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Worship Center Remodel
We’ve probably all grown so used to our beautifully re-done Worship Center that our time in the tent, and all the work involved, seems a dim memory. But by last August, the dust had settled and we stepped into our renovated worship space. Then, it took until December for the final negotiations with the contractor to be concluded.
 Let’s take a step back and look at the big picture. Our Next Step Committee needs to be commended. Some of them began planning almost 18 years ago for the parking structure, the Commons, the Plaza, the Chapel remodel and children’s playground overhaul, and finally the Worship Center remodel. Thanks for the foresight to envision the campus that today we use so completely! Our purpose all along has been “that the generation to come may know . . .”
Like remodeling your kitchen, the Worship Center project took a bit longer and cost more than anticipated. When you open up walls and remove concrete, you can be surprised at what you find! Many of our expenses were unforeseen and arose as the project progressed. Others were decisions to upgrade certain items in order to enhance the quality and longevity of certain areas.
 We have many significant “lessons learned” in this project. We also have a full accounting and many examples of appreciation of the project. You can read about all of these in the five-page report, available again this week at Info Central.
The total costs for the Worship Center project were $2.46 million and our income to date is $2.19 million. The congregation already has graciously given over our initial budget. Thanks so much for that! Yet, we have a remaining balance of $264,215. Those funds have been internally loaned from the General Fund—no external borrowing has taken place. Here is our plan to conclude the project:
We have set a goal of May 1 to raise $264,215. Whatever amount is not raised by that time will then be taken from our ministry accounts. If needed, we will decrease ministry so as to close out the Next Step Fund on May 1. Our preference is to raise the amount and continue in strong ministry activities.
This project had some challenges but it was worth it. For example, just as the project was starting, over 1,500 new people were coming to our church. Now, that number is over 2,000 new people.
God has given us a wonderful season of financial blessing. Thank you for your generosity and participating with God in this ministry. Join us in prayerfully considering how God might lead each of us to help finish our Worship Center remodel project.
 David Fletcher
Executive Pastor
P.S. This coming Sunday, our former worship pastor Michael Cork and his wife Denise will be in the 8 am service, joining our choir and orchestra. This trip was part of our parting gift to the Corks when Michael left last year to become the director of Lillenas Publishing Company. We wanted Michael and Denise to enjoy our ‘new’ Worship Center and be able to lift their voices in praise with us!
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On Friday, April 18, we will hold two Good Friday services at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Please join us for an evening of reflection upon the love of Jesus as He paid the ultimate price for our sins on the cross. Childcare will be provided for children from birth through kindergarten.
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Easter Sunday
On Sunday April 20, we will come celebrate together “Uprising”—the risen life of Jesus and revolution of His people unto new life! We will be holding our Easter services off-campus at Fullerton High School in the football stadium. Join us at either 9:00 am or 11:00 am for a joyous celebration of life, as we worship and share stories of what God is doing in the lives of many folks in our community through public baptism. (Please note: our 5:00 pm service will not meet this day.)
Easter Project
Just as God gave the world a wonderful gift of new life in the resurrection of Jesus, so we want to bless our community. For this reason, we desire to give a gift of $20,000 to Fullerton High School. We want to raise money for some special items for the school to help the teachers and students. To participate in this, you can write “Easter Project” on your check or choose that designation when giving online.
Parking
In order to control our traffic situation on Easter, we are pre-issuing parking passes for the event. To reserve your spot, please pick up a parking pass to a pre-assigned parking lot for the Easter celebration. You will need to indicate which service (9:00 am or 11:00 am) you will attend. Maps and directions will be included in the pass. Parking passes are available at Info Central and on the Plaza on Sunday, as well as in the Modular office during the week (see Alise Ramseyer).
Baptism
If you would like to be baptized on Easter, sign up to attend the baptism class in the Chapel on Sunday April 13 at 9:30 am. Sign up on the Plaza or contact LaDona Peterson for more info, 714.257.4380.
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Tru Family Night
Friday, April 11, 6:30–8:00 pm, D-Amp. & Gym
 Join us in a family service project in preparation for our Easter services at Fullerton High School. Dinner provided. Childcare available for children 3 years old and younger. Register online.
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An Easter Together
Thursday April 17, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine.
Featuring several musical artists and speakers, including Mike Erre. Join with other believers from all over the county to worship God and celebrate our risen Savior. Visit aneastertogether.com for more information.
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