Bite-Sized Projects, Big Kingdom Impact

By: Phil Mahan

Owning a really old church building creates a long list of things that need to be done and maintained. I am continually amazed at how much God has blessed our body of believers with a building and parking lot that seemed like an impossible dream only a few years ago. Conversely, I am also grateful that we have a body of believers that recognize our church is the people, not the steeple.  I believe this healthy recognition is a byproduct of the Spirit working in the servant hearts of members I see in this ministry.

Volunteers have kept the grounds mowed, weeded, mulched and trimmed. They have cheerfully helped with special projects on the church building and rental properties. In the same amazing way we came to own these buildings, I've also seen God continue to move in smaller ways. God has provided resources through our members to upgrade, repair and maintain our building and grounds, with the most significant of these being time. We've been able to accomplish things that otherwise would have cost tens of thousands of dollars had we paid for outside services to do them.

In spite of my own busy personal schedule, I've been able to schedule "bite sized" projects to check things off my "to do list".

The work parties to tackle them have been a great catalyst of fellowship, relationship building and fun. Here are some of the projects we've accomplished this past year:

• Replaced and upgraded mini-split climate control systems.

• Removed trees from rental property.

• Upgraded electrical wiring/outlets in both rental houses.

• Upgraded exterior electrical outlet and sign light controller on the church building.

• Numbered the exterior church building doors.

• Completed repairs to both houses to pass Quarryville Borough rental inspections.

• Trimmed the playground maple tree.

Kudos to the eldership team for being compassionate, patient, supportive and understanding of the limitations of my own schedule.

So here's how we can be praying for this ministry...

Pray this building that we have been blessed with continues to meet the needs of our congregation, Noah's Ark, and the tenants. That the building continues to provide a safe, functional and welcoming environment for members and visitors. That our building continues to serve as a tool via our membership to reflect God's awesome glory and holiness, and that in the minds of the community, it doesn't become a symbol of a stale corporate religious entity.

Lastly, That building maintenance continues to be looked at as an opportunity for service, fellowship, spiritual growth and fun.