Groveport Messenger - April 4th, 2021

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PAGE 6 - SOUTHEAST MESSENGER - April 4, 2021 www.columbusmessenger.com After the flood: church returns following community effort Asbury UMC South recovering from devastating flood damage By Rick Palsgrove Groveport Editor It was a flood unlike any other in the history of Asbury United Methodist Church South, a congregation that first formed in 1806. On March 20, 2020, more than 3 inches of torrential rain poured down in a short period of time, flooding nearby creeks, streams, fields, homes, and yards throughout the area. The water surrounded the church and its parking lot, located at 4760 Winchester Pike in Madison Township, and flowed into and swamped the building. Flood waters a foot deep or more reached inside the 55-year-old church’s sanctuary severely damaging the chancel/altar, wooden pews, flooring, carpeting, and more. Volunteers swiftly arrived at the church following the flood to salvage what could be saved from the waters and to clean up the mess it left behind. But it would take several months to complete the structural renovations to repair the flood damage. Now, a year later - through the efforts of community volunteers, community groups, members of the congregation, the Methodist Church district, neighboring churches, the Boy Scouts, and many more - the church has been resurrected from the flood damage as repairs are nearly complete. Asbury United Methodist Church South Messenger photo by Rick Palsgrove Asbury United Methodist Church South Pastor Sherri Blackwell stands in the renovated sanctuary of the church, which now features a larger chancel area. Photo courtesy of Asbury United Methodist Church Flood waters a foot deep or more swamped the Asbury United Methodist Church South’s sanctuary in March 2020. Messenger photo by Rick Palsgrove The church pews and sanctuary following restoration after the flood. Pastor Sherri Blackwell, who started her position at the church last Nov. 1, is impressed by the outpouring of community support. “It’s the definition of community,” said Blackwell. Added Asbury United Methodist Church South Staff Parish Chair Diana Sexton, “It’s amazing how people come together to help during a tragedy. It was a huge community effort.” Sexton estimated the amount of flood damage at about $75,000, which includes the costs of renovations and removing mold caused by the standing water. The repair costs were funded by donations. “Everything is cleaned and sanitized,” said Sexton. “There’s new carpeting, new electric, concrete poured under the sanctuary floor, new drywall, the pews were taken out and sanded and re-coated and put back in place, and the organ is being worked on as its controls under the floor were damaged by the flood.” Blackwell said the original hope was to have the repairs fully completed and to hold a rededication service on Easter. “But we’re not there yet,” said Blackwell. “We are hoping to have our rededication service in May.” In the mean time, services are being held in the church’s Fellowship Hall and outdoors in the parking lot. Services may also be viewed online on YouTube. Blackwell said a hidden blessing from the flood damage is that it enabled the church to include updates to its technology and sound systems, as well as expand the chancel area as part of the renovations. “The chancel area is expanded and a ramp added,” said Blackwell. “Buildings evolve and now the church is even more welcoming.” Sexton said adding the ramp to the chancel area helps make the church more inclusive for members of the congregation who have trouble using steps. “Also the expanded chancel will allow everyone to be able to see and hear things better during services, such as with our ‘children’s moment.’ The piano can now be placed up on the chancel, too.” Blackwell said the ongoing coronavirus pandemic also presented the church with opportunities “to rethink how we do church.” “We can use technology for recordings and livestreaming to reach different and more people in new ways,” said Blackwell. “It’s exciting to see. We live in a technological age and we can use technology to help people fully participate when they cannot be physically at church for some reason.” Though renovations are not quite complete, the hope is that they will be soon. “It’s coming,” said Blackwell as she looked around the quiet church. “It’s a gorgeous sanctuary.” Information For information about Asbury United Methodist Church South or to find out how to donate to help the church fund its flood damage repairs, visit asburysouthumc.org, call 614-837-4601, or email office@asburysouth.org.
www.columbusmessenger.com April 4, 2021 - GROVEPORT MESSENGER - PAGE 7 Factors to consider when choosing and applying mulch Homeowners associate mulch with springtime lawn and garden care. Mulch protects roots against extreme temperatures. Mulch is often connected with its ability to help soil retain moisture during especially warm times of the year, when mulch promotes strong roots that can help lawns and plants survive periods of extreme heat. Applying mulch in spring can be beneficial to lawns. Homeowners should first consider a few factors. •Timing: Know when the average day of the last frost is in your area. •Texture: Try medium-textured mulch. Fine particles may pack down and retain moisture that will evaporate before it reaches the plant roots. Materials that are too coarse may be incapable of holding sufficient amounts of water to benefit the soil. •Nutrients: Humus is an organic component of soil that forms when leaves and other plant materials decompose. Organic mulches provide humus and decompose over time, adding nutrients into the soil. •Application: Correct application of the mulch is essential. Applying too much mulch can adversely affect lawns, plants and soil. In addition, excessive application can cause decay and make lawns and plants more vulnerable to disease. Homeowners uncertain about when and how to apply mulch in the spring can consult with a lawn care professional to devise a plan that ensures their lawns and gardens hold up against summer weather. PAID ADVERTISING 2021 is the time to buy or refinance your home By Alexandra Hager Team Lead of Residential Mortgage Lending at Telhio Credit Union Whether you’re looking to relocate, buy your first home or refinance, there is no better time than now. Our advice for buyers is to go in with an aggressive offer. You are competing with a lot of other buyers, and if you like the home you’re looking at make a really strong offer because the price will be even higher on the next one. The current housing market is also good for homeowners who want to refinance. These record-low interest rates may save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your loan - or put cash in your pocket now. So if you’re looking to refinance, do so in 2021. So if you have not yet looked into refinancing, what are you waiting for? Rates won’t go much lower since the Federal Funds Rate is already nearly 0%, and while we don’t believe rates will go up any time soon, once they go up, they will go up quickly. At Telhio, we’re happy to help you understand your options and find the right rate and term for you. Contact me today to learn more about loan and refinancing options at 614-221-3233 ext. 8149. columbusmessenger.com OH License #20692
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Groveport Messenger - April 4th, 2021

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