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2015 November edition
Citation preview
Microsoft
October 31, 2015
Volume XXXXX1,
No 11
the Herald
Inside this issue:
Lant’s Lines 2
Christian Educator/
Thanksgiving Praise
4
Youth News/
Hanging of the
Greens
5
Bazaar 6
Luncheon/Baby
Shower
7
Mission Project 8
Calendar 9
Church Happenings 10
Lant’s Lines
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not
for harm, to give you a future with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NRSV)
Please allow me this opportunity to update the congregation and our extended
circle of friends on developments concerning repair and renovation of the sanctu-
ary. (The following is a brief summary. Informational and decisional meetings for
the congregation are planned later, when the contours of the plan are clearer.)
One component of Central’s current strategic plan, adopted near the end of
2014, was to begin planning for the renovation of the sanctuary. Since 2007-08,
when we engaged Arsee Engineers to perform an analysis of the soundness of the
sanctuary, we had known that there were some structural issues involving the
roof trusses. The trusses had “relaxed” since the time they were constructed,
and this had imparted lateral force at the top of the north and south walls of the
sanctuary, causing them to lean outward at the top. At the time Arsee thought
that this movement had probably happened decades ago, as the truss timbers
gradually lost their moisture content, and that the walls now were stable. Even so, a few substantial repairs were recommended the next time we worked on the
roof.
This year, before engaging the architects for the planned sanctuary renovation, the
session wisely decided to ask Arsee Engineers to repeat their measurements of
the sanctuary walls, in order to confirm that there were no new structural issues
with the trusses and the walls. When the latest measurements were compared to
the earlier ones, they showed that the walls have moved more than Arsee would
have expected—and enough that Arsee now recommends extensive repairs to
the roof trusses and the walls themselves. Moreover, we are advised that the
most critical of these repairs cannot be postponed. Indeed, we are monitoring
the walls on a monthly basis so that we can see immediately if the walls have con-
tinued to move. So far, they have not. And no one has advised to stop using the
building.
In broad outlines, Arsee recommends (a) that the roof trusses be tightened with
shims and additional bolts and that the feet of the roof trusses be connected
(through the sanctuary) with steel tie-rods so that they cannot “relax” any farther
and (b) that the north and south transept walls be rebuilt, from the top down to
the level of the sanctuary floor. This would include removing, refurbishing, and
reinstalling the large stained glass windows in the north and south transepts.
Since we are nearing the end of the expected life of our roof shingles, and since
the truss repair may actually damage the (continued on page 2)
roof, we are advised that we need to replace the roof, as well. This is the minimum work recom-
mended by Arsee. Since there is some moisture migrating into the walls through the porous brick,
they also suggest that, at some point—either now or in the future—we remove the outside layer of
brick and replace it with new brick and mortar that is more resistant to moisture. If we do that
work, then it makes sense “while we are there” to refurbish the other stained glass windows.
Arsee Engineers have advised that only a few contractors in Indiana have enough experience with
buildings of this age and type to be recommended for this work. They gave us the names of three
such contractors; and we asked all three, after an on-site meeting at the church, to provide an esti-
mate of the cost of the work. The two lowest estimates were almost identical; the third estimate
was higher. Based on the cost estimates of the lowest-cost contractor (who is well-recommended),
Schmidt Associates, our architects, have added estimated “soft” costs and contingencies and have
provided total project estimates, as follows, for different possible scopes of the project:
“Base” (all the work Arsee says is necessary right now, including the truss repair work, the re-
construction of the north and south transept walls, the refurbishment of the large stained
glass windows in the north and south transepts, new roof, and repainting the interior of the
sanctuary) -- $1,910,489.
“Base plus brick and windows” (all of the work included in the “Base,” plus re-bricking one layer
around the north, south, and west ends of the sanctuary and refurbishing the rest of the
stained glass windows that need work) -- $2,956,814.
“Full Renovation” (all of the work included in “Base plus brick and windows,” plus some archi-
tectural re-working of the sanctuary itself, mainly in the choir and chancel area and the
pews) -- $3,410,772.
“New Church” (the estimated cost of constructing a new church of the same size (area) and of
good architectural quality. The per-square-foot cost estimates are based on actual costs of
constructing a Lutheran church recently built in one of the northern suburbs of Indianapo-
lis—“nice, but not luxurious.” The estimate does NOT include any cost for the land.) --
$6,240,000.
After these estimates were received, the session asked that we inquire with Arsee Engineers wheth-
er they see any problems with the building’s foundations. They have reviewed the foundations in
the past and did not raise any major issues, but the session wants to guard against spending a lot of
money on repairs and renovations unless we have some level of comfort (although there is no such
thing as a guaranty) that the foundations are adequate. We are waiting to hear from Arsee, who
may suggest additional inspections of the foundations.
The contractor may be able to do some work on the roof trusses while we are still using the sanc-
tuary. However, at some point the congregation will need to move out of the sanctuary for about
six months, as it will be too dangerous (and messy) for us to use the sanctuary while the two tran-
sept walls are being demolished and rebuilt. We are currently exploring possibilities for worship-
ping temporarily in buildings near the church.
The session and its committees—Facilities, Interpretation and Support, and Finance—have been
working diligently to formulate plans for addressing the current situation. It’s very clear that we will
need to have a capital campaign soon. We would like to make initial requests before the end of this
year so that persons wanting to take advantage of 2015 tax deductions could go ahead and make
their initial gifts. During the last renovation, the congregation’s capital campaign (occurring as the
Page 2 the Hera ld
Page 3
Volume XXXXX1,
Holiday Bazaar 2015
November 6— doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Dinner served at 6:15 p.m.
Join your Central Presbyterian Church family on Friday night for a delicious din-
ner (for those who already have tickets) prepared by our own church cooks and an
opportunity to preview and purchase bazaar items before the doors open to the
general public on Saturday. This will be an evening of fun and fellowship.
November 7 — 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Bake Shoppe Book Shoppe
Craft Shoppe Café
Gently Used Household Items
stock market was approaching its recessional low point) brought in pledges of about $800,000 over a
three-year period. If we offer church members the option of paying pledges over a five-year period,
and if the stock market will behave, we hope to improve on this amount in a new capital campaign.
The church has about $250,000 in savings that we have been accumulating in anticipation of the sanc-
tuary renovation. We probably will have to incur some long-term construction debt, but debt needs
to be minimized. Even a $250,000, 20-year mortgage loan will require about $1,500 in debt service
each month ($18,000 a year in comparison to a current annual budget of about $350,000). We cer-
tainly cannot allow the church to incur so much debt that it is unable to accomplish any ministry!
We are exploring possibilities for obtaining grants to help with the project. If we apply, the Center
for Congregations, who have helped us so much in the past, may be willing to provide a “resource”
grant of up to $15,000 to help in paying architectural fees. We are just beginning to learn about the
possibility of applying for a grant of up to $50,000 from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources;
this would require us to apply for, and be accepted to, listing on the National Register of Historic
Places. (Are you a grant writer? We need your help!)
Anyone can see that we have our work cut out for us. I am confident, however, that if God wants us to be in ministry in this place, and if we are faithful to our mission as disciples of Jesus, the resources
necessary will become available. Please stand by for updates, and pray for God’s guidance—for our
church and for each of us as we consider our part in the plans.
Page 4
Volume XXXXX1,
Thanksgiving Sing Praise
In recognition of the Thanksgiving season, several churches of the Wabash Valley are
coming together to plan a community Thanksgiving Sing Praise service. Several choirs,
including our own High Ground Men’s Chorus, from area churches will share their
musical gifts in addition to the traditional hymns that are sung. To create this time of
community worship, we need you — the community — to join us and lift your voices
in praise. This special service will be on Sunday, November 8 at 3:00—4:30 pm at First Bap-
tist Church. The Psalmist wrote: I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving and
telling of all your wonders (Psalm 26:6b-7). Join in on November 9th as we sing a common song
of thanksgiving and gratitude and as we share the wonders of the Lord’s blessings.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION REPORT - Cheryl Moles, Christian Educator
Sunday School meets every Sunday at 9:30 am. There are classes for all ages with child care
available from 9:15 to 11:45 am. Infants to 2 year olds – Nursery room 101; 3 to 5 year olds – Pre-
school room 108; Kindergarten – 2nd grade – room 202; 3rd thru 5th grades – Room 103; Middle School – Room 200; High School and Adults have an intergenerational “Let’s Discuss…” group –
FH Classroom C; Adult Classes are: Study of the Book of Confessions – FH Classroom B; Chris-
tian Parenting – FH Classroom A.
The family prayer group meets on Mondays at 11:00 am at the church. Lunch is served ONLY
on the 2nd Monday of each month. Childcare is provided.
The next Parents’ Night Out/Youth Movie Night will be December 4. It will be combined
with the Youth Group Princess Party/Boys’ Night. Children age 4 and older will be with the special
events until 9:00 pm or overnight as you desire. Children younger than 4 years will be at Central
with the Nursery staff from 5:30 – 9:00 pm. Please let the office know if your child(ren) will be at-
tending. There is not a PNO in November due to the Bazaar.
T3EM is November 17. Supper and childcare will be provided by the CN Commission. There is
not T3EM in December, although some commissions and committees may meet.
Lunch and special program on November 8
There have been several requests for a program from the Christ and Haan families to share their
sabbatical experiences of the past year. Christian Nurture Committee invites you to a carry-in
lunch on November 8 following worship to hear about the Christ’s year in Germany and the
Haan’s time in China. Please bring a dish to share. This will be a true carry-in meal; no meat is
provided. There will be drinks and table service available.
Bible Sunday is November 15. Our first grade and sixth grade students will receive Bibles. Eve-
ryone is invited to sign the Bibles on Nov. 8 so that they are truly a gift from the congregation.
Hanging of the Greens will be on Wednesday evening, December 2. Supper will be served at
5:30 with decorating from 6:00 to 7:00 followed by a brief dedication.
Page 5
Volume XXXXX1,
SEVENTH CENTS YOUTH GROUP
Upcoming Youth Events:
November 2: Bible study at Central November 6: Central’s Craft Bazaar The Youth will assist in serving lunch at Central’s Craft Bazaar. For those youth who are helping with the Bazaar luncheon, please be at Central by 11:00 a.m. We plan to be finished by 1:30 p.m. November 6: Rake and Run! Please be at Central at 1:30 p.m. (directly following the Bazaar Lunch). We will be finished approximately at 5:00 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to join the fun
of decorating our church building
for Advent and Christmas
Wednesday, December 2
Supper served 5:30 – 6:00 pm
Decorating 6:00 – 7:00 pm
(Childcare for youngest children)
Dedication Service 7:00 – 7:15 pm
Page 6 the Hera ld
Central Presbyterian Church Annual Holiday Bazaar
Friday, November 6th
Once again we will provide a delicious dinner prepared
by Presbyterian women to kick-off the bazaar week-
end. Make sure you contact the CPC office by
Wednesday if you don’t have your reservation yet.
Doors will open at 5:30 and serving begins at 6:15. You won’t want to
miss early shopping opportunities and special Friday Fun. Joyce Cook
will entertain us with her Heads or Tails game. Many will want her fabu-
lous door prize, but only one will be the winner!
Saturday, November 7th
Start your morning at the all-you-can-eat-breakfast from 8:00 – 10:00. After that,
check out the bargain books, gently used household items, baked goods and
crafts. Lunch time shoppers can grab a bite at the Kitchen Café and shop for
bargains too!
Baked Goods Needed
Do you have a family
secret pie recipe? How about a special
cake you like to make? What about
some peanut butter fudge? The Bake
Shoppe at the Bazaar needs your good-
ies. You may start bringing your baked
goods to the church on
Friday starting at noon.
All donations accepted
and appreciated.
Page 7 the Hera ld
All-Saint’s Banner – Sunday November 1 During the Sunday School/gathering hour
on Sunday, November 1, the Worship
Commission will create a ribbon-banner
for All-Saint’s Sunday. On this day when
we especially remember those in our
Congregation who have entered the
Church Triumphant in the past year, we
invite you to remember those who have
been a part of your life by attaching a rib-
bon to the banner. You may write their
names on the ribbons to name the people
of God whose lives have become entan-
gled with yours and have helped you
along the journey of faith. These may be
ancient or contemporary saints, as you
will. The banner will be carried into the
Sanctuary as a reminder that we are all
united in the cloud of saints.
CLCA is planning
a baby shower on
November 15th,
to welcome Jack
William Darke
into our church
family. It will be
held during the fellowship hour follow-
ing the service.
If you would like to bring a gift or card
for baby Jack, there will be a table set
up in the fellowship hall to receive
them.
LUNCH AND PROGRAM ON NOVEMBER 8
A Carry-In lunch will be held on Sunday, November 8
immediately following worship. Please bring a dish
to share. Table service and drinks will be provided.
Following lunch, the Christ and Haan families will tell of their sabbatical experiences of last
year. Kevin, Beth, Peter and Caroline Christ lived in Ulm, Germany and Kevin taught at Ulm
University of Applied Sciences. Fred, Julie, Lucas, Katie and Emily Haan had an adventure liv-
ing in Beijing, China as Fred taught at Beihang University. Come and relax after a weekend
with the Bazaar activities to hear the favorite memories of these families.
Page 8
Volume XXXXX1,
Cemetery gravesites available. The
church office has become aware of three
gravesites in Roselawn Memorial Park that
are available for purchase from a private
seller. Contact Marcia McKibben: (812)
232-7207.
November 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 Choir 8:45
Sunday school 9:30
Worship 10:30
Youth Group 5:00
Mary Symon
2 Family Prayer Group
11:00
3 4 Bazaar Crafters
10:00
Deacons 5:30
Youth Design Team
6:30
Madeline Whitaker
5
Renee Newton, Alex
Pepperworth, Violet
Templeton
6 Bazaar preview and
dinner 6:00
Murray Pate
7 Holiday Bazaar
8:00—3:00
8 Choir 8:45
Sunday school 9:30
Worship 10:30
Carry-in luncheon 11:30
9 Family Prayer Group
11:00
Charles Rubey
10 Nominating Commit-
tee 4:30
11 Session meet 7:00
Eli Kofi Aba
12 Women’s Book Club
@ Davis house 7:00
John Cleveland,
Claire Mang, Susan
Moulton
13
Buddy Berry
14
15C hoir 8:45
Sunday school 9:30
Worship 10:30
Aspen Kershaw
16 Family Prayer Group
11:00
Matt Guell
17 Seekers & Searchers Bible Study 10:00
T3EM meal & childcare
5:15
Commission/Committees meet
18
Jean Wilkinson
19
Eliza Payne
20
Kathy Mellor
21
Xander Green, Josh
Powers, Linda Shaw
22 Choir 8:45
Sunday school 9:30
Worship 10:30
Gary Jenkins
23 Family Prayer
Group 11:00
24
Erin Lucas
25 Personnel Commit-
tee meet 12:30
26 Office closed. 27 Office closed.
Yae Eun Kim
28
Agnes Moles, Eileen
Whalen
29 Choir 8:45
Sunday school 9:30
Worship 10:30
Keith Hawkins
30 Family Prayer
Group 11:00
Emmanuel Aouad
Page 9
This little birdie is
here to remind you it’s
time to “Fall Back”.
Please set your clock
back one hour before
going to bed on Satur-
day, October 31.
Primary Business Address
Address Line 2
Address Line 3
Address Line 4
Phone: 555-555-5555
Fax: 555-555-5555
Email: [email protected]
Sunday School for all ages 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Rev. Lant B. Davis, Pastor
Cheryl Moles, Christian Educator
Scott Paul-Bonham, Parish Associate
Sarah Kelsheimer, Church Secretary
Women’s Bible Study
The Women’s Bible Study
will meet on November 17
at 10:00 a.m. at the
church. Mary Horneker
will lead the discussion on
Session 9 (Michal) of Bad
Girls of the Bible and What
We can Learn from Them
by Liz Curtis Higgs. Susan
Hoffman will be the host-
ess.
Women’s Book Club
The Women’s Book Club
will be meeting on Novem-
ber 5 at 7:00 at the church.
The book to be discussed is
Orphan Trainby Christina
Kline. Alice Harder will
lead the discussion on this
book.
Church Happenings
Business Tagline or Motto
Next Herald
Deadline —
November 23, 2015