Update on Construction project Jan 19, 2002

Greetings in the Lord!

An update on the Project Hallelujah construction project...

After enjoying a successful capital campaign that fully subscribed the construction plans for sanctuary renovation, and after getting off to a great start with a fine contractor, construction in the sanctuary has stalled.

When the contractors removed some of the drywall behind the chancel, they discovered the presence of mold. Environmental tests revealed the presence of stachybotrys, also known as toxic black mold. As experts have told us, we have no reason to believe that the mold has ever been a problem to anybody so long as it was sealed within the walls. Now that it is exposed, it is necessary to take measures to deal with it. For a start, the sanctuary has been sealed by a remediation contractor. We are in dialogue with insurance adjusters and engineers to work through a complete remediation process.

Needless to say, this has set back the timetable for completion of the construction. Happily the initial tests indicate no mold contamination in the hallway adjacent to the sanctuary, but more tests have been taken this week to be sure. For safety's sake the environmental engineers have taken tests in the Christian Education building as well. Results of all those tests will be reported as soon as we receive them (in two to three weeks).

Assured that "..all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose," we anticipate a positive conclusion to this construction delay. In the meantime, please join with us in praying for God

1. to bring to the light any and all concerns that need remediation,
2. to grant wisdom to our leaders as they make related decisions,
3. to grant us favor with the engineers, insurance adjusters, and contractors, and...
4. to continue to bless and enlarge our ministries together.

For the Session,

      Jack Haberer                       Jim Feather
      Pastor/Moderator               Clerk of the Session

For questions and answers on stachybotrys, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/asthma_old/factsheets/molds/default.htm

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