History
In 2001, our church was freed by God's grace from financial debts incurred
by a series of loans used to pay for sanctuary renovation, roofs for the
educational buildings, and an air conditioning system for the educational
buildings. We decided as a congregation that we would begin saving our money
to do things that we were unable to do while we were in debt. We spent time
in conference brainstorming about things we needed to take care of and
things we would like to see happen. Rather than dividing our resources
between many different projects, we decided to place the items in a priority
order that could be re-evaluated and adjusted in an emergency. We would save
and work toward whatever was 1st on the list. When we had the funds for the
1st project, we would then begin saving and working toward the 2nd project.
The church adopted Five Over and Above Projects that have now been
completed.
Current Planning
At our July Church Conference, we resumed the process of praying and
brainstorming about what projects and priorities should come after the back
parking lot. At the September Church Conference the church adopted two new
Over and Above Projects: a new heating and air system for the church
sanctuary and after that, kitchen and fellowship hall renovation. At
our November Church Conference, the church voted to direct Over and Above
Offerings toward Sanctuary Heating and Air.
Sanctuary Heating and Air
Our present air-conditioning system for the sanctuary was installed in
1973 and the heat is dependent on boilers that have operated since 1962.
At present, heat is only available in the sanctuary during the months
that the entire church system has been converted from air-conditioning
to heat. On unseasonably cool days in the spring and fall, our present
system does not allow us to provide heat for the sanctuary. To install a
new Trane packaged gas fired unit for heating and cooling would run
around $76,000.00. It will take one - two months for a new unit to
arrive after it has been ordered. Ideally, we would want to plan for the
installation in spring or fall when heat or air-conditioning would not
be needed as much.
Kitchen and Fellowship Hall Renovation
Many, many ideas have been suggested about how to update our kitchen and
fellowship hall area. Careful study will be made about what is possible
and a detailed recommendation brought back to the church for
consideration.
Prayer
It is our prayer that we would come together in a spirit of unity and
cooperation to glorify God through our work. As Baptists, we believe that
God speaks through the will of the body as each member puts aside their own
desires and seeks His will. Please pray for the Lord’s leadership and for a
spirit of cooperation that would honor Christ as we seek to move forward in
His name.
