Some years ago a friend of mine, the resident storyteller at the RAND Corporation, taught me that “Things always take longer than they do.” Having lived through the recent renovation work we understand exactly what he meant. At last we get to move in to the new space, and over the coming months will learn more what it makes possible in our life and work. There are still a few finishing touches to be cared for (can you say “landscaping”???), but the end result looks to be well worth the trials and tribulations we experienced along the way. A special thanks to Building Committee members Kevin Borg, Mark Tournat and Susan Welch (as well as original member Mike Todd). I cannot tell you how much they have done to bring about this wonderful accomplishment.
We will plan for a celebration Open House in October, but I thought I could share a couple of thoughts about what we have gained. Outside in the parking lot we have created a more visible and inviting “front door” to welcome the wider community. Where our sanctuary was once nearly hidden from the street it is much easier to find. We have already had a new worshiper who told me in the line on Sunday “I hadn’t known there was a church there.” It will be easier for people to find us. We’ve added sixteen new parking spots, including a total of 4 handicapped spaces (up from 3) and a wider ramp located close to the main stairway. Park benches at the top and bottom of the ramp, as well as halfway up, will make it easier for us to wait for a friend who has gone to fetch the car. The set of stairs to the choir room door is also much lower. With improved lighting at night and ease of access all the time it will make the new room more useful for lots of people.
I mentioned at the July Ad Board meeting that we might want to find a new name for the choir room – a name that helps people to have an idea of the variety of things that will take place there. We already have Wesley Hall and the Aldersgate Room (names from Methodist history), as well as the Mission Room. What should we call the new space?

I know that the choir will appreciate having a restroom for Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings, separate storage for robes and music, and a larger and improved rehearsal room. We also look forward to dance classes for young children, fitness classes for adults, Bible study for all ages – perhaps even a film series or family movie night. It’s a room that will advance our life in many many ways. So I wonder if it shouldn’t have a name that will reflect that wider impact. Suggestions I’ve heard so far include the Music and Arts Room, the Harmony Room, the Community Room and others.
So many good things are waiting for us over these coming months. I look forward to seeing with you how God is leading us into that future.
Grace and peace
