End Of An Era

A full house for the final worship service on Old Clyde Road

Sunday, July 27, 2008 marked the final worship service at our building on Old Clyde Road. It was a time for reminiscing, and for thanking God for all his blessing on this local body since its formation in 1938. Keeping with the significance of the occasion, Pastor Alan preached a sermon titled "Looking Back" from Deuteronomy 8. It was a day that brought out a range of emotions among the congregation as we considered our church's past, and looked forward with excitement towards its future. (Click on photos to enlarge.)

Pastor Timmy and Banjo give the children's sermon

Pastor Alan preaches with a 55 gallon drum for a pulpit, which is what Woodland's first pastor had to use back in 1938.

Amber Rhinehart sings "Praise the King"

Worshipers exit for the final time

Two Weeks To Go

The new date for the building dedication has been set for August 3rd, and it looks like this is a deadline the contractor can keep. I think everybody at Woodland is starting to get excited as we see the completion date drawing near.

New glass doors at the main entrance

Don't park in those handicap spaces if you don't belong there. Check out those fines! And no, you can't deduct the fine from your tithe.

Fenced-in playground area for the younger grades

Going Into Overtime

"Will we have Woodland's building finished by July 20 like we promised Pastor Alan?"

"I don't think so, Tim."

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Just a wee bit behind schedule.

I think the Empire State Building was the last building in the history of construction to be completed on time (actually, it was completed ahead of schedule), and that was way back in 1931. So it's to be expected that our new church building is running "just a little bit behind schedule". The July 20 kickoff date has gone up in a cloud of construction dust, and now we're looking at sometime in early August. I guess we'll get there when we get there.

The "not quite ready" asphalt parking lot. It will one day hold 200+ cars.

Paving of the parking lot forced a cancellation of the planned July 4th pic-nic. A few of the Woodland faithful, however, didn't let that get in the way of enjoying the Lake Junaluska fireworks show. We just parked across the street from the new building, broke out the lawn chairs, drinks, and snacks, and enjoyed a pleasant summer's evening with friends and fireworks.

Pastor Timmy showing off his new hair style.

Woodland's fireworks watchers enjoying fellowship before the big show.

While were waiting for the fireworks show to start, Virgil gave some of us a sneak peek at the interior progress in the new building.

"Almost completed" risers in the choir loft.

"Nearly ready" built-in work area in the church office.

"Close to finished" children's classroom.