by Nancy Hivner
By a vote of 73% at the November 2019 meeting, Church Council approved the Board recommendation to proceed to the next phase of the building project; design development. During this phase, which will begin in early 2020 and will continue for 4–6 months, specifications for the remodel and expansion of our building will be done. This effort will involve consultation with many building users including our Commission members, Sunday School teachers, hospitality team, staff members, ECNS and ECCC representatives, and others. The cost for this work (up to $500,000) will be paid from accumulated building project pledge money.
In addition to this decision, Church Council also approved 87% the Board recommendation to reallocate $1.3 million in invested funds to a conservative investment option to eliminate risks associated with stock market fluctuations. An approach to this will be designed and implemented by the Finance Committee.
Once the design development phase of the project is concluded, preparations will be made to solicit bids from construction companies to do the expansion and remodel work according to the specifications. After the bids are received and project costs are known, a recommendation on a financial package to pay for the project will be prepared. This will likely include a combination of pledge money received, new pledges, use of invested funds, and borrowed money. Decisions on these matters will be made by votes of Church Council, expected to occur in the fall of 2020.
It is an exciting time to be engaged in our ministry together. We look forward to continued growth in our programs and in our people as we practice peace, service, and openness to all.