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October 2 - Meetings, Grading and Pews

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Another Status Meeting in the Church - A week ago Sunday the second status update meeting was held at the church. While there were some assembled pews, they were all in the sanctuary, and not in the dining hall where the meeting convened. So, everyone that wanted to sit had to bring their own chair. In the picture, Bob is standing but not because he failed to bring a chair. He wanted attention so he stood up in the front to give his status update. After Sam reported on the finances discussion ensued about whether or not to increase our self imposed debt ceiling. While the church could be 'completed' without the increase, some desired items like an epoxy sealed kitchen floor would have to be deferred. The congregation agreed to up the debt limit. Sam stated that the bank is fine with the new debt ceiling. Sam also said the projection stand in the picture is only temporary. With the current projected spending, we will still not have a completed kitchen so the eagle-eyed shoppers ...
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June 26 - Ground Breaking Ceremony


The building committee, people truly outstanding in their field.
From left to right - Don Keskey, Bob Niemela, Merja HIllukka, Sam Byman, Nate Loukusa, Phil Muhonen
The oldest member, Florence Hillukka, and Jared Moll, representing the youngest end of the congregation scooped out the first shovelfuls of dirt, thus commemorating the start of the building project. Paul and Brenda Hillukka look on, offering timely advice on proper shoveling technique.  
Jeff Pilon, mayor of Nowthen welcomed the
congregation to the community.
Markus Lohi served with God's word.
The congregation gathered on the building site on Sunday, June 26, for the ceremonial
ground breaking. While the  photo accurately depicts a building corner, it is hard to be
certain if the assembly is inside the church perimeter of not. Let's just say it is. This
then can be the first congregation event held inside the new church boundary.

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February 17 - Pouring the Floor, Part 2

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Pouring it On Sweatshirts and jackets came off as the morning wore on, the temperature rose, and that heavy concrete hose was dragged all over the church.  When I returned to the church at about 11:30 that morning, I saw the last of the concrete truck parade.  One truck was emptying its load, another was cleaning up, and a third was pulling away to return to home base. Inside was a surprise -- the floor was almost finished!  The last of the narthex, office, coat room, and mechanical room was being poured.  Here you can see the power screeding machine in action again.  The reference laser it uses can be seen in the distance, fastened high on the door jamb leading to the sanctuary, visible just above Brian's head. By now, everyone seemed to know exactly what to do and when to do it. The pump outside is controlled remotely by Jeff Wikman, via the yellow control box he's holding.  While Mark directs the hose, Jeff monitors the progress, ready to stop the pump i...
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October 2 - Meetings, Grading and Pews

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Another Status Meeting in the Church - A week ago Sunday the second status update meeting was held at the church. While there were some assembled pews, they were all in the sanctuary, and not in the dining hall where the meeting convened. So, everyone that wanted to sit had to bring their own chair. In the picture, Bob is standing but not because he failed to bring a chair. He wanted attention so he stood up in the front to give his status update. After Sam reported on the finances discussion ensued about whether or not to increase our self imposed debt ceiling. While the church could be 'completed' without the increase, some desired items like an epoxy sealed kitchen floor would have to be deferred. The congregation agreed to up the debt limit. Sam stated that the bank is fine with the new debt ceiling. Sam also said the projection stand in the picture is only temporary. With the current projected spending, we will still not have a completed kitchen so the eagle-eyed shoppers ...
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September 25 - Last Saturday: A Really Big Day

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Concrete Pour -  Another concrete pour, this time the sidewalks across the front and the walk under the portico. Two truckloads of mud got all the sidewalk done and half of the dumpster pad beyond the back edge of the parking lot. Sonny Johnson, Phil Johnson and Charlie Halonen from the Minneapolis congregation as well as Dale Muhonen from Rockford volunteered to help with the job. Once again, a helping hand from the neighboring congregations is greatly appreciated. It is always fascinating to watch this work - when the truck is spilling its contents, many hands and feet are required to coax the heavy goo into its desired location. Phil is shown pushing the goo around while Sonny and Dale operate the screed. After the concrete is leveled out, the bull float is used to smooth the surface. The float may reveal a spot lacking just a little material so the master adds a shovelful here and there to make sure the surface is just right. After the mix has a chance to set up a bit, the red ...
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