GROUNDBREAKING... for the record

Sue-Jean Suettinger*, Chair of the Building Committee, was able to attend all parts of the day and participate.  She blessed us not only by her presence and gracious words of appreciation for prayers and gifts and cards but also her voice in song. 

Groundbreaking followed the congregation’s annual January meeting to confirm the budget for the coming year, an action made relatively easy due to the congregation’s generosity in pledging support for the 2011 budget.

Architect Jay Davies and Contractor Robert Hammen both testified to the uniqueness of their experience working with Pilgrim Church, ten years for Mr. Davies and three for Mr. Hammen.
At our request, Mr. Hammen spoke at some length outlining his ministry of construction and the construction-site witness to the Gospel distinguishing his work from other general contractors.  He spoke as well to Pilgrim’s on-site involvement – morning prayers, occasional lunches, clean-up, and Holy Graffiti Day.

Capital campaign chairs Bob Suettinger and Jeff Stinehelfer blessed us with memories and appreciation for those two events from our past, each characterized by extraordinary generosity of response.

Here is the setting after all the necessary words were said:

The earth is frozen.  The temperature is 25 degrees.  Disappointment!  Just too cold to hold the event outside.  But an indoor groundbreaking?  The plan called for something symbolic inside and then a real quick outdoor photo-op.

Everything came together in the end, and it was so good that there was not any need for the outdoor photo-op proposed at the start.  Picture it: a large trough of Pilgrim soil in the chancel beneath the Cross of Jesus and in front of the Communion Table  –  a powerful visual reminder both of what God has done for us and our responsive commitment to the Gospel.  Offering plates on the Table represented of the astounding generosity of Pilgrim’s congregation making the day possible.  And surrounding the container of soil was a group of Pilgrim children and youth, a beautiful reminder of why we have committed to build. 

Cross, Table, offering plates, children... perfect!

Donning Hammen Construction hardhats, Trustee Chair Nancy Fey and children’s representative Roger Jennings led the way for all of us. 

Break Ground!  Praise God!  

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*Mrs. Suettinger was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia this past August and continues in treatment.*