Q1. Why invest in the building?
We want to use this building for our greater purpose together: making disciples of Jesus to the glory of God.
This building is a gift. If we’ve benefited, it’s because of the kindness of God—through the generosity of Christians more than 40 years ago. Wise stewardship today can contribute to future ministry for decades ahead—for Christ’s mission, for one another, and for many we haven’t yet met.
Q2. What’s the idea?
Making the building more hospitable for decades of future ministry by:
- Expanding the foyer (making a better space for our value of relationships).
- Expanding the restrooms (doubling the number of stalls).
- Creating a family restroom (better for those with young kids or people with disabilities).
- Creating a multi-purpose meeting room for mid-size gatherings (by combining and renewing several rooms in the southwest corner of the building to make a ministry space larger than any of our current classrooms).
Q3: What is the potential cost?
The current plans ballpark at $750,000 for all of the renovations described above.
Since we’d prefer to “under-promise and over-deliver” in planning, this figure of $750k includes a 10% “contingency” budget, which we hope not to need. As a result, the project could end up costing less.
Q4: Why is this so expensive?
Improving a building this size simply costs more than renovating a house. Updating for commercial codes and requirements requires professional expertise and adds costs. Examples include an updated fire security system, electrical work, and digging a trench for plumbing for the expanded restrooms. These costs add up.
It may help to know that our design team has been making decisions cost-consciously, choosing designs and finishes that are welcoming and reliable, but not the most expensive options. If we do not raise enough funds, we could and would scale down the scope of the project. These plans look really good, though, so we hope to meet the goal in full!
Q5: How could we raise that much money?
Here is one potential way that could work:
- Use current savings of $275,000. This amount would leave enough operating reserves in savings beyond this capital improvement project.
- Raise $150,000 by December 31, 2025. Encouraging note: an early outpouring of generosity has put us well on track toward meeting this first goal, so we can begin work as soon as possible.
- Plan for combined giving, pledges, and borrowing to cover the remaining $325k or less. In this proposal, we would continue to raise funds together through gifts and pledges until Easter of 2027.
It will take many gifts (small and large) to raise these funds together. Thank you for considering a gift or pledge.