November 2022 News - National Association of Church Facilities Managers

November 2022 NACFM News

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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHURCH FACILITIES MANAGERS | November 2022

What Are You Thankful For?
MESSAGE FROM NACFM PRESIDENT HOMER CLARK

On November 26, 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation for a day of thanksgiving and prayer. Fast forward to 1863. President Abraham Lincoln encouraged Americans to celebrate a day of thanksgiving each year on the last Thursday of November. Congress in 1870 passed legislation to establish several national holidays including (you guessed it!) Thanksgiving. Since this November holiday is directly focused on giving thanks, I think a great question for us all to consider is...“What are you thankful for this year?"

Most of us remember the lyrics of the song, Count Your Blessings. “Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your blessings, see what God has done!” My wonderful wife of 35 years, my four children, other family members, longtime friends, the list goes on and on. On this list is the NACFM. I’m so grateful for our outstanding organization. I’m so thankful for our members and for the people who serve on our Board. So count your blessings, and be amazed at what God has done, is doing, and will be doing in your life!

Speaking of being thankful, the first week of October was our CP training that culminated in a very successful fall mission trip. I’m grateful for the mission team that willingly spent their time and energy to apply their talents to some very meaningful work. The team included Chris Barron, Jon Owens, Tim and Michelle Davis, Hal Rose, and myself. A special thanks goes out to Hal for arranging a great project. The work included building 12’x16’ Kit Shed for The King's Academy, Woodstock, GA. The school had been using a utility trailer for storage that was needed for other school ministries. On Thursday the CP participants arrived for the final push to complete the project.

NACFM mission trips take place every two years during the fall CP week. One of the challenges we face is recruiting members to take part in the mission trip. At least 3-5 members are needed to take on a project. Early commitments are needed to allow time to schedule a particular mission project, make travel arrangements, etc. I know that we all have many responsibilities that require our time, attention, and hard work. Our families and our facilities need us around, for sure! With that, I'll say that these mission trips are only a few days, giving you an opportunity to sacrificially serve others while enjoying some great fellowship. I know. I've experienced it! This year's mission trip is a good example.

Three months ago Hal Rose located the project and identified the need. The school was thrilled to have the help. Problem was, except for me, no one had committed. We'd set a deadline of September 19th for sign ups. Between September 10th and September 17th, we had four more volunteers! That gave us five, plus 14 from the CP on Thursday. We accomplished our goal! Thank you, Lord!

Into September I was praying hard about the mission trip. With time passing quickly, I became worried. I was the lone mission team. And then I read a very important piece of scripture.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 / [16] Be joyful always; [17] pray continually; [18] give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Almost hourly I talked to God about this mission trip and the need for workers. God provided five talented team members with knowledge and the hearts to serve.

October 7-11, 2024, is our next fall mission trip. Please pray and see if God will put this on your heart. As He prompts you, get the date on your calendar. (E-calendars are great to set reminders!) You can make it a family thing. Your spouse can come or your children (high school age or older).

Twenty years ago a wise man gave me some badly needed advice that I still follow today, “Homer, get your eyes off your own problems and focus on someone or something else.” With those words of wisdom, I jumped into serving; nothing extravagant just simple maintenance, yard work, and painting. My problems began to fade in intensity, and I was then able to handle them. Think about the 2024 mission trip. Ask the Lord to direct your heart. If you're so led, you won't regret one minute of the time you are sacrificing for others.

From myself and the NACFM Board of Directors, I want to wish you, your family, and your staff a warm and Happy Thanksgiving.

Homer Clark
NACFM President

Featured Member: Mitch Pons
Facilities & Environments Manager at New City Church in Charlotte, NC & Matthews, NC

Mitch Pons is a North Carolina guy through and through. He was born in Valdese, NC. Today, he works caring for the facility needs of a two-campus church near Charlotte.

New City Church (SouthPark Campus) is located just south of the Charlotte city center. SouthPark covers 67,000 square feet with some 1,500 attendees. New City Church (Matthews Campus) is southeast of SouthPark. The Matthews location is 55,000 square feet in size and serves 800 attendees.

How to Select the Right Boiler or Water Heater System

If new HVAC equipment like a heat pump or chiller is needed at an institutional or commercial facility, chances are facility managers will spend a good deal of time researching different models, pros, cons and energy efficiency associated with each option. Energy efficiency is usually top of mind for facility managers when choosing new equipment. Other considerations include lower environmental impact, lower utility expenses, and less maintenance costs, but ultimately it comes down to what overall facility needs are and how this new equipment can best meet those needs. Upgrading a boiler or water heater is no different.