A power chair and LEGO

I've said this more than a few times over the years. Just about anyone I run into has the chance to be put inside one of my projects. Just ask Fr. Emit.

I see M bring her daughter to mass every so often. The young woman, K, is in a power chair. No matter what kind of day is going on. K always seems to have a bright smile on her face. Bringing joy to those around her.

A few weeks before the photo was taken LEGO had announced that they were releasing some new mini figures. Of note that one was in a wheel chair. As I'm sitting in the choir, I see K and her mom arrive for Mass, some how this struck me more so than usual. You can often times see the struggles in situations like this. Yet here we are at Mass. M and K in the front pew. Seeing this moved me deeply. To the point I spent the entire Mass wondering if I could create a power chair out of LEGO. The intention from the start was to put this in the Season 17 project. It took me an hour or two to come up with the general shape and over all style. The photo is from the early stages. Proof of Concept if you will. But over all I was pleased with the results. The figure sitting is not representing K. I used another figure for her. Once the project is taken down I'll snap a few photos.

What really inspired me is that feeling of joy seeing them arrive. The bright smile that K has when people come up to talk to her. We live in this day and age where those who have a disability are often overlooked. Sadly people don't take the time to try and understand what it is like to live with any kind of challenge. I'm not even sure of the daily struggles K's mom has. But I know she has good family support.

This weekend K had a chance to see the Season 17 project. Later on at a lunch I came over to them to say hello. K told me she really loved the project. I don't recall word for word what she said. By that point I was keeping the tears away. I've had many positive comments for my work over the years. I've gotten some media attention for my work. But K's comments to me. They touched me deeply. A small reminder of why I do this. Why I spend my time year after year. It is to show people that those who have a disability. Like myself. Like K. That even though we have our challenges. God can still use our talents.

-JM

The FAQ

The Official FAQ:

The Project:

Q: What is the Lego Church Project?

A: An annual project where a massive Catholic parish is built out of LEGO bricks.

Q: How long does it take to build?

A: It varies from season to season. But in most cases it takes close to two months. I work on it from as little as an hour to several hours per day. No build ever goes the same way each year.


Q: How many bricks does it take ?

A: I would guess based on how I build it each year. That it has close to 20,000 parts. 

Q: Wow! Look at all the people! How many are inside?

A: I have well over 200 mini-figures inside. 

Q: How much does the project weigh?

A: About 40lbs.

Q: Uh how big is your project?


A: The work station is 48x25 inches. The past few seasons have been around 45x24x24 inches. 

Displays: 

Q: When do you display the project?

A: Once the build is finished I am able to book for displays. In most cases I have the project finished in mid or end of April. Please keep in mind the month of Dec is reserved for the Christ the Good Shepherd display.

Q: What kind of displays do you do?

A: I can do two types of displays depending: 

Single event or weekend: These would be your Bazaars, craft shows or other special event. Bring the project out. Set it up with me being around to answer any questions. 

Multi week/weekend run: Set up the project and leave it for a week or two. Still would need to visit to make sure the project is holding up. Also to have the chance to talk to people.

Q: How do you move the project?

A: The project rests on it's own work station. Which is a large sheet of plywood. 

Q: What kind of setup do you need for a display?

A: All I need is a table such as a card table or narrow table for the project itself. I also need access to an electrical outlet so I can plug in the lights.

Q: I have a location that you can bring the project out too. What help do you need to make that happen?

A: I don't drive. In many cases it is a challenge to get transportation for this project. So I do have to rely on others. If you would like to have me come out I would have to have the site provide me and the project a ride. Along with two people to help move it. The project will fit in most SUV's or mini-vans. Drop me an e-mail at kc8wzm@gmail.com and we can set something up. 

Donations/More information:

Q: I think your project is neat and would like to help out. Do you take donations?

A: Yes. I'm always looking LEGO Bricks/Parts. I also do accept monetary donations so I can purchase specific parts. Donations can be made via pay pal. Contact me via e-mail: kc8wzm@gmail.com to find out how. 

Q: Do you have more information about why you need donations?

A: Yes! Please check out the blog post "Donations" for more detailed info.

Q: Do you have a PayPal link that send donations to?

A: Yes use the following link: paypal.me/LegoChurchProject

Q: How can I contact you for more information?

A: kc8wzm@gmail.com

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Revised 1/18/17. -The Lego Church Project