First Mennonite Expansion

Photos 11-22-09

2009-12-17T22:02:00.007-05:00

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Capet and trim installed. Close to done.

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Carpet and tile at the back stairs.

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Carpet and paint.

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Carpet installed. Accent wall colors added.

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Photos 11-15-09

2009-12-17T21:56:00.003-05:00

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Paint, counters, trim installed, aproaching the finish line.

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Counter tops go in.

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Bathroom fixtures installed.

Photos 11-1-09

2009-11-12T20:16:00.006-05:00

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Sprinkler pipes painted.

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More pipes painted.

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Doors installed

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Window trim staining continues.

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Cabinets installed.

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Photos 11-8-09

2009-11-12T20:03:00.004-05:00

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Staining of window trim continues.

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Stair handrails and plumbing supplies.

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Water fountain and installation location.

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Installation of sinks in the bathrooms.

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Toilet installed

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Cabinets installed by volunteers.

Photos 10-25-09

2009-11-12T19:52:00.002-05:00

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Finish work continues.

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Cabinetry arrives, awaiting FMC volunteers for installation.

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Ceiling grid installed.

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Window trim getting ready for stain and finish.

Photos 10-18-09

2009-11-12T19:49:00.001-05:00

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Tile installation in bathrooms begins

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Photos 10-11-09

2009-11-12T19:29:00.005-05:00

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Trim installation and painting continues

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Furnaces set ready for connection

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More paint and trim work.

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Inside of elevator car.

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Trim installed on stairs and top of half height wall.

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Finish work continues.

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Photos 10-4-09

2009-10-04T17:42:00.004-04:00

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Grass growing in the new landscaped areas.

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Newly planted grass growing well.

Trim boards.

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Trim boards being prepped for installation.

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Furnace room in attic space, Walls are being painted.

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Painting continues on the walls.

Photos 9-27-09

2009-10-04T17:19:00.005-04:00

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Ceiling stiple work.

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Interior entry doors installed at new entryway.

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Elevator shaft rails and bottom of elevator car.

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Elevator control room and access door for elevator car.

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Ceiling stiple work being done.

Photos 9-19-09, Drywall finishing.

2009-10-04T16:48:00.008-04:00

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Sanctuary add on almost done.

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Fourth and fifth grade classrooms.

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Third grade and crossing hall second floor.

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MYF room and 2nd floor north hallway.

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Restroom shower and JYF room.

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Back stairs and north hallway.

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Flex classrooms north side.

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Cross hall and mechanical room.

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Drywall compound application work continues.

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First grade classroom and multipurpose room.

Photos 9-13-09

2009-09-19T21:40:00.012-04:00

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Exterior landscaping and seeding work started.

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Rehersal room, drywall compound ready for installation.

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Flex class room and entry area.

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1st grade room.

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2nd Grade and Kindergarten rooms.

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4th and 5th grade rooms and crossing hall ground floor.

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North hall upstairs, North hall ground floor.

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Upstairs bathroom with shower and upstairs crossing hall.

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JYF room and MYF room.

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Third grade room and hall at the top of the old stairs.

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Drywall work continues.

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Expanded Sanctuary nearing completion.

Photos 9-6-09

2009-09-13T20:39:00.009-04:00

Sprinkler system controls, water supply plumbing

New electrical panel, communications panel.

Drywall installation 2nd grade classroom & hallway.

More drywall, flex classroom and 1st grade.

Drywall new stairwell, kindergarden class.

More drywall elevator shaft and upstairs hallway.

JYF room and upstairs hallway, more drywall.

Soundproof insulation on interior walls.

More drywall installation 4th and 5th Grade classes.

Sprinklers in Fellowship hall.

Sprinkler systems installed in Sanctuary.

New Sanctuary space drywalled.

Photos 8-30-09

2009-09-13T20:06:00.006-04:00

Exterior work mostly completed except for final grading

Dumpster fence completed

Insulation being installed and drywall ready to go up next.

Insulation used for sound proofing as well as insulating exterior walls.

Photos 8-23-09

2009-08-26T16:11:00.005-04:00

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City water main being plumbed in and electrical panel installed.

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Fire protection piping installation into existing space.

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Landscape timbers installed to provide retaining wall near building.

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New triangle shaped planting area by the new addition and existing shed.

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New kitchen stove exhaust piping through the second floor classroom.

Photos 8-16-09

2009-08-26T15:41:00.004-04:00

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Exterior brick work finished awaiting acid wash and caulking, final grading begins.

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Top of old existing stairs with hall leading to the MYF suite.

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Shower enclosures installed in upstairs restrooms.

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Sprinkler system control valves and compressor installed in mechanical room.

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Multipurpose room with HVAC, plumbing and electrical roughed in.

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New entry area hall and north hall areas.

Photos 8-9-09

2009-08-26T14:20:00.006-04:00

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The total picture, good view of building elevation of old and new.

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Doors framed on the outside wall for possible future use.

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New storage area in place of the old north side stairwell.

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New kitchen hood and fire suppression system in place.

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Brick work almost completed.

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Photos 8-2-09

2009-08-04T20:45:00.005-04:00

JYF and MYF spaces.

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Back door installed by stairwell in new space, North hall to new stairs.

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Plumbing and HVAC work continue, kitchen stove vent going in.

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Remodeled upstairs space for the 4th and 5th grade classes.

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Brick work begins, trim and siding work continue.

View of north side roof line.

Building Photos 7-25-09

2009-08-04T20:22:00.005-04:00

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Siding and trim being installed, entry doors in place.

Stairs and north hallway by JYF room

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Third grade classroom area over the Kitchen ready for flooring.

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New seating area for the Sanctuary, sloped ceiling framed.

More Building photos 7-11-09

2009-07-11T21:27:00.008-04:00

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Old attic space above the kitchen being prepped to become room space.

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MYF and JYF rooms.

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Window installation begins, North hall upstairs windows waiting to be installed.

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2nd grade and K-flex wall goes in, 1st grade and flex room wall goes in.

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New Education wing tied into existing building.

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Remodel work continues in the old second story classrooms.

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Old nursery being readied for conversion to Sanctuary space.

View from the Northwest.

Letter to Neighborhood Around FMC

2009-07-10T15:05:00.002-04:00

June 23, 2009

Dear Neighbors,

As you’re probably aware, construction is underway on our church property, and I wanted to make sure you knew what it was all about. When all the noise and dust and inconveniences are over, we hope to have a facility and landscaping that can benefit everyone in our neighborhood!

First of all, we’re building an extension to our building so we have more nursery and classroom space. We will also have a multi-purpose room with its own kitchenette that can be rented out to the community for various functions. All of the building additions and renovations should be done before the end of the year.

Outside the building we are making many other changes. We will have a new and expanded playground, and we welcome anyone in the neighborhood to use the playground when it is finished. We are also planning on having community gardens for any of our neighbors who would like to grow their own food.

Last fall we began planting lots of new trees and shrubs, and we will do more planting later this year. Over 250 native trees and shrubs, resistant to droughts and floods, will produce flowers or fruit for people and wildlife. About half of our lawns will be turned into wetland areas, featuring prairie grasses and wildflowers. Like children, natural areas take time and patience to develop. It will take two to three years for these areas to bloom nicely through the summer.

We also hope to build an outdoor pavilion where our neighbors can have picnics overlooking the beautiful landscape. A half-mile walking path will go all the way around our property that can be used for exercise and meditation. And a memory garden is being planted to remember loved ones who have died.

Our goal is to make our building and property environmentally friendly and an asset to the entire neighborhood. We want to help our community thrive! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. You can also go to our church website for more information (click on “Publications” and go to “FMC Expansion Project”).

We are a congregation committed to God’s love, peacemaking and service to others. We welcome you to visit us or get involved at any time.

Sincerely, Pastor Ryan Ahlgrim

More Second Story Photos 7-2-09

2009-07-08T19:38:00.005-04:00

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Second floor takes shape / Roof deck goes on first floor

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Northside of building / second floor framing.

Southside framing 2nd floor / north hall / classroom framing

First floor north class rooms 154-155 / Flex room-1st grade

1st grade, K-flex, 2nd grade

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Rehersal room / New entry area

Second Story Framing photos 6-28-09

2009-06-30T20:32:00.005-04:00

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Second floor view top of stairs looking southwest / North wall

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Northeast view from existing roof / Southeast classroom looking west

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Southeast classroom looking north / North elevation

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North hallway looking east / East hallway

We have stairs!!!!!!!!!!!

Classroom Demo Photos 6-28-09

2009-06-29T19:51:00.003-04:00

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They are gone!!!

The upstairs classrooms are removed to prepare for the new classroom layout.

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The south stairs will remain- the north stairs will be removed.

New Nursery Photos 6-28-09

2009-06-29T19:37:00.005-04:00

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New nursery space / Sleeper room

FRAMING BEGINS Photos 6-20-09

2009-06-29T18:46:00.005-04:00

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First floor framing begins / Northeast corner classroom and stairwell

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North hall extension / Southeast classroom

Southeast classroom view to the west

Final FMC blueprint plans

2009-06-19T22:36:00.000-04:00

Below are the final blueprints for the expansion. The members of the building committee are pleased with the final drawings. The committee has worked many long hours to make sure that the expansion was energy efficient, user friendly, cost effective and usable not only in the next year, but in years to come.

** updated ** finally got the blueprints online. follow the links below:

http://indymenno.org/A101.pdf

http://indymenno.org/A102.pdf

http://indymenno.org/C102.pdf

Construction Update Photos June 13th

2009-06-13T16:57:00.004-04:00

New addition floor slab installed.

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With the slab installed, framing will begin on the walls.

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With the water line installed and the trench back filled the new shed has the gravel area graded and packed ready for the trash and recycle dumpsters to be moved in place.

Construction Update Photos June 7th

2009-06-13T15:52:00.010-04:00

Foundation walls installed as work continues to prep for floor slab pour.

Foundation Walls

Elevator pit formed up and sewer drain lines readied for slab pour.

Elevator / Sewer drains

Fire hydrant installed on main water line, water main line installed to
new building addition.

Hydrant / Water main

Construction Update May 31st Photos

2009-06-13T13:30:00.014-04:00

The new shed is complete and awaits paint for the final touch.

Elevator pit area

formed up and

interior footers

have been poured.

Foundation wall footers have been poured.

Construction Is Started!!!

2009-06-13T12:05:00.008-04:00

As the new construction started a new trim color was put on the existing building and will be the same on the new addition. Photo taken May 22, 2009

The first building to be constructed is the new shed. Photo taken May 22, 2009

The new building addition area is prepped for footer and foundation work. Photo taken May 22, 2009

WE HAVE THE BUILDING PERMIT!!!!!

2009-05-09T09:12:00.001-04:00

After many weeks of waiting, we have our building permit and construction has finally begun! For the week of May 11th, watch for work to start on the new garage and the site prepared in the new addition.

Volunteers needed for FMC Expansion!

2009-04-30T14:12:00.003-04:00

The expansion of First Mennonite Church should be starting soon. To make the project as cost effective as possible the following projects will be done with the help of FMC volunteers.
Paint new shed
Remodel new nursery
Empty old nursery
Empty upstairs classrooms for remodel
Install landscaping, and lawn
Paint final coat of interiour
Clean up new building for occupancy.
Your help is essential to this project, Look for updates to be posted weekly on upcoming projects.

First Mennonite Groundbreaking Ceremony

2009-04-30T11:43:00.003-04:00

On March 8, 2009 First Mennonite Church of Indianapolis held a ceremonial groundbreaking for their new expansion. Alll persons in attendance were invited to break the ground with their shovels. Pastor Ryan Ahlgrim lead in prayer. Building should start soon providing First Mennonite Church with additional classroom and meeting space and additional seating space in the sanctuary.

Updated FMC building blueprints

2009-01-11T14:27:00.005-05:00

The FMC building commitee is pleased to be posting the newest blueprint plans. Everyone including the building and landscape architects of Browning Day Mullins and Dierdorf, the contractor; Integrity Commercial, the First Mennonite Church building committee and the Colors and Finishes sub-committee have been fine tuning these plans in hopes of keeping the March groundbreaking target date.

Click here to view the blueprint plans (PDF)

2009-01-08T02:44:00.012-05:00

Final Master Landscape Plan

The Master Landscape Plan is complete! Thanks to Browning Day Mullins Dierdorft Architects and JFNew for their fine work on the plan and wetland conceptual design. Take a look at the various components and their relationship to each other (a poster-sized image is on the bulletin board at church or request the pdf file by email). Give us ideas about how to implement the next stages--funding and timing for the larger shelter house, retrofit of the small shed as a pavilion near the new playground, pathways, benches, interpretive signs. Please send your questions or comments on this plan to Gwen White in care of FMC.

General Contractor's Hired

2008-12-02T12:48:00.001-05:00

The Building Committee is pleased to announce that Integrity Commercial Manangement, Inc. has been hired to be the General Contractors for the new addition to First Mennonite Church. Integrity was incorporated in 2004 by Dave and Jeff Wagley, cousins in Brownsburg IN. Their mission is to meet the needs of every client to the fullest extent of their abilities, with the highest degree of professionalism, respect and honesty. They want the make "Integrity" synonymous with their name. The committee is excited to be working with them as the committee is working to meet their targeted start date of March 1st.

Office Renovations Complete!

2008-09-01T09:19:00.006-04:00

The wall has moved, the carpet has been laid, a new window has been installed, and the walls and ceilings have been painted. Except for a few final touch ups, the new offices are now ready! Ryan returns from his sabbatical on September 15th to a brand new office space (and lots of boxes to unpack). Emilie, Katherine, Shannon, and Jean are all excited to have more work space and are eagerly awaiting the furniture for the second office. THANKS to the volunteers who helped complete the project. Around 400 man hours were volunteered for a savings of over $20,000.

A big THANK YOU goes to the following volunteers for the Library Move/Office Renovation:

Lon Amstutz
Erv Boschmann
Priscilla Boschmann
Gaynel Bryant
Del Culp
Luanne Fast
Mark Fontaine
Brian Friend
Beth Goering
Kenton Graber
Maurice Graber
Lynn Irelan
Robin Jones
Andrea Krause
Danny Marquis
John Marquis
Allen Mast
Cindy Mast
Devon Miller
Margaret Miller
Marty Miller
Pattie Mishler
Gareth Nissley
Kevin Rosner
Jim Sauder
Nate Shenkk
Ellen Stoesz
Randy Stoesz
Mary Sutter
Mary Swartzentruber
Mel Swartzentruber
Dave Talbott
Matt Waidelich
Bob Walson
Shaun Wilson
David Cornelius (for setting up the blog)

2008 Late Summer Landscaping Update

2008-07-21T13:59:00.011-04:00

Tree Watering - We may need to organize a crew if rains slow down significantly. So far, it looks like more rain in the forecast. The soil is still quite wet. We have a rain gauge in the plant bed by the outside faucet and hopefully won't need to water for a few more weeks yet. The sign-up sheet is on the Building Committee bulleting board by the sanctuary. Thanks for volunteering to dip water out of the horse tanks on the tractor trailer, if needed.

Pruning New Trees - KIB staff and the Landscaping Work Group will most likely be scheduling a mini-workshop on tree pruning later this fall. In the next few weeks, staff will drop off a small KIB sign that we can post somewhere appropriate.

Fall Prairie Planting - Thanks to Del and others for mowing periodically to control weeds. We will spray RoundUp on the remaining turf grass a few weeks before seeding the prairie in late October or early November. For best results, we want the seeds to stay dormant through winter. Freeze, thaw and precipitation will help work the seed into the soil, so it’s ready to sprout when conditions are favorable next spring. Until then, wildflower seed is in the church refrigerator and grass seed in a dark supply cabinet to avoid early germination.

Bulk order of seed for individuals - Several people have expressed an interest in ordering some bulk native prairie and wildflower seed. We could organize a sign-up for a joint purchase to divide up for individuals to plant at home this fall.

Master Landscape Plan - Later this year, the building architect will be working on a Master Landscape Plan for our review, including a design and planting plan for the bioswale and wetlands. We'll also be coordinating with the Memory Garden Work Group on guidelines they are preparing.

Faith-based Community Workshops - The Indiana Wildlife Federation is developing a Certified Wildlife Habitat checklist for native habitat restoration on large properties. Once that is done, a small team of gardeners and biologists has volunteered to prepare a guidance document for creating habitat projects at places of worship around Indiana. With those tools in hand, we plan on hosting some workshops over the winter and spring, possibly using FMC as a demonstration site.

Everything seems to be progressing very well. If you have ideas to suggest, contact Gwen White.

Office Renovations continue!

2008-07-19T17:23:00.001-04:00

The week of July week saw the new wider window

installed. This included staining the window, removing the brick on the outside of the building, cutting out the concrete blocks, installing the new lentil, and then putting in the new window.

Other projects besides installing the window included installing much of the electrical wiring, staining the baseboards, installing the rest of the drywall, then mudding and sanding the drywall. Some of the walls were primed and painted. Again, this was all accomplished by the FMC volunteers.

Colors and Finishes Committee

2008-07-14T15:49:00.004-04:00

Sherrill Glick and Deb Helmuth have agreed to help on the Colors and Finishes committee for the new building and renovation of FMC. If anyone else is interested in joining us, please let me or another member of the building committee know ASAP.

Thank you
Margaret Miller

Office Renovations Begin

2008-07-12T15:01:00.013-04:00

The wall has moved. Volunteers of all ages found ways to help. Thanks to all who helped!

The office renovations are coming along nicely, due to all the great help from the FMC volunteers. The wall was moved, the now extra door was filled in and dry wall was put up and on one side.

For the week of July15, look for the electrical work to be done and the dry wall to be installed and spackled. It also looks like priming and painting can be done in the spaces. Watch for more pictures!

Randy and Mel closing in the extra door.

WHAT TREES AND SHRUBS DID WE PLANT?

2008-06-27T09:47:00.015-04:00

Soil type, wetness and shade affect how plants (and people) are distributed in nature. The trees and shrubs at FMC are located where they are most likely to thrive.

For more information on the beauty and utility of native plants, visit the website for the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society. Their mission is to promote the appreciation, preservation, conservation, utilization and scientific study of the flora native to Indiana and to educate the public about the values, beauty, diversity and environmental importance of indigenous vegetation. (http://www.inpaws.org/)

Markers showing common and scientific names will be put with the plants over the summer. A site map with locations of these trees is available online at: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?t=h&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106401060954678835205.00044ac972c03e10fed31&ll=39.839539,-86.196268&spn=0.001396,0.003369&z=18

WET SOILS

Overcup Oak – Medium sized tree (40ft tall) on flooded soils; leaves are long and broad, deeply lobed, lyre shaped, dark green above, paler and often finely hairy beneath; flowers are catkins; may take 30 years to produce acorns.

Yellow buckeye – wet soil to 60 ft; Ohio pioneers thought the split capsule of the fruit looked like the half-opened eye of a deer, hence the name; Native Americans took advantage of toxins in crushed branches to stun fish for harvest.

Sycamore (disease resistant hybrid London planetree) – Fast growing, massive trunk girth, reaches ages of 500-600 years; upper branches shed, becoming mottled white and green; round fruit remains on tree through winter; purple finches and goldfinches eat seeds; wood ducks, owls and flickers nest in holes. Native Americans used trunks for dugout canoes.

American beech – Smooth, steel gray bark; moist soil, shade tolerant; to 60 ft; lives 300-400 years; blue jays, wood ducks, turkeys, rose-breasted grosbeak birds, squirrels, and chipmunks devour the sweet triangular nuts produced in small bur after the tree reaches 10 years of age. The words “beech” and “book” derive from the same Anglo-Saxon root; bark provided one of the earliest writing surfaces.

Northern catalpa – moist soil, full sun; to 50 ft; medium-sized tree with large heart-shaped leaves, flowers and long thin seed pods; lumber does not rot easily, in earlier years it was used for fence posts and less than successfully as railroad ties. Modern usage highlights the beautiful wood grain in furniture, interior trim and cabinetry.

Cucumber Tree – moist soil, protected from wind and heat; large, cold-hardy magnolia; to 75 ft or more, trunk up to 7 ft in diameter; less showy small yellow green flower, cucumber-shaped fruit matures to red color. Soft wood timber used like tulip poplar.

Paw paw – small tree / shrub grows as a thicket in shady wet areas; often called Hoosier Banana because of the banana-like creamy texture and flavor of the nutritious fruits. Fruits not cultivated because they do not store or ship well. Native Americans used powdered seeds to control lice.

Kentucky Coffeetree – wet floodplains; to 100 ft tall with 2-3 ft diameter trunk; immense bipinnate leaves emerge late in spring and are conspicuous because of the varied colors of the leaflets; the youngest are bright pink, older leaves vary from green to bronze. Roasted seeds used as a substitute for coffee in times of poverty.

Bigleaf magnolia – moist well-drained rich soil, protected from wind, sun to light shade (understory); to 60 ft tall; boasts the largest simple leaf and single flower of any native plant in North America; very rare and widely scattered in the wild.

Bald Cypress (Taxodium sp.) – occurs along rivers from Southern US to Indiana, losing its leaves in winter in northern areas but evergreen in the south; especially prized for its heartwood, which is extremely rot and termite resistant due to a natural preservative which builds up in old-growth trees; formerly used for shingles and currently for mulch, although often harvested at an unsustainable rate; ancient species found in fossils from the age of the dinosaurs.

American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) – shrubby growth 15-20 ft tall in dry areas (grows taller in moist soils); flowers and 1-2 inch edible yellow to orange fruit attract birds, butterfly caterpillars, and deer; produces more fruit in sunny sites but tolerates light shade; not easily transplanted due to deep tap root. Tops of orchard grown trees should be thinned to allow for better fruit production. Found with sweetgum, overcup oak, sumac, and bald cypress. Persimmon flowers are useful in the production of honey. Because of its hardness, smoothness, and even texture, the wood is particularly desirable for turning, shoe lasts, shuttles, and golf club heads. Fruit is harvested in autumn, sweetening after a frost, and is added to baked goods, pies, and puddings. The dried, roasted, ground seeds have been used as a substitute for coffee. Tea from leaves is flavored like sassafras and high in vitamin C. Inner bark used as mouth wash and for sore throats.

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) – wetland shrub, 6-8 ft tall when pruned; sweet fragrant globe-like flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, turning into round nutlets that hang on through the winter; seeds are important wildlife food, especially for ducks; dense thickets provide nesting and escape cover for many wetland birds.

Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) – thrives in wet soils; berries white with bluish tint; attractive year-round with robins, finches, wild turkeys, grouse, and many others seek shelter among the reddish branches.

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) – found at the edge of woods or in swamps; fruits better in sunny areas; slow growing to 3-10 ft tall; loses leaves in winter, revealing showy red berries only on female plants; fruit eaten by small mammals and 48 species of birds.

Nannyberry Viburnum (Viburnum lentago) – adapted to many soil conditions in sun or shade along wet forest borders; taller shrub at 12-15 ft; white flower clusters in mid-May; fruit changes from green to pink to black eaten by wildlife.

Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) – medium sized shrub in wet soils; stems used by Native Americans as shafts on which to set spear points and arrowheads. It is the last of the native viburnums to bloom in late spring.

DRY SOILS

Hop Hornbeam (Ironwood) – dry soil, in shade among oaks; shredded bark, birchlike leaves, catkin flowers, clusters of papery sacs containing single nutlet. Food source for grouse and other wildlife in winter. Very hard wood, named after major use for ox yokes.

Northern red oak – Bristle-tipped leaves, acorns require two years to mature; range of soils; fast growing to 100 ft; lives 200-300 years; oak bark used for tanning leather. Strong lumber for flooring and furniture.

Tulip tree – Indiana state tree from magnolia family; tallest eastern tree to 150 ft or more; tulip-like flowers; cardinals, purple finches and squirrels eat seeds; soft lumber doesn’t split readily and is used for paneling and veneers; tulip tree honey is a delicacy. Fossils of tulip trees date from dinosaur times (70-100 million years ago).

Sugar maple – dry soil, shade tolerant, sensitive to road salt; to 100ft or more; found with Beech, Ironwood and Red Oak; prized for furniture, flooring and maple syrup.

Sourwood (string of flowers) – moist, well-drained soil, often growing with oaks in sun to light shade; 30-60 ft; fragrant white flowers on long drooping stalks, bright scarlet leaves in autumn; juice from blooms used for jelly; shoots used by Native Americans for arrow shafts.

Blackgum (black tupelo) – moist, well-drained soil in sheltered location with beech and red oak; 65-80 ft tall; brilliant glossy red to purple leaves in autumn; bark flaky when young, furrowed with age. Numerous birds feed on fruit, hollow sections of trunk used to house bees, dens for mammals. Wood hard, cross-grained, difficult to split. May be difficult to find in nurseries. Scientific name means water nymph of the woods (Nyssa sylvatica).

Sawtooth oak – well-drained soil in full sun; to 60 ft; provides roosting and one-inch acorns for variety of animals.

Shingle oak – uplands with good drainage; to 60 ft; leaves oblong, laurel-shaped; wood used to make roofing shingles. Cherokee used bark as an antiseptic.

Redbud (Cercis canadensis) – small tree found along forest edges with pinkish purple flowers in spring and yellow leaves in autumn.

Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) – Occurs in dry thickets and road edges as a handsome shrub; 2-12 ft high with very long leaves consisting of many leaflets; from June to August the plant bears greenish yellow flowers in dense pyramidal clusters at the ends of the branches, followed by round edible fruits covered with short, crimson hairs that make a very refreshing lemon-tasting drink; used medicinally by Native Americans due to antiseptic qualities; parts of the plant used for dyes, oils, and to make candles.

Grey-osier Dogwood (Cornus racemosa) – similar to red-osier but found in drier soils including prairies; small shrub at 8 ft; red and gray twigged shrub; white flowers in May-July; red leaves in the fall; clusters of white berries on red stems.

Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium) – found in well-drained upland woods; medium sized shrub at 6-10 ft; showy flat-topped clusters of white flowers in May-June; edible pink fruit maturing to blue-black color; reddish purple leaves in autumn.

Children's Ed - Sharing and Growing!

2008-06-23T19:57:00.003-04:00

The Children's Ed committee was excited to see how much room there is in the room now known as the Library, as we'll be using that for one of our largest groups of kids in the fall for Sunday School as a classroom as we await the new space. Speaking of space, we like to teach the kids about sharing, and that's exactly what we're doing as the smallest classroom, fondly known as "the closet"- the small room next to the back door/across from the kitchen- is going to be used by the Building Committee during this interim period. They need a storage and staging area, and because the "closet"is too small for any of our groups of kids this year (it's hard to learn about Jesus if there isn't even enough room for every kid to have a chair to sit on), it just makes sense to let the Building Committee use it so they don't have to rent a pod. We're planning on doing some creative class breaks to try to balance the numbers in the space we have in the other rooms. We've got more than 80 kids 5th grade and under, so we're bursting at the seams, and excited about our church's growth - we can always figure out a way to make room for more, so kids, keep on brining your friends and visitors!

Financial Update!

2008-06-23T19:37:00.003-04:00

In April of 2008, the congregation approved moving forward with our expansion with two goals from a financial perspective. These two goals are to have total pledges of $750,000 committed (to be received from 2007 – 2010) and $500,000 of actual contributions to be made prior to breaking ground. The Building Finance Committee has worked with the congregation on these goals and at this time, total pledges of $700,000 have been made and we anticipate that $500,000 of contributions to the Building Fund will be received by the end of 2008.

The Building and Finance Committees went back to Church Council in May of 2008 and asked for approval to move forward with the expansion even though we have not yet met our goal total pledges needed. The primary reason for this request is that we feel that volunteer labor will be able to reduce the overall cost of the expansion and that our long-term financing needs will not go beyond what the congregation has approved. This request was unanimously approved by Church Council. The chart above will show the contributions made to the Building Fund to date and we ask the congregation consider making their 2008 contribution as soon as possible as the fund balance is generating interest income which will help us reach our goal of $500,000! Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact any member of the Building Finance Committee (Brian Friend – chairperson, Del Culp and Bronson Troyer).

Offices to be Renovated in July

2008-06-22T15:47:00.003-04:00

Now that the library has moved, it is time to start on the renovations in the offices. Below is the proposed schedule for this project. Mel Swartzentruber will be in charge of this project.
Hours for the month of July: 9-5 Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays (except July 18)
1-8 Wednesdays
9-5 Sat. July 19 and Sat. July 26

Week One Tasks to complete: Take down dry wall on remaining wall.
JULY 8-11 Take down stud wall, cut boards to fit and put up in new
location
Remove carpet in new pastor's office, cutting so
carpet in staff office is not effected.
Week Two Tasks: Put up new dry wall.
JULY 15-17,19 Put in new window
Repair ceiling where studs were removed
Close in extra doorway.
Spackle drywall
Week Three Tasks: Spackle/sand drywall joints
JULY 22-25 Complete tasks from previous weeks
JULY 26: Prime and paint offices
Week Four Tasks: Complete tasks and finishing touches
JULY 28-AUG 1 Lay carpet

Your help will be needed!!!! Not only will we need persons who have some remodeling experience (Mel will be our expert), but persons able to assist Mel as needed (this may include some lifting and holding). We will like to have an additional 2-3 persons on each scheduled day. We are willing to work around your availablility, so talk to either Mel or Luanne about when you can help. Please sign up on the bulletin board or let either Mel Swartzentruber or Luanne Fast know as soon as possible.

The Library has moved!

2008-06-18T21:28:00.009-04:00

The Library has moved!

Allen, FMC's "king of cables,
cords and wires" hard at work

The books have moved, now Maurice and Mel
are getting the new counter top ready

In a few short hours, the new library moved from one room to another. Kudos go to all the great help that made this move go so smoothly. On Tuesday, June 17th, Lon Amstutz, Kenton Graber, Allen Mast and Mel Swartzentruber got the rooms ready. On Wednesday, June 18, Erv Boschmann, Priscilla Boschmann, Luanne Fast, Brian Friend, Maurice Graber, Lynn Irelan, Cindy Mast, Allen Mast, Marty Miller, Patty Mishler, Mel Swartzentruber, and Mary Sutter moved the cabinets and books into its new location.

Cindy and Priscilla dusting and Patty putting the books in place

Brian removing the screws in cabinets in the old space, Mel and Erv putting them back in in the new space.

Colors and Finishes Sub-committee

2008-06-17T22:55:00.003-04:00

Is your favorite TV channel HGTV? Do you enjoy decorating your home? If so, the Building Committee needs your assistance. We are needing persons to help select carpet, paint colors and finishes for this expansion project. The Colors and Finishes sub-committee will start meeting at the end of July. If interested, please contact Margaret Miller, sub-committee chair, or any other Building Committee member.

Office/Library Renovation Begins

2008-06-17T21:05:00.007-04:00

Volunteers prep classroom for installation of library shelving.

Classroom divider removed.

Carpet pin board on the wall removed.

Almost ready for some library shelves.

FMC EXPANSION TIMELINE

2008-06-17T13:20:00.004-04:00

June 17-19, 2008: Relocate Library

July 2008: Remodel Pastor Ryan’s and staff office space

Fall 2008: Move Shed to new location

December 2008: Finalize Architectural Plans

January 2009: Target date to have $500,000 in building fund

February 2009: Target date to hire contractor(s) and/or get bids for building

March 1, 2009: Target date for breaking ground on New addition

Native Trees, Shrubs & Prairie at FMC

2008-06-07T21:55:00.025-04:00

OVERALL CONSIDERATIONS

Enhance mission of the church through increased use of grounds by FMC and the community by encouraging participation in healthy outdoor activities for youth and adults.
Limit ecological footprint (impact on energy conservation and habitat improvement).
Minimize maintenance (mowing, trash, vandalism).

PRIOR CONDITIONS
Prior to this project, the planting areas consisted of turf grass with scattered trees on the perimeter. Mowing the turf grass on the property took approximately five hours. Soils are mapped as Miami silt loam, but may have hydric soil inclusions, indicating a historically drained wetland. The area serves as surface water outlet for the site, over the county road, and experiences regular flooding throughout the property.

PLANTING OBJECTIVES

Install native tree, shrub, and prairie plantings in areas totaling approximately four acres, to buffer proposed bioswale and wetlands in a flood-prone area, as part of an integrated natural area project. After establishment of the native plantings, mowing time will be reduced to about an hour, saving time, fuel, and equipment costs. Diverse native flowering and fruiting trees, grasses, and wildflowers will provide attractive food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife and be both aesthetically pleasing and educational.

SPECIES & LAND PREPARATION
During the spring of 2008, eight shrub species and 21 tree species were planted, totaling 249 plants (see complete species list below). On April 19, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful donated 54 trees (3-inch caliper, 15-25 gallon container stock) which were planted by KIB staff and 42 volunteers from the congregation. On May 29 to June 1, a total of 47 volunteers, including several families and the junior youth group, planted 165 shrubs (1-3 gallon container stock) and 30 additional trees (1-5 gallon container stock) purchased from Woody Warehouse, Inc.

Plants were clustered in groups by species or spaced evenly in staggered rows across the 10-acre property according to species wetness preferences and growth form, as dictated by site conditions and landscaping goals. Many of these plants were specifically selected because they are wetland species and will thrive in the frequently flooded conditions on the property. Additionally, most of the species are common to Southern Indiana in anticipation of warmer conditions in urban areas combined with future effects of global climate change. Trees were spaced 10-15 feet apart. Shrubs were spaced 6-10 feet apart. This spacing is typical of reforestation projects compared to the usual design of more traditional residential landscapes.

With assistance and seed purchased from Pheasants Forever and JFNew, prairie grasses and wildflowers will be planted in areas between the trees and shrubs to the west (front) of the building and on approximately 3 acres between the retention pond and forested wetland on the east end (back) of the property. Planting is weather dependent and will likely occur during the early morning on a Saturday in mid to late June. Observers are welcome! If spring planting cannot be completed, the seed will be sown in the fall to avoid exposing poorly established young plants to hot dry summer conditions. Native plant seed will lie dormant and germinate when conditions are right.

A site plan will be developed in conjunction with the building addition project, including a master landscape plan and wetland design, based on predicted storm water conditions of the site after new construction. The wetland design may include regrading of the retention pond in the back to expand natural shallow water habitats and use of moisture-loving plants as a linear rain garden in the bioswale around the back of the building and leading into the detention area in the front. These plants will absorb storm water and filter eroded soil, nutrients, and other contaminants, contributing to improved water quality and availability of natural habitats in the community.

A prairie takes time to develop, requiring patience and careful management the first few years. While they are establishing their deep root systems, prairie plants may not flower. Althought this lack of visual growth can be frustrating, keep in mind that it is the deep, strong root system of prairie perennials which enables them to be low maintenance at maturity. To remove turf grass in preparation for prairie and tree plantings, Roundup® was applied twice at 64 ounces/acre. During the first year, the prairie will be mowed on a high setting once a month to prevent weeds from going to seed and competing against desirable prairie plants. After that, the area will be mowed once each year in early spring or late fall to maintain health and vigor of the prairie species and reduce invasion of trees that can shade out the sun-loving grasses and wildflowers.

Over the next few years, other park-like amenities may be installed around the property, such as plant species labels, interpretive signs, a walking path, shelter house, memory garden, and community vegetable gardens. The entire area will be used as a demonstration site to encourage other faith-based communities to conduct similar projects.

A dynamic site map for the project is available in Google maps located online at:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?t=h&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106401060954678835205.00044ac972c03e10fed31&ll=39.839539,-86.196268&spn=0.001396,0.003369&z=18

COST
The Hoosier Heartland RC&D Riparian Buffer Project contributed $2,000, toward the purchase of trees, shrubs, and mulch. The landowner was responsible for a minimum 25% of the total establishment cost. All cost share reimbursement were based on actual invoiced price.

Actual Cost Information
Tree/shrub cost (249 plants) - $7,922
Site preparation cost (mulch) - $248
Tree planting cost (in-kind labor) - $2,250

Roundup® (64 oz/acre) & sprayer rental (2 days) - $196
Seed mix cost (3 acres) - $1,094
Seed planting cost (in-kind labor) - $720

Total actual establishment cost, including grants - $12,234
Approximate retail value of landscaping - $18,532

Contributions
HHRCD buffer grant - $2,000 (16% cash match)
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful - $5,400 (44% not including value of inkind labor)
First Mennonite Church - $4,834 (40% including value of inkind labor and cash match of $2,090)

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS
NeighborWoods is a national effort to replant entire communities through partnerships to plant and tend trees in urban areas. In partnership with the City of Indianapolis and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, the goal is to plant 100,000 trees throughout Indianapolis over the next ten years.

The Hoosier Heartland RC&D Riparian Buffer Grant was provided through settlement funds from the 1999 White River fish kill. This program is made possible by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the White River Citizen’s Advisory Council. Grant opportunities expire on June 30, 2008.

Pheasants Forever Central Indiana Chapter is made up of over 300 members who live in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, and Marion Counties. Their purpose and goals are to: 1) protect, restore, and enhance wildlife habitat by establishing and maintaining local and regional projects; 2) develop, distribute and foster conservation education; and 3) introduce and advance prudent conservation policy.

We sincerely appreciate the many volunteers who assisted with all aspects of site preparation, planting and watering! For more detailed information about the project, contact First Mennonite Church.

SPECIES PLANTED
Indiana Prairie Grass Mix # 6 (CP-33 shortgrass mix, 3 acres)
JFNew Low Profile Prairie Wildflower Seed Mix (1/4 acre)
#642 Bird & Butterfly Wildflower Seed (3 acres)

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Grey Osier Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)
Winterberry - female & male (Ilex verticillata)
Arrowwood Virburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
Blackhaw Virburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)
Nannyberry Viburnum (Viburnum lentago)
Bald Cypress (Taxodium sp.)
American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
Yellow Buckeye (Aesculus x arnoldiana, Autumn Splendor)
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
Yellowwood (Cladrastus kentukea)
American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus)
Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuminate)
Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla)
Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica)
Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)
Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboretum)
Sycamore (Platanus orientalis x occidentalis, Bloodgood)
Sawtooth Oak (Quercus acutissima)
Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria)
Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)
Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

March 2008 Expansion Floor Plans

2008-06-07T19:43:00.006-04:00

Above are the March 2008 building plans from the architects. These are the plans that were approved by the church in April of 2008 and from which the Building Committee will be working with as they fine tune and finalize the building plans

The Library is Moving

2008-06-03T20:35:00.008-04:00

On June 17, 18, and 19th we will be moving the library one room east. For the next year the library will be sharing it's space with a children's classroom. This is being done so that we can remodel Pastor Ryan's office and expand the offices to provide much needed room for pastoral interns and other church staff. This is being done while Pastor Ryan is on sabbitical as to cause as little disruption to the staff as posssible. We will need your help to achieve this task. On June 17th prep work will be done from 12-3 p.m. One more person will be needed on June 17. This includes removing the classroom dividers, removing the face fronts from the existing bookcases, and removing the bulletin board in the classroom. Mel Swartzentruber is taking charge of the prep work and moving the cabinets and will need help. On June 18th we will move as many of the cases as possible. The library books are all in order, so we are asking for 3 persons to move the cabinets and 6-8 bookmovers to move the books. We have 2 shifts, one from 2-5 p.m. and the second from 5-8 p.m. We still need help from 5-8 p.m on June 18. We are hoping to have the project complete on the 18th, but would like persons available on June 19th to complete this project. Please sign up on the bulletin board at church or let Luanne Fast or Mel Swarzentruber know when you can help.

Welcome to the FMC expansion Blog

2008-06-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the FMC expansion blog! The FMC Building Committee is excited about the expansion plans and landscaping changes that First Mennonite Church of Indianapolis is undertaking We feel that it is important to keep everyone interested in this project and informed about developments, plans and volunteer opportunities. We also will post pictures so you can see the changes. There is also a space for comments. This is where you can add comments or ask questions you might have about this building process. There will also be a bulletin board (located to the right of the sanctuary doors) where we will post updates during this process. The Building Committee members include: David Talbott and John Marquis, co-chairs, and members include Luanne Fast, Maurice Graber, Margaret Miller, Mel Swartzentruber, and Gwen White.