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Summer 2004
Highlights

FPLC Works!

"Sold for $300," said the government auctioneer, and the LCM@WVU become the proud owners of two computer projectors (one working, one salvage) and an FPLC.  What's an FPLC?  Well, that's a good question; we weren't sure either.  What we thought was a micro-computer, turned out to be eight large boxes filled with scientific equipment used in chemical analysis.  Not having much (legal) use for such a device, we approached WVU.  A deal struck, and the FPLC was sold to WVU's School of Pharmacy for $5,000.  Now, before anybody accuses us of taking advantage of the university, keep in mind, a brand new FPLC costs as much as $48,000.  Everybody benefited, and word has just been received that the FPLC works (see picture above right).

It should be noted that we (and other synod entities) have already gotten great use out of the computer projector.  Other items purchased at the government surplus auction included six pallets of office furniture for $102.50.  We've kept the items we wanted (worth over $1,000 new) and resold the rest more than recovering our investment.

In summation:

  • $481.50 spent at auction
  • $3,000+ value (if new) of items kept
  • $5,150+ made on resale of items not kept
Isn't there a parable about this somewhere?

Hot Dogs, Sweet Corn, and Martyrdom

[August 11, 2004]  We couldn't ask for a nicer evening to cookout.  Perfect weather and Jarod King's backyard provided the setting for the final Theology on Tap of the summer.  In addition to a grill loaded with meats, vegetables, and sweet corn, the turkey fryer made an appearance, and all enjoyed fresh, hand cut french fries.  Following dinner, the gathering, which included many new friends, engaged in a lively discussion on martyrdom.  The evening was held in memory of St. Lawrence, archdeacon of Rome, who was martyred on August 10.  We also said farewell to David King who finished his course of study at WVU on the same date.

During summer 2004, we have held six sessions, celebrating two mathematicians (Copernicus and Euler), two reformers of the church (Calvin and John XXIII), three Doctors of the Church, Mary Magdalene, and one martyr.  We've been pleasantly surprised by the first timers joining us--something unusual for the summer terms.  Attendance, in general, has been very good for the summer.  For those interested in checking out some links for Theology on Tap readings, click here.

WVU Folks Go Camping

Summer is church camp time in West Virginia.  Several WVU students and alumni/ae participated again this year in Camp Luther, the church camp of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod, ELCA.  As in previous years, chaplain Riegel taught in the senior high section where he met a couple of incoming students.  Camp Luther serves 3rd through 12th graders.  This year, roughly 150 senior high campers attended.  500 campers and staff meet annually for one week at Camp Caesar in Webster County, WV.  In addition to Camp Luther, Chaplain Riegel taught senior high students at Camp Nawakwa, Adams County, PA, as part of the Theological Education for Youth Program, which is jointly sponsored by the Gettysburg and Philadelphia seminaries.

Old Parsonage Renovations

Summer 2004 has gone by too quickly.  Renovation of the Old Parsonage, a daunting project, has been time consuming and labor intensive.  Throughout the summer work continued on framing and walling.  One dedicated young man, Ryan Greene, tackled the wood trim, stripping and sanding off layers of paint and stain to reveal beautiful bare oak underneath.

Work ground to a halt in late July when paperwork SNAFU meant that a second building permit could not be secured.  After a fortnight, however, we were back at work.

The installation of a hard-wired fire detection system was accomplished this summer.  The first in the history of the structure.
 

Better Living through Chemistry

Volunteers from local Lutheran churches attacked the floors of the Old Parsonage with sanders this past Sunday (Aug. 15) in a failed attempt to bring back the glory of the narrow board oak flooring which is believed to be original to the century old building.  Apparently the adhesives used to tile the floor in the mid to late twentieth century impregnated the wood, making sanding ineffective.  Undaunted, the father of current student suggested that we use chemicals, and a stripper was tested with good results.  Armed with paint & epoxy remover and hand scrapers, we face a tedious and labor intensive task.  Following this, a final sanding to knock down the rough spots and subsequent sealing promise to yield a beautiful yet durable antique floor.

Approved for seven total occupants, we have five young men eager to move in this fall term as we begin the transition from a simple rental unit into WVU's first "Luther House."

Regular Worship on Summer Hiatus

The demise of the chapel's air conditioning forced the suspension of regular Sunday evening worship at the Chapel of Christ the King for Summer 2004.  "Even under the best of conditions, it was an oven in the midsummer.  Without the AC to take a little of the edge off, it would be simply intolerable," says Chaplain Riegel.  It appears that the original unit, a commercial gas system was never really sufficient for the space.  Riegel would arrive in the morning twilight, ventilate the chapel with a large fan and then start the AC in an attempt to keep the temperature down.  Even so, by evening mass, the temp was often back up to 80 degrees or more.  Why?  It appears the AC was designed for a time when midsummer worship was not part of the ministry's life.  AC was only required to get everyone through the first few and last few weeks of the academic year.  Replacement of the AC with a more efficient and powerful unit has been postponed in favor of the renovation of the Old Parsonage.  "Funds are limited," Riegel explains.  "We had already committed to the Old Parsonage renovation.  We couldn't stop that, and there are only so many big budget projects we can handle at one time.  Quite frankly, the roof of the chapel is next on the list.  We'll just have to take the heat, but we would also be happy take a donation or two toward a new AC."
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