As I mentioned last Friday, we received our conditional occupancy permit–so Sunday we held our first meeting ever in our own meeting space. Personally, it was a bit surreal to see everyone streaming in, to hear the signing, to fellowship together. We are grateful for the favor we received from Lancaster Twp as they worked with us to make this happen. And we are especially, deeply grateful to God. So without further ado, here are a few shots from Sunday. Here’s the building at about 6:00 am:

The parking lot at the break:

Folks came in through these doors:

Into the Auditorium:

Here’s the lobby after the service:

The patio during the picnic:

And the amphitheater as well:

Of course, Geoff Sensenig has much better pictures that were featured in Monday’s post.

So Sunday was the wonderful culmination of a lot of work by a lot of parties. Here are some progress shots from last week. First, carting in furniture for the classrooms, the hard working Kurt Weaver:

Our sign guy even brought his wife out and installed the wall signage early Saturday morning:

That area looked great because Andy’s guys did the sod & mulch in time for Sunday. Here’s Quay making sure no one steals the sod:

They also seeded and matted the front retention basin. That’ll be a neat mix of wildflowers and specialty plants when it comes up:

As you entered on Sunday you would have noticed a few things. Jill Wilson & co completed their 30-year quilt (that is, 30-year anniversary, not 30 years of sewing) for us:

And we have 6 posters highlighting notable events from our past:

Geoff’s beautiful welcome table was also wheeled into position for the Borghis to greet guests:

The kitchen equipment is functioning, and was put to good use by Vernon & co.:

The bathrooms are done, including paper towel dispensers and trash cans:

And the lightning protection guys have been installing their system on the roof (you may need to click-through to see the little spire):

The elevator was also in operation, as we passed our inspection. Betcha didn’t know that this is what we look like to elevator companies:

Those carts are each 500 lb, so ours passed the 2,500 lb weight test.

Here’s what the doors look like after taking off the blue, protective plastic:

The air balancing company was working on our HVAC outputs with their cool measuring device:

And you would’ve also noticed that the barn doors (last week’s mystery item) were mounted in position:

Those are for our Unruly Child Room:

Not really. It’s a coat room, or course. But it does get one considering options…

I’ve had Claudia out this week to help to prepare the bookstore:

Here you can see it filling up:

Hopefully it will be ready for Sunday.

The electricians continue to plug along this week. They’ve been working on the uplights out along the front porch. They’ve installed the transformers:

And prepared the parts:

For final installation:

They’ve also installed some sconces by the fireplace:

And on the east (cross) wall:

They hope to finish the uplights in the auditorium this week.

The painters are also at work, on touch-ups and final topcoats. They’ve also begun the faux finish process. The green wall by the restrooms on the main level, and the 5 alcoves up above, all get a green faux finish. But first they have to apply the base coat. Here it is in process:

And as completed:

Once completed, they should look like this:

Perhaps the most exciting news this week is the carpeting. It’s been distributed:

The glue has been spread:

And they’ve begun installing it in the lower level:

Each classroom has different color inserts to liven things up a bit:

Here it is with the chairs & tables:

They’ll install the vinyl baseboard around the perimeter, and the vinyl sheets near the casework, and those rooms will be completed.

Moving outside, the masons have finished the stone on the deck stair pier:

Eric, one of our carpenters, has installed the dumpster gates:

And the roofers have largely finished the roof. There is just some gutter, downspout, and ice guard to go:

The amphitheater stage area has also received some sod:

I end with a tribute to a trusty companion. He’s seen me through much rough terrain, and he’s been faithful regardless of the challenges, including inclement weather and ample amounts of mud:

He had a lot more parts when we first got him. A rear seat, a sun shade, and a rear footrest; but the important pieces are all still there, and he still gets me where I need to go.

Until next week.