Faith UMC Period 2 Project Team As Lent arrived early on Valentine’s Day, the project was winding down, ending the following day. We accomplished all of the project's major objectives and completed a myriad of smaller tasks as well. And we managed to enjoy some off-duty activities with the team as well.
Parsonage after repairs and painting completed Finishing Up
Despite projections of a quick finish, the group working on the parsonage managed to spend most of the 3 weeks repairing and painting it, applying the finishing touches only a day before the project ended. The teams working back at the church managed to solve several roof leaks, powerwash most of the sidewalks, repair doors and siding, prune a large crepe myrtle and prepare Peeler Hall for the new storage rooms to be installed.
Unfortunately, Dave was sidelined for several days with a cold that laid him low – a rare occurrence. Since we share everything, it was no surprise that Cathy followed him to bed, but luckily with a less severe case. We were missed, but the project work didn’t slow due to our absence.
It was sad to once again say goodbye to the new friends we’d made as they headed off to their next project, and to Herb and Peggy, the project leaders who left Saturday to head home. However, with eight of us staying on, the work will continue for a few more weeks. We just switch to Nomads drop-in status.
Despite projections of a quick finish, the group working on the parsonage managed to spend most of the 3 weeks repairing and painting it, applying the finishing touches only a day before the project ended. The teams working back at the church managed to solve several roof leaks, powerwash most of the sidewalks, repair doors and siding, prune a large crepe myrtle and prepare Peeler Hall for the new storage rooms to be installed.
Unfortunately, Dave was sidelined for several days with a cold that laid him low – a rare occurrence. Since we share everything, it was no surprise that Cathy followed him to bed, but luckily with a less severe case. We were missed, but the project work didn’t slow due to our absence.
It was sad to once again say goodbye to the new friends we’d made as they headed off to their next project, and to Herb and Peggy, the project leaders who left Saturday to head home. However, with eight of us staying on, the work will continue for a few more weeks. We just switch to Nomads drop-in status.
At the Valentine's festival Hearts and Music
As Valentine’s Day approached, we joined a festival dinner for that occasion, hosted by the Spanish congregation. The Wesley Hall was transformed, and we were served a several course dinner that was amazingly good – salad, spaghetti with homemade sauce, stuffed chicken with Caribbean rice, and cake for dessert. It was a beautiful evening.
As Valentine’s Day approached, we joined a festival dinner for that occasion, hosted by the Spanish congregation. The Wesley Hall was transformed, and we were served a several course dinner that was amazingly good – salad, spaghetti with homemade sauce, stuffed chicken with Caribbean rice, and cake for dessert. It was a beautiful evening.
The next day, the United Brothers in Christ held a concert at Faith to honor the Nomads and Pastor Barry for all of their contributions to the churches in the area. Presenting each of us with certificates of appreciation, the accompanying sentiments were moving. As always, the music from the Brothers lifted us all. At Ervin’s urging, a half-dozen Nomads which included Cathy did their best to offer some praises in song. The group sang a couple of hymns, with the congregation joining us as we sang the familiar refrains, raising a joyful sound. Dave then spoke about Barry’s efforts to bring the Nomads to Jacksonville and to facilitate their work at the churches in the area. It was an uplifting service, and one we felt privileged to be a part of. The offering raised over $350 in support of the Nomads as well.
Although Dave was sick for the big day, Cathy joined the party to watch the Super Bowl, trying to stay clear of a pretty intense rivalry between Philadephia Eagle fans Don and Bobbi and Patriots fan Fred. Fred still doesn’t like to talk about it.
New ridge pole on the boat cover frame Boat Stuff
Cathy upgraded the boat cover frame to incorporate some 1” diameter PVC into the ridge pole, replacing the ½” PVC that failed during the 2017 storms. With the frame changes made, she removed the boat cover to make some repairs and prepare for the next canvas project. She needs to make new enclosure windows to fit the new bimini.
With the cover and its frame removed, the next step was to remove the mast, which was laying over the deck where the windows need to be fitted. Dave and Cathy positioned themselves on deck with several “volunteers” on the ground below to take it off the stern. Surprisingly, the removal went smoothly, and it now sits next to the RV. With the mast gone, we had access to a bag of life jackets that supports the spreaders on deck. To our horror, the bag was filled with large red ants. After cleaning them out of the bag and the life jackets, we haven’t seen any more infestations, but we are still keeping a watchful eye.
Cathy upgraded the boat cover frame to incorporate some 1” diameter PVC into the ridge pole, replacing the ½” PVC that failed during the 2017 storms. With the frame changes made, she removed the boat cover to make some repairs and prepare for the next canvas project. She needs to make new enclosure windows to fit the new bimini.
With the cover and its frame removed, the next step was to remove the mast, which was laying over the deck where the windows need to be fitted. Dave and Cathy positioned themselves on deck with several “volunteers” on the ground below to take it off the stern. Surprisingly, the removal went smoothly, and it now sits next to the RV. With the mast gone, we had access to a bag of life jackets that supports the spreaders on deck. To our horror, the bag was filled with large red ants. After cleaning them out of the bag and the life jackets, we haven’t seen any more infestations, but we are still keeping a watchful eye.
