Let us
build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live, a place
where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive. Built of hopes
and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace; here the
love of Christ shall end divisions: All are welcome, all are welcome, all are
welcome in this place. - ELW # 641
Dear
Friends in Christ,
Near the beginning of
May, the City of Duluth will be redirecting traffic flow on 6th
Avenue East between 2nd and 3rd Streets. Among the changes, 6th
Avenue will become a two-way street, and the curved sweep between 2nd
and 3rd will be replaced with a T. The Renovation Committee, under the leadership of chair Gary
Olson and architect Bob Hewitt, is taking advantage of the timing of this road
and sidewalk reconstruction and digging alongside our building to have drain
tile put in around the foundation, a preliminary step before the renovation of
the Hillside Room can take place.
In addition to
following these construction plans of the City, Gary and Bob also met in
February with the facilities manager of St. Mary's Duluth Clinic about its
plans to make adjustments to the parking lot, part of which we share. Please see Bob's note (p. 19 - Day by Dei Newsletter) and
proposed plan posted on the parking lot entrance doors, which includes
additional changes to traffic flow on the west side of the building, extending
the retaining wall near the alley, and adding more green space. At the February Council meeting, he
also shared the good news that estimates for completing both of these projects
can likely be covered by the renovation account, though they will also deplete
it (about $36,000). Many thanks to
Gary and Bob and the Renovation Committee for their faithful work and
planning.
An important
consideration for everyone is that during these construction projects,
access through different entrances of the building may be difficult. As we get closer to May, the Renovation
Committee and I will keep you informed as much as possible about what we can
expect so that we can plan accordingly.
One thing I do not
expect to change, however - even during that time - is our parish's zest
for building community. I
recall the months we worshiped in the basement on folding chairs during the
summer and fall of 2006 while the sanctuary was being renovated. My impression was that for most of us
it was not only endurable but enjoyable to worship "in exile" even with
its inconveniences as we looked forward to what was to come. And in the midst of transition, God's
ministry in and
through
our parish continued and thrived.
"We are the church,
the body of our Lord," the kids sing in Sunday School. I'm thankful for how our church
building has continued to be a vehicle for ministry to the community and even
beyond our walls, including last month:
We help build
community within by welcoming our Central Hillside neighbors to the annual
Valentine Party, Neighborhood Breakfast, free tax preparation service, and
worship and fellowship each week.
We help build
community beyond through our members' regular involvement with CHUM,
serving dinner monthly at the LSS Renaissance House for homeless youth, helping
former inmates reintegrate into society through a mentor program (the latter
were highlighted during adult forum), and special offerings for Haiti and ELCA
World Hunger Appeal.
Opportunities
for building community this month:
Plan your
Wednesdays at Gloria Dei in Lent. Both at noon with lunch and in the evenings with soup
suppers, we'll be looking at the Marks of Discipleship, one of which is "reflecting Christ in nurturing relationships."
Offer
someone a ride to or from church. Our Transportation Fund, which was started some years ago to
help folks with limited income take a taxi to church events is currently
underfunded. Contributions above
your regular offering are certainly welcome. At the same time, a ride to or from church not only reduces
the expenses but also build relationships in the process!
Invite
someone to worship with you.
There are many opportunities in Lent - Sunday mornings as well as
Wednesdays at noon and at 7:00 p.m. with Holden Prayer Around the Cross.
And for
homebound members and friends, this year worship on Maundy Thursday, Good
Friday, and Easter Vigil (April 1-3) will all be broadcast live, each at 7:00
p.m. on WDSM, AM Radio 710.
"Unless
the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain"
(Psalm 127). Thanks be to God for our shared ministry. Please pray with me that together we
will be centered in the One whose self-giving love means new life for all,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
See you
in worship!
+ Pastor David Carlson
