Twenty years is a long time
Christ The Good Shepherd: My longest display!
Twenty years is a long time to visit one parish for display year after year. More so when you realize that I’ve been doing The Lego Church Project for almost twenty-five years. Yet this Advent/Christmas display at Christ The Good Shepherd is one of the most important ones for me. The display also happens to be the end of my season. The last chance for anyone to see the current project before I tear it down.
It is hard to believe that this display has been going on for so long. Yet it has become part of my own personal journey with my work. One that means a lot to me in so many ways. During my 4th Season I decided to take a chance while I was still living in Flushing, MI. The Project was slowly starting to develop and the Lord was slowly turning this into the ministry it has now become. I contacted the parish I grew up in. Back when it was called St. Helen’s. I asked them if they would like to host my Project. It was a long shot. Much to my own surprise they said yes. Starting around Christmas of 2003 I brought “The Project” out for the first display. That was the year I also brought Season 4 over to the old Catholic Heritage Museum. Along with the first of several write ups in the local news paper.
In the years since that first display at St. Helen’s. Much has happened in my life. I’ve moved from Flushing to Saginaw. Then a few years later moved out to my current apartment in Saginaw Township. The life of the church has also changed. Parishes have closed and merged. New names have come though. Priests have been reassigned or have retired. Since that first display I’ve had the chance to work with Fr. Emmet. Fr. Ron, and currently Fr. Bill. While our parish has changed it’s name to Christ The Good Shepherd. The displays have been on going. To the point it becomes an important part of our parish life.
Along with the fact that the nature of my work has also changed. Since the development of the internet. More people know about what I’m doing. Since that first print article. I’ve had the chance to have more write ups. I’ve also given more interviews on various podcasts and radio programs. Talking about what I’m doing with each Season of my work. Talking about the importance of being open to those with disabilities. Using my platform to start important conversations. It is something that I don’t take lightly or for granted.
What motivates me is my desire to share my talents. Serving the Lord using the gifts I have been given. While also using The Project to show people the church I belong to. A place that is truly welcoming to those who walk in our doors. It is a chance to try to get more visitors to the parish to see what we are doing.
To the members of Christ the Good Shepherd Parish. I want to say “Thank you”. Your support over these last twenty years has been a deep blessing in my life. I’m thankful for being a member of our parish and taking a role in the life of our church. My thanks to everyone who helps me. Even in small ways.
Twenty years is a long time to visit the same parish with my work. Yet it is something that I enjoy doing. May God guide me in my work and allow me to reach others using the talents I have been given!
If you would like to see The Season 24 Lego Church Project. It will be on display at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish: 2445 N. Charles St, Saginaw Michigan. Starting the First weekend of Advent. Mass times are Sat: 5:30pm and Sunday at 10:30am. I am at the Sunday Mass most weekends. If you are coming out on Sat. Please let me know and I will try and come out. Please keep in mind. This will be the LAST display with this current build. After it comes home. I will take it apart brick by brick.
Important Info:
The Lego Church Project (FB Page)
Praying At The Bricks Newsletter
Twitter: @kc8wzm
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EMAIL: kc8wzm@gmail.com