November 2021 News - National Association of Church Facilities Managers

November 2021 NACFM News

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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHURCH FACILITIES MANAGERS | November 2021

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
MESSAGE FROM NACFM PRESIDENT HOMER CLARK

It's hard to believe how fast our seasons come and go! No sooner do we pack up one holiday than we are unpacking the next. I'm so looking forward to savoring the upcoming holidays, enjoying being in the moment with family and friends. Compared to the 2020 season, this is especially true for 2021! Thanksgiving and then December will be here fast.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." So very true. As the times (seasons) under heaven unfold, we excitedly anticipate the next season of ministry. In our personal lives and as facilities professionals, we look forward to what the Lord has for us. Springtime (tax season!) is usually a lighter period on my work calendar, but then we also face a couple of weeks of preparation for VBS.

Our NACFM seasons are now switching from fall training and mission work to planning the 2022 National Conference in Denver. Before October becomes a distant memory, I'd like to provide a report on the 2021 NACFM Fall Mission trip to Camp Awana in Fredonia, Wisconsin.

The members of our mission team were Tim and Michelle Davis, Frank Pollina, and myself. On Thursday afternoon, we were joined by the Fall CP attendees: Chris Barron, Mitch Pons, and Brandon Lanham. I think that the team proved that a small team can yield huge results. We had two projects on the agenda. First, we installed lighting along the main entrance (1,100 feet with 17 poles and fixtures). For the second project, we added interior wall coverings for a new restroom and bathhouse. This was scheduled to run at the same time as the lighting project, however, we fell short on team members being able to attend. On Tuesday morning, we surveyed the worksite, inventoried supplies, and rounded up tools and equipment. We divided into teams with Tim and Michelle running the ditching machine, while Frank and I handled the post hole digging. Sandy, rocky soil proved to be a tough challenge. In the end, we removed three bobcat buckets of softball-size rocks and quite a few larger ones as well. By end of day Tuesday we completed the digging and placed poles in the ground.

Wednesday found us a person short as Frank was teaching at the CP that morning. The rest of us planted, plumbed, and backfilled all the posts by lunch. After lunch, we pulled the wire and finished the final ditch digging. We also got all the light fixtures and half of the landscaping done. When we energized the line, a breaker blew. Before troubleshooting, we prayed that the Lord would allow us to find and fix the breaker issue. On Thursday we quickly located and resolved the breaker problem (a defective breaker). With the breaker issue resolved, we were half a day ahead of schedule! By Thursday lunch we'd finished the landscaping. The Fall CP team arrived and we broke up into teams. The CP team and Frank headed to the bathhouse, Tim and Michelle took the electrical shop, and I went to the woodshop.

For 90% of the maintenance and projects, Camp Awana relies on volunteers. The next volunteers arrived much as we did, to find supplies and tools staged along with countless project leftovers. Part of our team was asked to help with the sorting and storage in the electrical shop. I did a similar task in the woodshop. Meanwhile, Frank lead the CP team in cutting and installing materials on-site for the bathhouse. The mission team accomplished more than planned, helping prep for the next volunteer team's arrival and lighting the way into the camp.

As a team we allowed God to use us to fulfill his plan. The serendipity of this trip is that four friends became deeper friends. During our campfire downtimes, we experienced wonderful fellowship. Also, mealtime with the camp staff was priceless.

I've provided this update for two reasons. First, I'd like for all of you to know about the workings of a mission trip and the results and, second, to encourage you to sign up for a 2022 mission trip.

Several years ago I was struggling with my job as a church facilities manager. It was during this time I sought advice from God, my peers, and professional counselors. The one message from my peers and others was, “Do something for someone else; take your eyes off your challenges and put them on someone else!” I went on my first NACFM mission trip to Camp Ojibwa in Minnesota. Focusing on the work and the people around me, I was amazed when I returned home. The challenges were still there, however, I had a clear mind and a new perspective. I was able to find answers and adapt to the changing culture of ministry. Other members' mission trips have had a huge impact on me and my heart, like Ms. Rosa (Lubbock, TX), and the Beall family (Huston, TX).

Here is a list of the benefits and blessings I've received from the mission trips I've been on:
1. A clear mind and heart
2. A renewed desire to serve
3. A deeper relationship with friends on the team
4. New friends in other cities

One final thought from Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV):
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

When I get overwhelmed and challenges seem to have no answers, I look to serve somewhere – a mission trip, a friend in need, or a family member. Within your church, you might find a ministry need outside of facilities work that your skills can serve. Jesus did and continues to lift our burdens. We can try to do the same for others in need.

Bless you one and all,

Homer Clark
NACFM President

Featured Member:
Josh Euerle - Riverside Church, Big Lake, MN

Not only is Josh Euerle an accomplished facilities professional, but he's also a farmer (hobby) in his free time! More about that later.

Josh grew up in Wisconsin, moved to Texas at the age of 15, then moved to Minnesota in 2000. As he succinctly puts it, "I have been a school teacher, youth pastor, and general laborer. I was originally referred to my current position by someone who thought I was 'handy.' That was 17 years ago. I guess they were right…"

"So, what's going on with our energy bills?!"

You may be asking this question more often as this year rolls into 2022, not just on a personal level but on behalf of your church as well. How will this affect your church budget? How can you take steps now to understand where your costs are coming from and where those costs are going?

In the following article, Kent Hobart, founder of Utility Refund Specialists shares some of his expert knowledge to help facilities managers find errors in their bills and get refunds from their electric, gas and water providers.