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Monday, January 31, 2022

Displays (Revised)



One of the things I enjoy about the Lego Church Project is the chance to take this on the road for public displays. My feeling is that this project is from God. He is using my talents to share the faith creatively. This isn't something that should be hidden. Rather it should be shared with everyone. To show people that even if you have a disability or other challenge that God can and will use your talents in amazing and very creative ways.

The biggest challenge in finding locations is that I do not drive. Nor do I always have easy access to transportation. This means that any site that is interested in hosting me would need to take that into consideration and help provide it if able. Not only for the Project but for myself as well so I can be present. 

Types of Displays

My project displays (most times) fall into two types: 

Single event: These can be anything from special events, holiday bazaars or social gatherings. These are at most a single day or an entire weekend depending. Set up is usually the night before and Project goes home after the conclusion of the event. I am always present for these events. Mainly to keep an eye on things and answer any questions people have. 

Multi week/weekend run: These often include my parish displays. These are either single weekends or several weekend in a row. My displays at All Saints parish in Bay City and display I do at Christ the Good Shepherd in Saginaw are good examples. These are often multi-weekend displays. This is where I set up the project up and then check it out once a week. Usually before and after the Mass(es) at the parish. How many weeks/weekends the project stays at the location is at the site's request. Personally, I find that two weekends are a decent run. Though it can be longer if needed.

 Setup needs

 For the displays I need a folding/card table and access to an electrical outlet. Table needs to be medium sized but something that can support something that is about 47x25x25 inches. In most cases I will have my own extension cord. 

 Transportation needs

 The hardest part of any project season is not the build. It's finding locations to display my work and figuring out how to get the project and me out to the site. Mainly because of the issues related to transportation. 
Project needs: The project sits on a 48x26in plywood board. Height is about 25 inches give or take. In most cases the project will fit in a normal SUV/minivan/small pickup truck. 

 As far as moving the project. This project weighs about 40lbs to 80lbs or so. Because of its size it does require two people to move it. If you have a cart that would also make things easier.
For the builder: Single event displays I will need to be picked up before the event starts and taken to the site. After the event is finished, we will need to take the project back to my home location. 

 For parish displays I would like to be around for the Saturday and Sunday Morning Mass. So, I would need a ride there and back. If your parish has more than one Sunday Mass, need to be there for the earliest service and then be taken home after the last Mass. If your parish has a Sunday evening Mass. I don't need to be present for that. 

Please keep in mind that I do live in Saginaw Township, MI. If I am visiting a location that is farther out. Some extra accommodations will need to be considered. 
If anyone is interested in hosting or can help with transport, just drop me an e-mail to kc8wzm@gmail.com and we can work out the finer details.

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Friday, January 21, 2022

A challenge every season



The Lego Church Project that I do every year is an epic undertaking. In the span of about two months, I take and assemble free hand a massive Catholic parish of my own design and creation. By massive I mean a project that measures about 47 inches long. 25 inches wide. With a height to the tip of the bell tower around 23 inches. I have inside a full interior full of lights, flooring, and over two-hundred mini-figures. This is all built by one person. With no extra help. 

It is a challenge to build this. Not only am I testing the limits of the medium, in this case, LEGO. Creating a building using several thousand inter-locking plastic bricks. I am also challenging myself to come up with a new and creative design each year. Something that I've been doing for well over twenty-two years so far. I am also running headfirst into every single fear and insecurity I have ever had. Learning what each year brings me and the strength that I gain from each completed season. Sometimes this can be a great internal struggle. Yet it is one that I look forward to. It is also a time of a lot of prayer for me. As I spend nearly the entire build process in prayer. Either with words or just with my hands as I'm working on each section. Everything I do with my work is connected to prayer in some form. Such as praying for every aspect of our lives. Disability and its related issues. Along with our parishes. 

The next challenge I face every season is being able to take my project on the road to locations for public displays. The displays allow people to see my work in person and see the creative side of what someone with a disability (or challenge) can do. What makes things difficult is being able to find the needed transportation to make these displays happen. As I do not drive, nor do I always have easy access to transportation. I am always thankful when God works things out. My project is built for everyone and is meant to be shared not hidden inside my apartment for no one to see. Without the kindness of others this would not even happen. 

One of the often-unasked questions is why I do this year after year. I have a mild form of cerebral palsy. The challenges I face are not easily seen or noticed unless you get to know me. I have struggles that impact me daily. Often in ways most do not realize. I also have a deep love for Christ and the Catholic faith. God has blessed me with this very unique talent. To allow me to build and display these massive creations of mine year after year. I use The Project to show that no matter what challenge or disability that you face. God can still use your talents in amazing and creative ways. That is more than just a mission statement as it is something that I am living in my interactions with others. I desire to give hope to those who face these challenges and to remind people that God does have a purpose for everyone. 

Within the last few years, I have been able to take the project father than I could ever hope or dream. Given the disability advocacy that is starting to develop thanks to the recent print interviews and various podcasts I've been on. I am slowly starting to use my work to open the doors to conversations that are needed. Reminding people that those with disabilities often face an uphill road when it comes to the life of the Church. More so if that disability isn't easily seen or noticed. That everyone should feel welcome, no matter what challenge they face, when they step inside our parishes. I am praying that this advocacy is something that I can do more of in the coming seasons. 

I close this out with a final though: I don't do this for myself. I do this out of a deep love and passion for Christ. This has always been about the work God is doing though me and my efforts. Without HIM. This would not even be happening. This above all else is God's project. I'm just the humble and unlikely builder. -


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Sunday, January 16, 2022

Prayers for Season 23

 

The Project has always been about prayer. Now I could use some prayers myself. 

I have found over the last few seasons that I have a neat ministry that can open doors to important conversations on the issues of disability and how we relate to the church. I do this by blog posts and various interviews that I've given. Along with sharing my work. Either in person with my displays or via social media. 

Because of the focus on issues related to disability. I want to do more in that area and expand the ministry. Ideally, I would like to get in contact with either Priests and/or groups within the church that have a focus on disability. If you know of anyone, please send them my way. 

Part of my goals for this coming season is to try and develop two talks. One with a focus on using our talents for God. The other on is how I live my faith even with the challenges. While I am decent at writing. This is a little bit out of my comfort zone without some guidance. Which is why I need the help.

The other issue is prayers for wisdom on the displays themselves. Including timing on a few of them. There is a decent chance that we might move the Christ the Good Shepherd display earlier than Christmas. Along with trying to fill the season up with a few other locations and the transportation to work things out. I spend countless hours build this work and I have a deep desire for people to see it. However, I must also take into consideration the timing of things. 

As I start preparing for the Season 23 build in Feb. I will be taking everything in prayer and hoping that some good things can develop for my work overall. 

I once again ask that you join me in asking for the intercession of Blessed Solanus Casey. That wisdom for direction and help can be given. 

To those who support my work. You have my deepest thanks. 


Important Links!

Twitter: @kc8wzm


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