Lincolnia Church is faced with a challenge greater than any we have experienced since I became your pastor.  As many of you know, in late June the church basement was flooded during a period of record rainfall.  Initially the damage didn’t seem much worse, or even as bad, as we have experienced during previous heavy rains.  Everything changed after inspectors came in and told us we would have to take special measures to remove the mold which had been discovered.  We would have to remove and replace the carpet, take out wall boards up to a height of four feet, and have a drainage system installed which should prevent any more flooding in the basement.
Since the flood, United Methodist Family Services (UMFS), the agency which has rented space in the basement for the past 15 years, has taken up temporary residence in the Fellowship Hall.  That prevents us from holding a number of our activities there.
That isn’t a good arrangement for anyone; but it’s the best we can do under the circumstances.
By the time this article goes to press, the demolition of the basement should be complete.  The installation of the drainage system should be well underway.  We will only need to complete the restoration before UMFS can move back downstairs. 
Sounds simple, right?  There is a catch.  This entire evolution will cost around $90,000.  Our insurance will not cover any of the cost.  We will have to exhaust all of the reserves which have been built up over the past 10-15 years.  In addition, we are petitioning the Bi-District Board of Missions for financial assistance.  That will still leave us with a shortfall.  Members will be asked to float a no-interest loan to help cover the remainder.  We will launch other fund raising efforts.  If all other means fail, we will need to secure a loan from the Virginia United Methodist Credit Union.
What can we do?  I can think of three actions we may all take, to one degree or another. 

1. Pray   This is definitely a time to seek the Lord’s guidance as we go about trying to restore the basement to a habitable condition.  Please pray that the work might go smoothly and safely.  Pray that the repairs are done on time.  Pray that we find the funding sources that allow us to meet all of our other obligations and complete the repairs in a timely manner.
2. Give   I mentioned earlier that we will need funds from various sources.  At the same time we are currently several thousand dollars behind on meeting our regular budgeted expenses.  If you are behind in your pledge, please try to catch up.  If you are able to give extra, please do so.  If you have some cash which you are able to give the church in the form of either a grant or loan, please notify the church office.  It is especially important that our members not divert the funds they would normally give to the regular offering to the repair effort.  We need extra funds above and beyond our regular offering.
3. Make suggestions (and be willing to act on them)  Any and all fund raising suggestions will be welcome.  Those ideas need to be more than suggesting that “They” do this or that.  We are all “They.”  If you have an idea, let’s hear it.  We also need to hear what part you are willing to play in making that idea a reality.

           This situation is, as much as anything, an opportunity to grow in faith.  We will have to look to God to provide us ways to pay for this project.  We will each one need to use the gifts God gave us to pull together with service and financial contributions.  I believe we have the potential to be a stronger, more unified congregation as a result of this challenge.
Since I have been your pastor, I have been constantly amazed at the demonstrations of faith I have witnessed.  The results have been amazing.  Our relatively small congregation pulled off the Potato Drop; an event that is a challenge to much larger congregations.  We have witnessed a healing miracle in the life of Wesley Gerald, as we prayed for his healing in the face of what looked to be impossible odds.  Each Sunday, many of you demonstrate your faith through the prayer requests you submit.
Now is the time for all of us to step out and to walk by faith.  We may face some lean financial times.  We have before.  In every case God provided just what we needed.  I believe if we are open to God’s leading, the same thing will happen this time.
Peace,
Bill