See Q5. for an update on funding
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 was the idea and project scope?
Making the building more hospitable for decades of future ministry by:
- Expanding the foyer (making a better space for our value of relationships, nearly twice the size of the current foyer).
- 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).
We are excited about how these improvements will create a more welcoming environment for ministry in the decades to come.
Q3: What was the cost?
The congregation (together) approved a plan to spend $750,000 on this project.
Q4: Why does this cost so much?
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 upgrades, 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.
Q5: Where are we currently with the funding ?
Here is what we asked to be approved by the congregation:
- We can use current savings of $275,000. This amount would leave enough operating reserves in savings beyond this capital improvement project.
- We raised $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.
- We plan for combined giving, pledges, and borrowing to cover the remaining $325k or less. We are continuing to raise funds together through gifts and pledges until Easter of 2027.
- Here is what has happened so far: We kept the cost to $750,000 and used $275,000 from savings. By God’s grace we have raised $318,000 (by Oct 8, 2026). In addition, we have $15,000 in pledges due by Easter of 2027. At this point, we have borrowed only $173,000 instead of the $225,000 we had budgeted for in 2027.
It will take many gifts (small and large) to continue to raise these funds together.