Demolition Work

Last weekend volunteers helped to demo the walls and pull old carpet in the new office space.

Now that the old walls are down, we are able to see the true potential of the space. There are a lot of really good options. We are working with a professional to help us use the space in the best way possible.

This weekend we are planning to take down the entire old ceiling grid. Mike Reynolds will be supervising a volunteer crew from 9am-12pm on Saturday. If you are able to help out, just give him a quick call. We need a couple ladders, anyone with a truck to hall things to the recyclers, and volunteers to help take the ceiling down. Here is Mike's number: (503) 318-3302.

Thanks to all who helped out last weekend. Over the next 4 weeks, things will really start coming back together. Keep checking back for more updates!

Move Over - Moving Forward

Progress is being made on the new office space. Right now we are in the process of tearing out the existing walls. Once we take a look at the entire space (it used to be divided in half) we'll be able to design a layout - preferably a layout where all the staff can keep an eye on Tim to make sure he is working :).

This weekend there are opportunities to get your hands dirty by helping with the demolition work. Mike Reynolds is supervising the project and will be working at the space all day Friday and all day Saturday. Please contact him if you will be able to volunteer some of your time. His cell number is (503) 318-3302.

In the beginning

Here it is. The space across the street. These pictures will take you on a journey of what the building looked like when we started.



This first picture was taken from our parking lot, looking west across 39th. We're renovating the second story (above the model train and framing shops). Just picture the sweet view from those upstairs windows.



Step over the caution tape as we head up the north stairs and look south across the deck...

Here's looking from the deck back east at Mosaic's building. In phase two we hope to build a sky bridge for easy access across 39th.

Clearly decorated in the 1970s, the north side office space has been unoccupied for several years, unless you consider the random assortment of furniture to be occupants.

This is where the staff will be preparing your lunch if you stop by for a meeting.

Walking down the hallway toward the south half of the building... This half of the space was home to a 40-seat theater for a youth theater troop. There's debate about whether or not to keep the color schemes (see below).

We've got a lot of work to do. Several Mosaic people have already generously donated their time and energy to move the project forward. If you're interested in helping out, email Doug (dholcomb@mosaicportland.org) to find out more. Check back soon for pictures of the progress.

The Move Over Vision

MOVE OVER: Ava needs a classroom. Isaac needs an office. And we haven't even met Sally yet.
Creating space to continue fulfilling the vision God has called us to by moving the staff across the street.

Ava needs a classroom.
Children’s ministry on Sunday is a great way to care for families and teach kids about Jesus. Many of the Mosaic Kids classrooms are full, so sometimes Ava doesn’t get to play, and Ava’s mom misses church to hang out with her in the lobby. Kicking the staff out of their makeshift offices and across the street will open up more classrooms for Ava and her friends.

Isaac needs an office.
A core piece of Mosaic’s vision is to develop, train and send out young leaders.
Isaac is the newest leader in training, and, while he hasn’t complained a bit, his office is in the hallway. This building (which God graciously gave us) was built for a staff of four, but 15 of Mosaic’s 17 staff members (plus several volunteers) use it throughout the week. Moving to the offices across the street would allow the Mosaic staff to work more closely as a team and continue to develop more leaders.

And we haven’t even met Sally yet.
Mosaic is growing. When new people like Sally come for the first time, we need a welcome center where she can meet people and find out how to get plugged in.

Move Over: The space across the street.
Moving the staff out of the building will free up room for more classrooms, offices and meeting spaces to continue fulfilling the vision God has called us to. Less than 50 yards from our building, there is ample office space.

We have a good relationship with the owner.

The monthly rental cost is already built into the budget.

The space is adequate, but needs renovation to be usable. The cost is $50,000.

We are convinced that we will not find cheaper or closer space in Portland.

Goal: Raise $50,000 to renovate the office space across the street and move in by early 2009.

How you be involved:

• PRAY that God will continue to provide finances and direction, and that we would be in tune with His will.
  
• GIVE financially. Donate at mosaicportland.org/worship/online-giving or by mailing a check (designated "move over" in the memo line) to: Mosaic, PO Box 13128, Portland, OR 97213.
  
• SERVE by donating your time or skill for the renovation project. Contact Doug for details: 503.287.6789, dholcomb@mosaicportland.org.