St. George, and projects to come - Rector's Rambling for April 21, 2024

     This week on Tuesday we will be celebrating the Feast of St. George,  patron saint of England.  The Flag of St. George is flying from the flag pole near the ministry center in anticipation of the Feast Day this week.  

Spring is finally upon us, at least it is starting to feel that way.  Easter Day was 3 weeks ago, we look forward today’s Baby Shower for Pregnancy Aide, the Tiger Baseball Outing next Sunday, and then our Malawi Ingathering for the Bishop Biggers Secondary School the following week.

Spring also means the beginning or resumption of outdoor projects around St. John’s.  TLC is being applied to the garden with trimming and pruning, and some new planting of Easter flowers.  Notice will be given of opportunities to pitch in!

Last week, master artisan Oscar Cotton began the yearly touch up of our magnificent doors.  Having stripped and re-stained them over the last few years, he will be doing a yearly touch up and re-varnishing to keep them in tip top shape.  Also, the handrails and retaining wall fence along Woodward will also be getting some much needed attention.

Along the freeway side of the building, an important project will be beginning to rebuild the cement divider between the property and the sidewalk, and to repair and protect the cast iron fence.  This portion of fence is the oldest part of our fencing. It is of a craftmanship that is hard to replicate today. 

In the coming weeks, a new Michigan Historic Building sign will be installed to replace the nearly 40-year old one there now.  The wording has been changed slightly to correct some historical inaccuracies, and of course the new one will be shiny and new.  This was funded through a grant from the organization that makes the signs as well as the generosity of a parishioner.

The new sign, spruced up garden, touched up doors and fencing all contribute to the ‘curb appeal’ of our wonderful building to the many passersby on Woodward, both by foot and by car.  The sign introduces them to the parish, and a well-kept exterior signals that we are a congregation that is active and attentive to details such as this.