What’s Going On? Building Adjustments – February 7th 2024
As you may well be aware, we have a capital campaign going on. It is going well so far. It is low-key – just a few announcements and updates. However, the expectation is that everyone participates. So please do. As was said in the information sent out: if you are not in a place to give at this time, donate $10 as a way of showing support. That $10 will get you out of a follow-up phone call and save a bit of work for those doing the phoning.
As I write, some of the new HVAC (heating and cooling) units are being installed. A few were replaced last year, three have been replaced this year, and the remaining two are planned for next year. Thanks to our Facilities Team who manage the maintenance, replacement, and installation of these units. Thanks to all of you for supporting that work!
You may have also noticed that the library is doing a big book purge. This is preparation for a minor renovation that will have a major effect. The floor to ceiling windows and door of the library are being removed so that that room can be opened up. “Dave’s Sunday Pre-service Café” aka “Conversations Café” will then be given a more permanent home with some more equipment (counter, sinks, dishwasher) where the mail slots are now. Since we are nearly paperless, we hope to be able to have a limited number of mail slots for special occasions and mixed/shared use making their new home in the ‘Café & Library Corner’. The library will still be in that space with café tables and chairs instead of the present gigantic table, which we hope to creatively repurpose. The exact details for this have yet to be worked out. Thanks to the library team for their openness and help in planning this transition and for all their work sorting, sharing, removing and updating.
We will, at the same time, be putting in a new and improved Welcome Centre. It will have more accessible counter space so that, for example, smaller children can see the handouts that are for them. The plan is also to build in a locked donation box as a secure update to the donation jar we now use. You will be glad to know that you will be able to put money in there any time that you have access to the building.
Keeping our building in good shape seems an obvious step for Mountainview as we continue to get more requests to use our space. For example, recently GBF (Grimsby Benevolent Fund) approached us as they no longer have their Wellness Hub space at Elm and Main. We look forward to having them here as part of our ongoing partnership with them.
There is also consideration being given to a kitchen update. This is not a new idea, however it was given life when we were asked by someone about using our kitchen to cook for catering. We answered with what had been our longtime assumption, this is a re-heat kitchen and not a cooking kitchen. As it turns out our next health inspection revealed that we can indeed cook for catering in our kitchen. The possibilities in this area are still being explored.
If you have moved faster than a walk on our gym floor, you likely noted the tile issues. As we replace the flooring some creative ideas are in the mix. Pickleball, of course, and a meditation labyrinth. The first is all-the-rage these days and the second is part of our week of guided prayer repertoire. We are already making the move to the month of guided prayer this year and so we can’t be far from going into “anytime is a good time for guided prayer”. The labyrinth would allow us to be attentive to prayer practices throughout the year.
There are more ideas and plans, but this should suffice to let you see that beyond just paying off old debts, Mountainview is looking forward to working out new ministry opportunities. Blessings as you participate in so many ways.
Pastor Erick Schuringa
