Issue 36: Finding Connections!

I could use a little help!

Feb 17, 2024

I started Season 25’s Lego Church Project build around Jan 21st. I’m about two or three weeks from finishing this impressive build. As I am working on things I’m also doing a lot of praying. In fact when I am building I am praying.

What I do with this is very rewarding. I’m building something of my own design out of LEGO. A massive project that I put countless hours into. Which is why doing the displays is extremely important to my over all work. It allows people the chance to see my work in person. To see the details that go inside. Along with giving me a chance to interact with people as they learn more about how I live the faith even with the various challenges that I deal with.

This can also generate a lot of anxiety for me. As I’m testing the limits of the bricks but also the limits of myself. More so as I struggle to find parishes to display at. I ran into this issue first hand last season and I’m praying to avoid those same kinds of issues. Though having trouble finding parishes is not a new issue. It’s been a common problem since the first days of my work.

Over the years I’ve learned a few things about what makes for a good display. It starts by finding connections to a parish. Someone who can talk to leadership (Or even be part of the leadership) and help set things up so I can take my work on the road. Able explain better than I can about my nature and my overall mission. Those have made some of the best displays. Which is why I always enjoy my visits to parishes like Assumption in Midland, All Saints in Bay City, and of course my home parish of Christ The Good Shepherd in Saginaw, (Michigan). I have people who support my work and feel that I have something to offer.

While contacting parishes directly, either by phone or email, can be a good way to let people know about my work. It rarely produces good fruit. Parishes are busy places. Lot of messages get sent. So it’s hard for me to get the word out. Plus most don’t want to commit to something like what I’m doing. Either they don’t fully understand what I’m doing or do not want to invest in the time due to the transportation requirements.

It is the reason why being invited becomes more important. It means that the parish has decided that I have something to offer. They see the value of my work and will make the commitment to have me come out. Finding connections can make the difference.

I’m getting to the finish line with the Season 25 build. I would love to do a full run of displays this year starting at the first chance I can get. Along with giving talks and presentations about my own faith journey. I’m tentatively booked with Assumption in Midland (Mid Nov) and of course Christ The Good Shepherd (Starting Advent). This means that I have a lot of free weekends where I can come out.

I’m praying that I can find some additional parishes to go to. A project of this nature is not meant to be hidden from view. It is intended to be shared with everyone. I want to give everyone a chance to see my work. Even if you’ve seen previous seasons. Each year is a chance to tell a new story of parish life.

To make that happen I am praying that I can find people who are willing to help me reach out to parishes about my work. I will go to any place the Lord is willing to send me. Even if I can’t see how the details will shape out. If anyone has any questions I’m more than happy to answer them. Though I would also encourage people to check out the previous issue for extra details. Soon as Season 25 is finished I will let people know!