the go-ahead to complete the road. Now it’s only the weather that is holding us up. So early spring should be the absolute latest for that completion and old New Cut will become “right in and right out” only, and renamed Bauger Farm Road. That will at least open the door for a state re-evaluation of the intersection for a traffic light.

Posted in Phase 2 Info, New Cut Road, New Cut Road Building Progress, Realignment of New Cut Road Progress | 1 Comment »

January 8, 2009 by Larry Resch.

As you may have heard in church last Sunday ore read in the latest Pastor’s Ponderings, Andy’s retirement has been delayed for 1 year. Below is the announcement that was made in church by Pat Wagner, chair of the Staff Parish Relations Committee.

Over the past 3 years I have had the pleasure of serving on the Glen Mar Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC). During this period, one of the most important issues that the SPRC has discussed has been the upcoming retirement of our senior pastor, Andy Lunt, who as of January 1st has served Glen Mar for 30 years.

It is truly remarkable the degree to which Andy has allowed the SPRC to participate in what is typically a very personal decision. Knowing that many changes were in store with our move to the New Cut Road facility, and that the timing of his retirement could impact this important process, Andy has conferred with the SPRC over the past several years, entrusting us to recommend a retirement date that would ensure a successful transition. We have never taken this trust lightly, and have always attempted to balance the needs of the congregation with Andy’s well-deserved retirement after many years of faithful service.

As has been previously reported, the retirement date had been set for June 30, 2009. Recently, however, a number of changes have caused to SPRC to question whether this is the optimal date, given the challenges we will face as a congregation over the next 18 months. After much discussion and prayer, we made a formal request to Andy to consider a one-year postponement of his retirement, and after discussing our request with Joan and his family, Andy has graciously agreed to the one-year postponement. Accordingly, he will retire on June 30, 2010.

On behalf of the SPRC and the entire Glen Mar congregation, I would like to thank Andy and Joan for their many years of service to Glen Mar, for their gift of an additional year of service, and for their dedication to our mission of Praising God, Growing Disciples and Serving the World.

Posted in Staff News | No Comments »