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Pastor's Page

Posted on May 23, 2008 ...

       Last week I shared with you that our Building Committee, Stewardship Committee, and Building and Grounds Committees would meet on Sunday night, May 18 to discuss a recommendation regard-ing the amount of construction for our church to pursue in the near future. As you may remember, our plans included the creation of a new multi-purpose building along with the renovation of spaces in our church basement and Education Building. The two primary options were:

1. To propose doing only the renovation work at a cost of approximately $600,000 or
2. To propose doing both the renovation work and the new building at a total cost not greater than $1.85 million and require an initial indebtedness of about $1.5 million dollars.

      After dialog and discussion the group voted to recommend that the church commit to doing both the renovations and the new buildings in one construction project. While this is the boldest choice, it is also the one that is most cost effective in the long run, taking advantage of lower interest rates and current material costs. Everyone should understand also that it is the option that calls upon the church to continue giving to our building fund over and above our regular budget for the longest period of time (approximately 7 to 8 years).
     Note that this is NOT a recommendation that we enter into a contract with a construction company or borrow funds. Those proposals will come later, after this question regarding the scope of our construction is settled.
     Please mark your calendar for two important Sunday evening dates. Following the evening worship service on June 1 there will be an informal information meeting in the Annex. This gathering is to answer your questions about the proposal. Then, after the evening service on June 8, a Special Business meeting will be held for the church membership to vote on this recommendation that our congregation pursues both the renovations and the new building.
     It is an exciting season. Please pray that the spirit of the church will be in harmony with our ambitions. Jay