Check Out the Latest Progress!
Work is moving along at a good clip on the building construction. Check out the video below sharing an update on the building and how we as church family partner with Jesus to be the hope of the world, and how the building is a wonderful ministry tool to help in that endeavor. In addition, a live update was shared during services on August 9th which may be seen on Facebook or Youtube for that date. Information that was shared during this update includes:
What is done? What is left to do?
What is Done: Outside
All three additions are up, the roofs and masonry are almost complete. A couple of outside security lights have been installed. The septic system is completed, the dry retention pond all the way at the back of the property has been completed. Storm drains have been installed. Outside underground electrical hookups have been installed. The outside electrical panels are ready for power. Rough grading and prep for the parking lots have begun.
What is Done: Inside
Think of what is behind the drywall in your home. That’s what is called the rough-in. Behind the drywall are the studs, the electric wires, security wires, and plumbing pipes. Above the drywall is additional wires, heat, and air conditioning pipes, below the floor, are sewer pipes. That leaves all the wires and pipes sticking out of the newly installed drywall for the next step.
In the existing building, the renovation has started by removing the furniture and supplies. Some walls have been removed, as you may have noticed while attending church. A new mechanical room has been stud framed in the old kid’s area. And the current sanctuary will be emptied right before the first Sunday in the new Worship Center.
What is Left to Do: Outside
Finish the roof on the new main entrance. The remaining security lights on the outside of the building. Final grading in preparation for landscaping. Sidewalks to be installed. The parking lot’s finish graded and asphalt on the parking behind the new Worship Center. Rush Shelby will complete the hookup to the new electrical panel.
What is Left to Do: Inside
Next are the things on and outside the drywall. Painting the drywall. All the wires and plumbing sticking out of the walls will now be connected with receptacles, light fixtures switches, sinks, and commodes. Baptistry will be installed. Cameras and the alarm system will be completed. The new tech booth will be installed and wired. Wifi to be completed. The audio, video, and lighting will be completed. And the remodeling of the original building will continue for the next few months.
When will we begin using the worship center? Will there first be a dedication ceremony?
We anticipate that the new Worship Center will open in the second half of September. The date remains up in the air as the above mentioned “what’s left to do” are completed. We will get a better handle on this in a few weeks and that will be shared asap. Denise Dank is planning a dedication ceremony to take place in the new Worship Center after church service one week before we begin using the new Worship Center. Staff and the Executive Team will give guided tours of the new additions and include Q&A.
Will everything open at once, or will it open in stages?
All three new additions will open at once, and the rest of the old space will be closed at the same time, some of which is already closed.
How are we doing financially related to the building project? What is needed? If we have a shortfall in campaign giving, how will we compensate to stay within the maximum mortgage approval of $300k?
We are experiencing a significant shortfall in campaign giving. We know that closing the church for a while during COVID slowed things down, but even as we’ve reopened and let people know how they can continue their contributions and where they stand with their commitment, we have not seen the contribution level rise.
We are currently collecting at a rate of only 40% of the remaining outstanding commitment.
o So, that is a 60% shortfall on the remaining commitments.
o We know that about 25% ($45,000) is due to commitments of those no longer attending the Fountain.
o A portion of the remaining 35% shortfall could be due to the loss of income for those affected by the pandemic or just oversight and potentially not knowing how to give if not physically attending services.
This has meant that many things planned in the beginning, now need to wait until we have saved or collected more money.
Items that will have to wait include things like carpet, furniture, sidewalks, and landscaping. Even with those items being put on hold, we are at the limit of the approved mortgage amount. Our prayer is that campaign giving will increase back to commitment levels so that we can reduce the amount of long-term debt, even below the level that was approved.
How can people help regarding the work that is left to do?
o If you are behind on your commitment and are able to catch up, that would be helpful.
o If you have not made a commitment to the building campaign, it would be helpful for anything that you may be led to contribute.
o We ask that everyone be understanding when the new space opens with regard to items that cannot be completed for now, until money becomes available.
o You can offer your spiritual gifts, through serving at the church.
What can we be praying for?
Pray that throughout this process and to its end, that our focus remains on the new ministry this building will allow us to perform for God’s Kingdom. We recognize the building is a means to a higher end.
Roofing complete over new main entrance.
Original kid's area. Furnace room, office and restroom gone.
New kid's area ready for paint.
Youth addition, almost ready for paint.