Tag Archives: First Step

Renovations…

  March 15, 2013 - 2:56 pm |
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I am thankful for your support of the proposal to secure a loan for our office relocation project as well as renovations in the gym and a new covered walkway between the buildings. Please know that all money that was given to the Capital Campaign over the past couple years (slightly over $30,000) has remained in this account and will be used in this project. Once the paperwork for the loan is completed and the work begins, our monthly payment on the loan will be slightly under $2000. Though this is a significant responsibility after the church has been debt-free for years, I believe that we are capable of handling this commitment.

The Finance Team has noted that if 50 people could give an extra $10 per week to the Capital Campaign (in addition to regular budget giving), we would cover our loan payment without hindering our regular budget and ministry needs. If you are willing to support this project, please give your extra donations to the Capital Campaign so that we can repay our loan from the Capital Campaign rather than from our budget (You may mark your envelope for “Capital Campaign” when you are giving specifically for this purpose). Even if you cannot give on a weekly or monthly basis to this effort, we would be grateful for any occasional or one-time donations you might be able to make. We look forward to getting the work started and will keep you posted on the progress and expected time frames as they become more clear. I believe we will all enjoy and appreciate the improvements when they are completed later this year.

On another building-related note, I hope you have had the chance to check out the new lighting in our gym. The money to pay for this improvement came from our facility rental money; that is, the money we receive from outside groups renting our building for their meetings or sports practices. The new lights are much brighter and at the same time are far more energy efficient. We expect that it will save us significant utility money over the long haul and will be a real asset to the church.

Blessings,

Bill

First Step

  March 1, 2013 - 4:28 pm |
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I hope you have had the opportunity to see the brochure that was distributed on Sunday to introduce the proposed office relocation and gym improvement projects (If you didn’t receive it yet, call the office and we’ll send you one). Please find enclosed with this newsletter additional information about the work we will be doing and the financial commitment that will be required. You will notice that in addition to the office and gym work outlined in the first brochure, we also plan to include a beautiful covered walkway between our Education Building and our Family Life Center. We believe that this will be a wonderful addition for all of us, especially when we have rainy days like we have seen so often lately.

The latest insert also includes details about the total cost of these projects and the plan to pay for them through our Capital Campaign Fund. When this campaign was started some months ago, many of you gave generously to support the initial plans for the office relocation and the adding of air conditioning to the gym. Please know that all that money is still in the Capital Campaign Fund and will be used to begin this expanded project. Unfortunately, after initial plans were presented, it was discovered that the initial estimates weren’t adequate to complete the jobs in a way that would meet our long-term needs.  Though none of us really like the thought of taking on debt after being debt-free for many years, I am confident that we as a congregation are capable of paying off this debt without sacrificing other ministries and programs.  As the enclosed information points out, if those who are capable would give regularly to the Capital Campaign Fund in addition to their budget giving, we will be able to make our monthly payments and hopefully pay off the debt early.

I do believe that the work proposed will benefit our church in significant ways. Everyone who has worked in Vacation Bible School understands how important it is that we add air conditioning to the gym. This will allow us to use our gym far more comfortably in the summer for a variety of activities and ministries. I am also excited about the prospect of having a new and nicer office that will be accessible to those who can’t climb steps and will create a better first impression for prospects and members of our community. In addition, as mentioned above, I think we will all look forward to having the covered walkway on rainy days.

The members of the Office Relocation Team and Finance Team have worked long and hard for many months to develop these plans and organize this proposal. We are tremendously blessed to have David Stoops offering his gifts and talents in developing the designs and plans for this project. We do, however, want your prayers and input as we bring this recommendation to the church for discussion and a vote. Please join us Saturday, March 2 at 11 a.m. in the Family Life Center for a time of discussion and at our Family Meeting after worship on Sunday, March 3. It is important that we be unified and committed before undertaking such a big project. Come prayerfully to share your thoughts as we discuss and vote on this proposal.

Blessings,

Bill