May 2022 News - National Association of Church Facilities Managers

May 2022 NACFM News

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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHURCH FACILITIES MANAGERS | May 2022

Special Days in May
MESSAGE FROM NACFM PRESIDENT HOMER CLARK

Welcome to May 2022! In this month's article, I'm highlighting three holidays that will (hopefully!) provide some food for thought.

First, is the very important Mother's Day when we honor and recognize the sacrifices and accomplishments of mothers. Moms are celebrated by family and friends regardless of whether they are biological or perceived maternal figures. This day offers sons and daughters the chance to show their appreciation. (And it's the wise husband that celebrates this day!)

Mother’s Day was established in 1914 by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. It is observed annually on the second Sunday in May. I came across a very revealing story recounted by Gordon Dalby in which he told of a nun who worked in a men’s prison. One year she brought some Mother’s Day cards to distribute to any prisoners who were interested in sending cards to their moms. Word spread, and requests for cards began pouring in. The demand was so great that she reached out to Hallmark to see if they’d be willing to donate extra boxes of cards. That first year the warden drew numbers from a lottery to determine which inmates would receive the limited number of Mother’s Day cards. In contrast, the nun prepared for Father’s Day in the same way; no one asked for a card.

In Deuteronomy 5:16 (NLT) we are reminded to,
“Honor your father and mother, as the LORD your God commanded you. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God will give you.”

Second, the National Day of Prayer is an annual holiday that serves to encourage Americans to pray, meditate and repent. It is also used to draw awareness to prayer and religious beliefs. The origins of the National Day of Prayer date back to 1787 when Benjamin Franklin asked President George Washington to open each day with prayer and to realize that prayer is deeply intertwined in the fabric of the United States.

It was not until February 1952, however, that Reverend Billy Graham petitioned the support of Representative Percy Priest to observe a national day of prayer. On April 17, 1952, President Harry Truman signed a bill proclaiming the National Day of Prayer to encourage Americans to turn to God in prayer and meditation. The National Prayer Day is celebrated every year on the first Thursday of May. I trust that many of us will participate in the National Day of Prayer and may even host local events at our churches. God receives us just as we are and accepts our prayers just as they are. In the same way that a small child cannot draw a bad picture, so a child of God cannot offer a bad prayer. Please take some time on May 5th and pray. For ideas may I suggest Ukrainians, world leaders, NACFM conference, NACFM members who may have loved ones in poor health or deceased, your family at home and your church family, as well as the families of servicemen and women who were lost in military actions around the world.

Finally, as a veteran, I am fond of Memorial Day. Memorial Day honors and remembers those who died while serving in the military. This day aims to raise awareness about the nation’s freedom and the price paid for that freedom. Every year, U.S. soldiers and their families pay that price through their service and, on occasion, with their lives. Memorial Day is a day for reverence honoring those who gave their lives defending the nation and its values. Congress declared it a national holiday in 1971. It is observed annually on the last Monday of May. When you see a veteran say thank you. If you see a military service member in uniform, take a moment to express your gratitude. Because of their sacrifices we have our country, our freedoms, our way of life.

Lastly, I would like to encourage you to attend this year’s NACFM National Conference in Colorado. While not a national holiday, it is an important annual event in the lives of many facilities professionals. On a professional, relational, and spiritual level, the Conference is one of the finest investments you can make. Please take the time to learn more about the conference here.

Thank you for who you are and what you do in His service. Today and every day, remember that you are a personal representative of Jesus Christ. Always strive for the perfection of Christ, for yourself and those around you.

Blessings,
Homer Clark
NACFM President

Featured Member:
Matthew Dorn - Alliance Church, Appleton, WI

Matthew Dorn is living proof that the Lord prepares us all for our careers and our ministries. Over a long and successful career, he has garnered a wealth of knowledge and skills that ultimately were used to advance the Lord's work, bless his church, and provide a positive vocation as a church facilities professional.

Spring brings new outside projects such as plantings or fence installations. Recently a team at Faith Baptist Church in North Carolina improved a drop-off lane and sidewalk at the front of the church. While the contractor was removing a small bush with a skid steer loader, he encountered a bee’s nest. When he went to spray the bees, there was a spark and the bush caught on fire. Upon closer inspection, the bee swarm prevented the contractor from getting electrocuted since pulling up the bush damaged an underground line to a parking lot utility pole light. The fire was the result of the utility line underground that had not been either buried deep enough, project changes, or erosion over time that had reduced the depth of the line.

Consider utilities underground when hammering a large tent stake, installing a fence or mailbox post, or even the operation of heavy equipment that may cause a break in underground pipe or conduit.