4.6.25
Dear All,
It has been a rough week for all of us. Terrible storms – my dog has still not recovered from the thunder. Major church building issues that continue to grow. The instability of the stock market and the unknown effects of the tariffs on the economy. And, of course, the death of Melissa Blood, a young, vibrant woman who still had much to offer our world. Then, there was the death of Tony Smith, a long-time member and leader of St. Paul’s who carried this building through many decades of growth and additions/remodeling. Then, there was the announcement of Donna’s departure for a new position in the west.
It can be a bit overwhelming. And then, I remember, we are a people of death and resurrection. Lent is a reminder of our finite life span laced with the sense of hope that this is not all that there is, that a new life with God awaits us. Lent is a time of sadness but also a time of joy! So as this community grieves the loss of loved ones, shakes our collective heads over the necessary building repairs, and wonder where God is in all of this, let us gather in worship to hold each other as we entrust ourselves to God’s goodness and love. These are the times when the community of God is so very important for our health and well-being.
Now, on a very different note . . .
I referred above to continued building issues . . Board of Water and Light has discovered a steam leak outside of our building, which was causing considerable condensation/water damage to our walls, light fixtures, and stained glass windows in the same stairwell under repair. (The two issues are not related.) They removed the sidewalk in front of the stairs leading into the parish hall to dig deep (tunnel) and far enough under the stairs to enable them to release the steam to the outside and no longer into our building. This is the first step.
The second is to actually find the leak and repair it. This will not happen overnight! This may require the removal of more of the sidewalk or the stairs leading to the front door or parts of our front landscaping . . . no one knows at this point. Which means for all of us, you still cannot enter the Memorial Garden . . . you still cannot use the Memorial Garden door . . . you still cannot go in or out the parish hall front door . . . you still cannot use the south stairwell. (The good news is BWL must pay for the repairs and restoration after the work is completed.) If you need to go upstairs or downstairs, you will need to use the elevator. If the caterers are not in the kitchen, you may use that stairwell.
Please do not forget to join us for a great concert on Saturday evening at 7:00 pm. If Music Be the Food will be a much-needed celebration of music and support for The First Presbyterian Food Bank.
Please take care of yourselves and say your prayers. Many blessings to you and your loved ones.
Karen+