A New Sanctuary Roof and Solar Panels for Limestone Presbyterian Church

The Session of the Limestone Presbyterian Church voted unanimously at its May meeting to approve a new roof for the church building and the installation of solar panels on the southern sanctuary roof. The decision was based on ten months of study and discussion. We hope all church members and friends will contribute toward the roof-solar project. We know that different people will give for different reasons. Here are some reasons for you to prayerfully consider this appeal from your church's leaders to help your church now:

Top Ten Reasons to Support a New Sanctuary Roof
for Limestone Presbyterian Church

The church building is God's house. Over the years thousands of people have come closer to God in the sanctuary - not only on Sunday mornings, but also at weddings and funerals here. The first commandment is to love God. One of the ways we can do this is by providing a place without a leaky roof for people to worship God.
Every church member has a responsibility to share in the church's expenses. We cannot expect someone else to cover this expense. Any contribution, large or small, is needed and appreciated. We have had two gifts of a thousand dollars each. Some church members can afford to give more while some can afford to give only a little at this time. Please give it some prayer and then give. Thank you.
It needs to be done and done now. The roof was done to last for twenty years and it is now 22 years old. Gary Bell has carefully researched this project, meeting with five roofers, checking references and getting us the best price from the best roofer. Roger Jolly (see Roger's photos below) and Bob VanderDecker have been visiting the work site daily and have been very impressed by the quality of the work that the roofers are doing for our church.
Leaks. We have already had some leaks (see photos taken in the stairway by choir room and in the custodian's closet off the upstairs men's room, click these thumbsize photos for larger versions).
Save money. It is cheaper to replace the current roof now than when there is significant water damage because of doing it later. The interior beams in Limestone's sanctuary would be very expensive and difficult to replace. Save more money. Parts of the roofing materials are made with petroleum. The price of petroleum-based products has increased significantly recently (look at the price of gasoline). Most experts see the price of petroleum only going up so we benefit from putting on the roof now.
Outreach. How our church looks outside is a quiet witness, to those who see it, about our faith and how important God is in our lives. A well-maintained building is attractive to first-time visitors.
Loving our neighbors. Limestone has always made its building available to groups in the community as a way for us to love our neighbors (the second part of Jesus' Great Commandment).
For children and grandchildren. The new roof will have 50-year/lifetime shingles. We hope it will be a long time before we or any else will be concerned about the church's sanctuary roof.
Boy Scouts. The church's Boy Scout troop has committed to raising $800 to support the church's new roof and solar project. This example of loving support needs to be copied by the rest of us.
Limestone's Solar Project. We cannot put solar panels on the roof unless the roof is able to last as long as the solar panels. General Electric guarantees its solar panels for 25 years. See Limestone's Solar Project for details.

Please place your tax-deductible, special gift for the Limestone Presbyterian Church's roof and solar project in the offering plate or mail it to the church at 3201 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. Thank you!

Construction Photos

Monday, June 16, 2008
Work gets underway by removing the old shingles.