It seems like we have worked as a church for over a decade for that one pivotal moment on Sunday, December 11, when we cast our votes. After years of buying land, expanding parking, eliminating debt, raising money, designing a building, meeting with the contractor, wrestling with lawsuits, and casting the vision, this congregation, in a historic vote, approved the contracts with: Edifice to build, BB&T to finance, and Audio Ethics to outfit our new building. So overwhelming was the consensus, that there were no negative votes (though a handful abstained.) With over 95% approval, Christ Lutheran made a bold and faithful decision to move forward with The Master’s Plan.
I think this is really going to happen!
There are certain concerns, however. While the congregation generously increased their Master’s Plan pledge by one million dollars last month, moving us from six to seven million in pledges, it still falls short of the eight million dollar goal. That one million dollar gap will need to be bridged through: 1) cost savings with the building as we watch every nickel, 2) additional giving by current and future members, and/or 3) additional debt. Right now, we plan on a $4.3 million mortgage. We hope to end with that number.
To celebrate this event, we will have a special, ceremonial ground breaking on Sunday, January 15. Please come and celebrate this milestone with us. This will be a time to turn over the dirt, bless the land, and join with our partners at Edifice Contractors and ADW Architects who have patiently worked with us for a decade in preparation for this project.
I am so honored to be at Christ Lutheran during this time in its grand and faithful ministry. This will not be just one more church on Providence Road. This will be a significant building with a breathtaking sanctuary that will evoke the holy. The youth space is specifically designed to foster community, and the Commons Area will be a place where friends will gather to connect and visitors will enter in knowing that we have prepared a place for them—a place to belong.
So thank you. Thank you for your patience during these past ten plus years. Thank you for your enthusiastic vote in favor of moving forward. Thank you for your generosity in giving. Thank you for the many Councils and Presidents who have slowly inched the ball down the field. And thank you for including me in this ministry. While 85% of all mainline Protestant churches are stagnant or declining, it is a great joy, an awesome privilege and a deep responsibility to be a part of a growing and Spirit filled church that is committed to Welcome all people, Connect them with other believers, Equip them with God’s Word, and Send them back into all the world.
