Message from Rev. John Hougen

Water Damage, Roof Damage, Steeple Damage, Grounds Damage
Comments from Rev. John Hougen

Dear Members and Friends,
The Sanctuary roof and the Sanctuary itself are fine. No, the entire church roof did NOT cave in!!! The storm caused extensive damage to the flat part of the roof and that led to some significant water leakage in the rooms underneath it. In addition, the roof over the Educational Wing was also a problem. We anticipate that both of these roofs will need to be replaced. Fortunately, the roof over the Sanctuary is newer and in good shape.Clean up has begun on the water damaged areas. Two of the rooms hardest hit are used by Elevate Tampa Bay, one of our renters, and we will be temporarily moving them to another space on the second floor. The Apollo Academy rooms were unaffected by Milton and as of Wednesday school has resumed.Our parking lot has a lot of limbs and debris as well as our grounds which are being cleaned up. The cross on our steeple was blown over but hanging by a wire. This is also in the process of being repaired.

Our insurance has a fairly high hurricane deductible so we will be using money from the Orleans funds as well as other funds to get repairs going as soon as possible.
In the meantime, I look forward to worshipping in the sanctuary or online with all of you this Sunday, October 20, and working together as we move forward after Milton.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.      Isaiah 43:2-3