Newsletter article for September 2016

“I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ.”                                                                                    --Philemon 6

            It’s been a whirlwind of a summer for my family and I.  It seems like we’ve been on the road more than we’ve been home, but it’s good to be back in town for a while and digging into plans for the fall.  All the regular activities are returning – confirmation and Sunday school, choir practices, WELCA, men’s group, Supper Club, etc. – but with all that, some new and special events are planned.  This month we’re going to hear temple talks giving an update on our WELCA women’s ministry and Stephen’s Ministry visitation program.  We’ll be celebrating the vocation of police and fire first responders and inviting them to a cookout for God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday, which falls this year on the 15^th anniversary of terror attacks of 9/11/2001.  And we’ll be starting a 5-week capital campaign called Mission Possible, in support of our Lutheran Camps.

            I can hear it now, “Oh no, another capital campaign!  Didn’t we just get done with one of those?”  Well, yes we did, but this one is going to be very different.  We are looking to assist our nearest Lutheran camp, Luther Springs as they develop new facilities, and to help Luther Rock purchase property that will allow them to remain open.  We are joining congregations across the Florida-Bahamas synod to help with these major improvements, and at the same time celebrate this unique natural setting which available to anyone seeking a place away from it all.

            Our congregation makes regular use of Luther Springs.  We use their counselors for our Day Camps in the summer, and the council has done many planning retreats up at the camp.  We were blessed to have nearly 30 people there last month for our Family Camp weekend.  More than half of those attending had never been there before.  Children from 5 years old to Senior High played and explored this beautiful setting, joining us for worship, Bible study, canoeing, archery, and swimming.  Good food, dancing, and fellowship were also on the menu.  In the weeks ahead, those who’ve never visited Luther Springs will be able to hear stories and impressions from those who’ve just recently experienced that special place.  We’ll even have a couple of pastors drop by to share their thoughts.

            “But what about that big campaign for the new building?  What’s going on with that?...”  Well, the last Sunday in August we held an important informational meeting to update the congregation on the state of our building plans.  This meeting was not for voting or approving any action.  It was merely to bring everyone up to speed on things that have happened over the last few months.  People who could not attend were invited to join us and interact via live streaming on our website.  DVD copies of the meeting are available for those who want to catch up on all the details.

            Building team chair Terry Martin did a great job in laying out the work they have done and the situation we face.  He explained to us that the extension we were granted to the original permits will expire May 11, 2017.  From the three bids obtained, it is clear that a steel construction building designed in accordance with those permits will cost about $600,000 to build – double the amount we raised in our capital campaign.   Terry and his team have looked at modifications that could save large amounts of money by eliminating costly ramps, retaining walls and stem walls.  They even explored moving the location of the building to the other side of the parking lot.  However, estimates are that the cost of redrawing plans, along with the rise in construction costs over time will still leave us with a price tag for this building of around $600,000.

            We are exploring options, but want everyone to realize the kind of sticker shock we’re facing with this design.  Whatever way we go, we want to be good stewards of what God has given us.  We also do not want to impair our ability to serve our community and continue growing our ministries.  Our council and building team welcome your insights and ideas.  Please keep praying for the Spirit’s guidance in completing the good work that God has begun. 

           

            Earlier this year, a book was published on the history of Wesley Chapel.  Many were surprised to find out that Wesley Chapel had enough history to fill a book, let alone one as rich and fascinating as that which author Madonna Wise has put together.  We want the community to have a chance to hear more about where we came from, and learn how not just how moonshining and gator hunting, but church picnics and 5^th Sunday hymn sings were an important to Wesley Chapel’s early development.  Ms. Wise  will be speaking at Atonement at 7pm on the evening of Saturday, October 1 for what we are calling “Wesley Chapel History Night.”  Please grab a few friends and neighbors, and come ready to sing along to some old hymns that were favorites back in Wesley Chapel’s pioneer days.

  

Peace,

Pastor Scott