We are deep into Lent, a season that challenges us to think about who we are and how we are called to grow with God. It is fitting, then, that our congregation is also going through a season of reflection and renewal – and facing challenging questions about who we are and how we will grow.
I write to give you an update on the building projects we have been exploring for the past several months and to invite you to a congregational meeting on Sunday, March 21 at 10:00. At that meeting, pending the outcome of the board meeting on March 14, we will be making an important decision about a capital campaign this spring.
For several years, we have been praying and dreaming about the future of our church: how to welcome new members, how to address current and future facilities needs, and how to manage and do ministry in an aging building. Last week, our stewardship consultant presented the results of a congregational study that showed broad support for a capital campaign and the potential to raise funds for most of the proposed projects.
Several of you have asked for more information about these projects. First, however, let me remind you how we got to this point. In 2008, the property committee, then chaired by Cliff Greaves, began identifying facilities projects that needed to be addressed but were beyond the scope of the annual property budget.
In 2009, the board appointed a Capital Campaign Feasibility committee, chaired by Terry Simon, to gather more information about some of those projects. Recognizing that it would be impossible to address every need, the committee began exploring the most pressing deferred-maintenance projects, such as repairing/replacing the steeple, upgrading the boiler system, addressing water remediation issues, and repairing some windows and doors in the sanctuary. Keeping our mission and vision in front of them, the committee also explored possibilities that that would enhance our ministries and help us grow, including upgrading the kitchen, adding a portico to our front doors, and redesigning our entryway to include a larger gathering space.
The committee did research, talked with contractors, and developed estimated costs for each project. Their work concluded with a proposal to hire a stewardship consultant to help us better define our vision and to test the feasibility of a fundraising campaign. The board accepted this proposal in December 2009.
In January 2010, we began working with our stewardship consultant, Zip Long, who led us in a visioning workshop and conducted a congregation-wide survey, through which congregation members were asked for input on the proposed projects. On March 4, Mr. Long presented the report of the feasibility study, which indicated the potential to raise $425,000 – $500,000 in a three-year campaign. The full report and a brief synopsis are available at www.fccgreensboro.org (click on Building Possibilities), as well as in hard copy in the church office.
A short-term Capital Campaign Planning Committee (chaired by Sam Tucker and approved at the Feb. 14 board meeting), has been tasked with exploring the consultant’s report and formulating a recommendation to take to the church board on Sunday, March 14. Their recommendation will consist of a financial goal for the proposed capital campaign; a prioritized list of projects to be completed as we meet our goal; and the appointment of a Building Committee to oversee the projects once the funds have been raised.
If the recommendation is approved by the board, it will then come before the congregation at the meeting on March 21. If the congregation decides to move forward, the campaign will begin shortly after Easter and conclude by Memorial Day.
Now, let me try to briefly answer some of the most common questions, primarily about the kitchen renovation and the portico/entryway/gathering space. Some have wondered why the kitchen renovations and water remediation projects have been combined into one project. In order to solve the water problems in the kitchen, we’ll need to remove and then reinstall all the plumbing and electrical wires from the walls of the kitchen as well as remove all the appliances and the center islands. Since the kitchen is in need of renovation in general, it seems most cost-effective in the long run to make other upgrades while the kitchen is already torn up.
You have also wondered about the addition of the portico and the renovation of the entryway and gathering space. This could be separated into two different projects, the “inside” gathering space and the “outside” portico. However, the original intent of the project was to improve the overall experience of coming into the church.
It’s hard to visualize a space that doesn’t exist yet. You may be able to picture the portico – a large covered area just outside our front doors. The entryway and gathering space might be a little harder to see. The entryway (the area near the elevator) would get new paint, carpet, and furniture – including a welcome station for visitors – and possibly a new window to brighten the room. The gathering space would be created by moving the administrative office down the hall and opening up the wall between the hallway and the current office. New decorations and comfortable seating would create an informal multi-purpose space for people to gather. Let me share a vision of how this project might impact our congregation:
On a rainy Sunday morning, a car pulls up under our new portico. An elderly member of the congregation emerges. She walks with a cane to the front door, where a greeter welcomes her, helps her find her nametag, and walks with her to her seat. Next through the door is a couple who have never been here before. They stop at the Welcome Center and pick up a brochure about the mission opportunities in the congregation. Another greeter introduces himself, points the way to the restrooms, and since there is still some time before the service starts, invites them to have a cup of coffee in the newly redesigned gathering space.
As they fill their mugs, they meet a woman who points out her two young children, who have just come from Sunday school and are now selecting worship activities in the children’s corner. She tells the visitors how much she enjoys the adult conversation at church, where she knows her children are well cared for. On a couch nearby, a man whose wife has been ill sits with a friend, glad for some company and a listening ear. Bulletin boards on the walls hold pictures of the congregation and sign-up sheets for upcoming activities.
In the sanctuary, the prelude begins, and everyone makes their way in to worship. The visitors make a note to stop in the gathering space after church to sign up for the mission project scheduled for next weekend.
These are exciting times for First Christian Church as we grow into the vision God has set for us. These are challenging times, too, as we are all called to stretch, grow, and dream. If you’d like to talk more about all of this before the board meeting or the congregation meeting, feel free to contact me, or one of the members of the Capital Campaign Planning Committee: Sam Tucker, Cliff Greaves, Charles Jones, David Barnette, and Dawn Steadman.
Thank you for the questions you are asking and for prayers you are offering.
With gratitude for our ministry together,
Lee Hull Moses