Meeting Needs
Meeting Critical Needs
The study conducted by the capital committee confirmed three key areas of interest for our facilities:
Create a welcoming space for all: All are welcome within our walls. However, this not only requires cosmetic changes, but also changes to entrances and accessibility creating an inclusive and inviting space for all visitors and members, young and old, disabled or not.
Availability and flexibility for future programs: We are blessed with an active and engaged congregation. However, to continue our mission of outreach and to appeal to potential new members, our facilities need to be updated to be more attractive and inviting, as well as improve availability and accessibility for future programs.
Assure a safe and comfortable church for all: We want to provide a safe, nurturing church that meets the needs of our congregation and the building should reflect our desire to be better stewards of our environmental resources.
The initial estimated cost of the master plan is estimated at $1.8 million including replacement of heating and air conditioning systems, more effective and efficient office and educational space use, attention to environmental (“greening”) efficiencies, professional fees (architect, engineering, capital campaign consultant) as well as the repayment of an existing $61,400 loan. Also included are significant deferred maintenance costs for the replacement of many of the facility’s systems. (See Phase II outlined below for more detailed descriptions.)
However, based on the expansive scope of our needs and an estimated giving capacity for our congregation, the capital committee recommended a phased approach that focuses first on an initial fund-raising effort without losing the long-term vision for our church home.