A: Really it comes down to cost. I think many of us would absolutely like a new building, as it would make dreaming a lot easier. However, at more than double the cost of the proposed project, it does not seem like a good use of the finances entrusted to us at this time.

A: We will be getting a quote for a pitched roof as well.

A: This is being explored. While interior design work has been proposed, there is nothing set in stone.

A: Another thing we can get a quote for, but would incur additional cost, not just to building but to parking lot area.

A: Yes. We could do the fellowship hall section first, allowing us to still meet on location. And then meet for service in the fellowship hall for a time while the sanctuary is worked on. However, that would add to the overall time of the project, and it might be easier and cheaper to simply rent a space in town to use for those months.

A: 1.2 Million to 1.7 Million.

A: Depending on seating layout. 320 - 350.

A: 174 with tables.

A: We DO NOT want to put financial strain on our church and will be moving very conservatively through the process. Until we can absorb a mortgage into the current budget, we will not pull the trigger on the project and risk the financial stability of the church. This means that several factors come into play, including mortgage rates, current and future giving levels, and pledges.

A: More than triple the size.

A: We will be moving our current main entrance roughly 15 feet to the right. We will be adding an entrance to the church at the back close to the parking lot which will usher people through the fellowship hall. Already more than half the church uses the back entrance through the kitchen, so now they will have an official entrance way. 

A: This is one of the limitations, but this is also one of the easiest fixes. Adding sheds or creative storage options (above new classrooms, under the front of the sanctuary).

A: Creativity is key here too. But having an offsite office is not out of the question.

A: While a ramp was not included in the initial drawings, there has been discussion on where to best place one.

A: This has not been decided at this time.

A: The scope of the project was the building itself. Parking was taken into consideration, but with the amount of land the church owns, it just comes down to adding more pavement or gravel.

A: The church finance team seeks to always keep 3 to 6 months of expenses in the bank in case of an emergency (furnace replacement, building repairs, etc.). With that said, we have over $200,000 sitting in bank accounts, CDs, and a Money Market account. We are well positioned to take on a project of this scope financially.

A: We will likely use some of the above finances to contribute towards the project.

A: They can be turned into the office or dropped into the wooden box on the table next to the sanctuary doors.

A: October 13, 2024.

A: Both will determine if we are able to move forward with the project. If we get 100% yes votes but only raise $300,000 then the real answer is no, we cannot move forward with the project. And even if we somehow had pledged 2 Million but only had 30% vote yes for the project. Then it would also be a no. Both things have to be considered, and since we need both to determine whether we can move forward with the project, we decided to not separate gathering the information into two periods of time.