I love the piece of dirt that we call ours (321 So Hwy 6 in Gretna). I think of our spot as – as was said by Augustine in a different application – a city set on a hill. We have it here – location, location, location!
The new parking area and east entrance/exit is a great addition. We have to put in a catch basin for storm runoff which will be landscaped and we have plans for a “standing stone” entrance sign at that entrance (maybe a new electronic sign at the main entrance).
Robert Schuller had a “crystal cathedral” in southern CA which had much glass so when lit at night passers were drawn to look. I often think of the idea of a glass house in that we are being watched by many. What the front yard says (don’t you love our front yard?), the parking lot, the new airlock, the trees and lawn, and all the “commotion” – all talk! A past school superintendent often commented about the activity at our location due to the cars in the lot (I am so glad we have concrete paving and not asphalt). A mortician that we deal with tells me often how the Ten Commandment stone blesses him. There is life here and we honor the Giver of life who owns it all!
I love our narthex which is about lingering – about fellowship – about others. At times, it is loud! Yeah! I love our sanctuary with pews. You can lay the baby down, spread out or SQUEEZE together. We are blessed!
God has been good and is good and will be good – go, God!!
That all said – I still have the idea of an addition to the building in order to enhance and expand the current ministries and future ministries. For the past five years or so I have talked about adding on a fellowship hall that is on the same level as the sanctuary with a commercial kitchen (the oven situation in our current kitchen is “perplexing”) and dining for 300 or more. For funerals, receptions, and fellowships we are cramped. Our “lift” (elevator) and stairs are not inviting to seniors and we need and we love our seniors! I see a large fellowship hall with a tall ceiling, much glass on both sides with sheer window coverings – a “crystal” hall if you will. Furthermore, I see four large classrooms below.
OK – I’m interested in spending money – much money! Like 3.5 million. Doable? If God is in it! Is He? Maybe. I would like to explore the idea. [I believe it is possible to raise all those monies up front. In 2005 we did a 1.2 million addition with 500k in hand and borrowed 700k and watched God provide so that we paid it off way early!]
Remember that we started down this road four years ago by approving $15,000 to have an architect give us some ideas. The realization that we might lose the property back then put that process on hold. Is it time to give it a second look?
Oh, time frame. Some seniors will not get to enjoy the usage of such an addition for it will likely take at least 3 years if we were to say “Yes” by the end of this summer. Architects and city fathers take time and can be fussy. Then there is the building boom in Omaha which puts contractors months and months out. So, even if construction could begin, say the Fall of 2022, it would most likely be the Spring of 2024 before we would have occupancy.
And if nothing comes of this, I’m good. God is good and God will continue to bless us if we stay true to His Word and live for His glory.
Give me your thoughts.
a PK Musing 
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