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Construction Zone Ahead
Ah, buildings. We maintain them, gather in them and leverage them to spread the gospel. In many ways our church buildings embody our mission and values; they are the face we show the community and a tool to bring good news.
This month we feature two GLCC churches who recently renovated their buildings to better springboard mission. Don your hard hat and read on!
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by Josh Wall, Leadership Development Pastor
Scope of the Renovation:
New front lobby and multi-purpose space, updated bathrooms, carpet, technology, lighting and signage.
How did you decide to renovate?
"We ended up renovating because we wanted to engage with new comers and guests in a better way than our current space allowed. We care about our community and we care about newcomers and guests so it became a strategic pivot outwards for us, lowered some of the barriers and made things function well. Our goal was to build a lobby that doubled as a front porch for the entire community, where anyone could walk in and feel accepted."
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How is it good news to the community?
"This project increased our involvement with the community. We host more community events in the space, we have increased our investment in our community garden, and have built deeper and more meaningful relationships with the neighborhood (and neighborhood association). Additionally, it has simply been a great opportunity to be a presence of Christ to those near the church."
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This project "also gave us opportunities to engage with neighbors that otherwise stayed to themselves. We have had a number of new neighbors show up since our lobby opened! As a whole it was also a rallying point for Fifth; it helped us focus on our mission, our history, and our legacy."
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by Jim Goldschmeding, Pastor
Scope of the Renovation:
New roof and parking lot, covered canopy, bathrooms, elevator, new front lobby, accessibility issues, lighting and updating sanctuary
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How did this project impact your ministry?
This project was a "strong statement on inclusion that coordinates with our deaf ministry. The building is wide open now and open to anyone. People are lingering (after worship) more. They're enjoying the space and light.
It's a real sense of celebration that's cranked up the fun of being together. The whole building looks more inviting to the community and exudes more warmth."
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Where did you see God in the midst?
The people of Rosewood had "incredible unity and generosity" around the capital campaign and fundraising. Later, the reality of living and working through construction was hard. Jim "told the congregation to think of it as an adventure and through it all they had a great attitude and never complained."
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Rosewood's lay leaders stepped up facilitate the capital campaign and building project. "I was able to be a pastor instead of a building superintendent or a banker. That just has to be God. God and His people have been very kind."
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CenterPoint Lewis Center, Rosewood Reformed, and Fifth Reformed all completed building projects recently. All three utilized the services of the Church Growth Fund (RCA) and raved about them.
Nathan Weller (CenterPoint) said, "the brightest spot (during construction) was the Church Growth Fund. I cannot speak highly enough of the people who work there or that organization."
Josh Wall (Fifth Ref.) said, "They (Church Growth Fund) have been great to work with. We have nothing but great things to say about Bob Carlson and his team."
Jim Goldschmeding (Rosewood Ref.) said Bob Carlson and the Church Growth fund was "absolutely awesome to work with."
Watch the Church Growth Fund's 2018 General Synod video highlighting Rosewood, CenterPoint and Fifth's projects, explaining the funds they give back and contact Bob Carlson if you're considering building, buying, refinancing or renovating.
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