August Construction Update

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Wow! Our project is in full swing. We have a lot going on in our building right now. We have not been able to get the exterior structure completed due to a few events. First the steel erection crew improperly installed roofing panels, thus having to pull off and replace the roof at their expense. And unfortunately due to the hard hail storm the newly installed roof received damage and again needs to be replaced. The expense of this will fall to our General Contractors risk insurance. The exterior locks together in a specific order, so if it seems this has been taking a long time, it is because it has had to be taken apart and put back several times now.

While the exterior seems to be taking a considerable amount of time, the interior is moving right along. The HVAC contractors are finishing duct work, the framing is almost complete. Our plumbers have been hard at it, and the electricians recently got started.

With all the construction happening we would ask that you do not pop in to check things out. Scott, Alan or myself (Jennifer) would be more than happy to show you around Sunday mornings after service pending we do not have work crews in the building at that time.

We have an estimated completion date of mid October, and are tentatively planning our dedication ceremony/open house for Reformation Sunday November 1st. If you are interested in helping plan that event please contact me.

We tried very hard to plan for all contingencies in the building process. Unfortunately some things are just not apparent until the process starts. When our existing asphalt parking lot was removed we found “bad dirt”. The bad dirt under the perimeter of the building was removed and we mined good dirt from the west side of our property to replace it. Our new parking will be a road base material but the material that was under the old lot was very full of clay and very unstable. After many conversations with our engineers, earthworkers and general contractor, we decided soil stabilization will be necessary for our new parking lot. This work is to be completed soon. It will add an additional $55,000-$72,000 to the project. With the parking lot work to be complete by the start of school, parents and staff can utilize the driveways on the east side.

For Sunday morning worship, starting August 16 the congregation will also need to utilize our parking on the east side, as earthwork will start on the west side of the property.

As we move towards completion, the congregation has agreed to take on some sweat equity projects as a way to reduce the overall budget. The majority of this will need to be completed in the evening and weekends. As to not slow down our paid crews. Some of the projects include painting, staining, tile work and cleaning. We will also need people to furnish dinner for the people working. If you are willing to help please let me know so I can coordinate workers and times. The main bulk of this work will be in September and early October.

As always please continue to pray for this project, so God's word can continue to be preached here in Fort Morgan for generations to come.

Jennifer Rhode