Thursday, September 6, 2007 

SKY LIGHT PROJECT Update!

Things are getting back as they should...at least on the inside of our church.  There was some damage to the ceiling grid in our sanctuary, kitchen and nursery that still needs some attention but all stained tile and soaked insulation has been changed.  We are getting our carpet reviewed and possibly getting deep cleaned again.

The north interior wall is being taken off and insulation pulled out since it is still soaked from the storm.  It will take a few days to get all of that back in order but things are moving pretty fast.  Art Fief and Jon Ryman are doing an incredible job keeping us in touch with key people who helps this get done right.

One of the main problems that we are dealing with at the moment and I'm sure it has been a problem for anyone who has called is that our phone system is limping along with no repair in sight.  We are in the process at this moment at finding a new office system that can get us rolling again.  Presently, no phone lines can be forwarded to any other phone and there is no ability to page anyone.  So if you call for a specific pastor the secretary has to go to their office and the pastor has to come to the one office phone to talk to you.  Having a private conversations in our main office is not so...shall we say private.  All offices can call out on any of the three phone lines we have, we just can't receive calls on other than the one phone.  Along with that, our voice mail is shot, so if you want to leave a message it will not happen.  Please be patient with us.  We are looking for a system that will give us at least five to ten years of service and with all the technology out there we are finding all kinds of wonderful systems.

As for our roof.  It has been temporarily covered and the manufacture no longer fabricates building systems like we have but they are helping us figure out a way to merge the old system with a new one so we will not have to replace the whole roof.  Pray that they can work that out.  The difference could mean a difference in thousands of dollars.  That's all I know for the time.  Thanks for your patience and prayers.  Blessings!

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

SKY LIGHT PROJECT Update!

An interesting thought graced my mind when I first saw the damage to our roof a week ago Monday.  I felt in my Spirit, the first time I saw the damage, that this was a blessing in disguise.  I'm not sure what all that means but I believe it is symbolic as to what God is doing in our fellowship of believers here at Cornerstone Church.  It could mean that God is literally ripping off the roof of our hearts exposing issues that will be resolved and healed this year or it is more an issue that God is remodeling us.  What I do know is when the breath of God blows there is LIFE!  Whatever the case, God is in CHARGE!  This is not a time to give Satan any attention for this situation, this is time for God to get all the glory and have an expectancy and intrigue as to what He is up to.  I am asking you to be expecting and anticipating anything that God might have for us during this time.  Let God do "BIG" things in us.  Thus...this incident has been labeled the "Sky Light Project."

Today our work crew is taking out insulation in the sanctuary ceiling.  Many of the stained and damaged ceiling tile will remain in the ceiling until our roof has been replaced.  We have had our insurance adjuster come out and is presently preparing their statement and figures as to what expenses and replacement costs will be.  We have also talked to the manufactures of this building seeing what materials and replacement costs might be.  One thing we have run into is that they no longer manufacture the roof panels the way they did seven years ago.  So we are trying to find a way that our west roof might tie into our east side of the roof.  The manufacturers assure us that this is something that we can work out.

As many of you know, our facilities are only seven and a half years old but the storm has caused some damage that will need strict attention.  Though the integrity of the facility has not been harmed the cosmetics are obviously in need of attention.  Do pray that this will be quick and painless so we can get on to other things.  I do appreciate your willingness to serve and all those who have got on board to be a solution to this problem.  Situations like this is a proving ground for believers in Christ to show their integrity, unity, faith and hope.  As far as I am concerned the people of Cornerstone Church has earned an A+ in all of these areas...KEEP IT COMING!

Pastor Neil

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Update!

Sunday is a Go!  We have been able to get a few things going and I want to inform you where we are right now.  We will be having services this Sunday at Cornerstone Church and feel like we have a safe and prepared building for you and your family.

Many of you were able to join us for our "Breakthrough Night of Worship" and saw our beautiful skylight and interesting decor.  This Sunday should be no exception with all the "special" decor.  There are four things that are worth informing about:

1. Our Roof: As many of you know the main line winds tore a 10'X40' section of our roof off.  In the picture you can tell that the roof disconnected from the ridge or peek of the roof and pealed its way down being tethered at the bottom of the sheet metal.  While the wind blew it whipped the metal all around our roof gouging holes here and there, hence allowing the rain to pass through the holes soaking our ceiling tile, insulation and accumulating water on the floor.  Even though this portion of roof material has come loose, the integrity of the building remains strong and trustworthy.  We have covered the missing metal with a tarp in which we hope to begin the process to restore the roof back to it's proper shape beginning in the next week or so.
2. Our Ceilings: As of now we know we will need to replace 300 ceiling tiles along with the insulation.  Something important to know is that insulation is a great absorbent product that does not dry easily.  When insulation gets wet it gives off an odor that is not harmful but can't be avoided without removal.  We are in the process of getting all the insulation out of the ceiling so we can start the cleaning process.  In the meanwhile there may be an odor in our church that will be dealt with as soon as possible.
3. Our Carpet: Because of the great amount of rainfall, our carpets were completely soaked.  We had some valiant warriors on the cleaning patrol and started the process early allowing us to have a wonderful Tuesday "Breakthrough Night of Worship."  But some of the carpet is still getting dry in some closets and hallways.  Also there seems to be some wrinkles and carpet bubbles that have appeared.  We are in the process of seeing if we can do anything about these and the damage over all in this area.
4. Our Phone System: We are asking you to be patient with us.  After a storm like this often technical equipment and circuit boards do not show their damage as quickly as ceiling tile.  Our phone system is showing some glitches.  We have a technician who is working on our system today but there are still some flaws we haven't figured out, namely, transferring calls, hold and voice mail.  These are all important components of a needed system and they are all in question right now.  We are working on it as hard as we can.  Thanks for your patience. 

Our Present Situation: Our insurance company is sending out an adjuster tomorrow, (Friday), to help get this process moving.  We are taking out ceiling insulation as quickly as possible to give us clean and free air.  Also, we have been able to work with some wonderful people and companies in the process.  These people have been helpful and encouraging.  Thank you for your prayers.

Many people have been incredible in helping us get things turned around and helping this look like a church again.  You have done an incredible job picking up insulation scattered all over our parking lot all the way to those of you who have cleaned and vacuumed the sanctuary, halls, storage and nursery.  We are indebted to your love and faithfulness.

An extra pat on the back goes to Art Feif and Karen Naab.  Your unselfish love and hard work has made Cornerstone a better place, thanks for making me and my family feel safe and valued.  You are truly servants with a big heart.

I'll do my best to continue to communicate as things go on.  Patience and prayer is the key here.  Let's see what God is going to do. 

Blessings,

Pastor Neil

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, the Garden City area was visited by a phenomenon called a “land hurricane” gusting with more than 70 mph winds. Radar indicated that the eye of the storm passed over Holcomb and the west side of Garden City...namely, Cornerstone Church. The storm in both cities have left many buildings with minimum to major damage, our church was no exception. You can see by the pictures that there is damage to our roof and sanctuary.

What do we do? Tonight, Tuesday, August 21^st, we had planned a Breakthrough Night of Worship, those plans have not changed, so what if the stars shine through! We will continue to meet in the sanctuary just as planned. As I write this we are attempting to put a tarp on the roof to cover our gapping hole just in case it decides to rain again and we are drying out the sanctuary carpet. I believe that we should press through and see what God will do tonight, “...no weapon forged against you will prevail ...” (Isaiah 54:17). I do believe that the sanctuary is safe other than the discoloration of ceiling tile and soaked carpet that will be dry by tonight. So, we will still be meeting at 7p.m. in the sanctuary for a great time of Breakthrough Night of Worship!

As for this coming Sunday? We are not sure about this Sunday and haven't made a full assessment of all the things that work and don't work in our church. The sanctuary, kitchen, upper storage area and nursery have the most water damage. The carpet is soaked and the ceiling tiles and insulation are full of water. We will try our best to asses more information by tomorrow, (Wednesday), and we will continue to post updates on this site so you will know what we are up to.

So, as for a quick overview, I think it could take us three to four weeks to access, deploy a plan and complete the work needed on the interior of the sanctuary and a couple of weeks on the roof. I don't believe that we will have to move out of our sanctuary for services but things will be in a bit of disarray but it will be safe. Like always, we will have to make adjustments when necessary and we will do our best to communicate all the details.

Please pray for us as we deal with insurance claims and contractors so we can get things back to normal. Also pray for all those who suffered damage throughout our area and for the family who tragically lost a loved one during this incident. Please encourage anyone in our church to read our communications concerning our building on our website for the latest details that way we can keep our phone lines open. You are a blessing, keep on loving people and making Garden City and the surrounding area a better place for everyone!

Blessings,

Pastor Neil