Message from the Elders
April 30, 2021
After much prayer and discussion, and significant input from expert developers, the elders have decided to move forward with two enhancements to our property at 770 Kennesaw Avenue. Phase 1 will consist of the construction of a covered pavilion situated between the existing church building and the children’s playground area. Phase 2 will be a complete renovation and upgrade to our playground area.
The pavilion will give us the ability to increase outdoor usage, specifically during the heat of the summer months by providing shade for church events and kids ministry activities (i.e. kids camp). This will also provide options for future outdoor services, youth ministry, and small group gatherings. This past year, as we added outdoor components on our beautiful property, we saw an increase in outreach to the local community. A covered pavilion will vastly improve the outdoor experience and give us much more year-round flexibility, as well as greater visual appeal.
The pavilion will give us the ability to increase outdoor usage, specifically during the heat of the summer months by providing shade for church events and kids ministry activities (i.e. kids camp). This will also provide options for future outdoor services, youth ministry, and small group gatherings. This past year, as we added outdoor components on our beautiful property, we saw an increase in outreach to the local community. A covered pavilion will vastly improve the outdoor experience and give us much more year-round flexibility, as well as greater visual appeal.
Furthermore, we believe that now is the time to give our playground an upgrade. The playground is a natural gathering place for families and for building relationships. It is used weekly in our church gatherings, and has always had community appeal, even though the equipment has exceeded its shelf-life. With the addition of the soccer field/ministry, and a new pavilion, there will be an increased use of the playground, both by the community and the church. Families, especially those with young children, will immediately see the value of a new pavilion, especially in conjunction with a new playground, as the purposes of both integrate with one another. The committee is currently gathering input from various ministry leaders. Once all playground input is received, a layout design drawing of the renovated playground area will be provided (estimated design by May 15).
For us to be able to move forward, we need to raise the necessary funds to make these projects a reality. We are asking you to give serious and prayerful consideration to making a financial contribution to the Pavilion and Playground Project. Phase 1 is estimated to cost approximately $348,500, while Phase 2 is estimated at $200,000. We are hoping to begin construction on Phase 1 in July, with the plan of moving to Phase 2 once Phase 1 is completed, assuming that sufficient funds are available. We are confident that this is reasonable and possible, but it will require each of us to give toward this opportunity over and above our regular giving.
Our vision is to spread the good news of Jesus to all people, and we believe that our investment in these additions and improvements will enhance our ability to minister to more people more effectively. The land of 770 Kennesaw Avenue was originally a dairy farm many years ago. Today it serves to provide spiritual nourishment to hundreds of people. The blessing of the building we enjoy each week was made possible by the investments of those who came before us. The existing playground was built by the previous generation. The soccer field was funded by a member who has already gone to glory. They sowed their seeds in their time, and their reward is in heaven. Now it's our turn to carry on in the tradition of their generosity.
This initiative will require each of us playing our part. While the amount of our contributions will vary, the degree of our sacrifice and the motivation of our hearts must be for the glory of God and the furtherance of His kingdom. As the Lord wills and confirms, let us work together to be good stewards of the resources and property he has entrusted to us. And let us continue to be faithful to the mission to which He has called us.
Serving with joy,
The Elders of Grace Community Church
For us to be able to move forward, we need to raise the necessary funds to make these projects a reality. We are asking you to give serious and prayerful consideration to making a financial contribution to the Pavilion and Playground Project. Phase 1 is estimated to cost approximately $348,500, while Phase 2 is estimated at $200,000. We are hoping to begin construction on Phase 1 in July, with the plan of moving to Phase 2 once Phase 1 is completed, assuming that sufficient funds are available. We are confident that this is reasonable and possible, but it will require each of us to give toward this opportunity over and above our regular giving.
Our vision is to spread the good news of Jesus to all people, and we believe that our investment in these additions and improvements will enhance our ability to minister to more people more effectively. The land of 770 Kennesaw Avenue was originally a dairy farm many years ago. Today it serves to provide spiritual nourishment to hundreds of people. The blessing of the building we enjoy each week was made possible by the investments of those who came before us. The existing playground was built by the previous generation. The soccer field was funded by a member who has already gone to glory. They sowed their seeds in their time, and their reward is in heaven. Now it's our turn to carry on in the tradition of their generosity.
This initiative will require each of us playing our part. While the amount of our contributions will vary, the degree of our sacrifice and the motivation of our hearts must be for the glory of God and the furtherance of His kingdom. As the Lord wills and confirms, let us work together to be good stewards of the resources and property he has entrusted to us. And let us continue to be faithful to the mission to which He has called us.
Serving with joy,
The Elders of Grace Community Church
How Can You Be Involved?
LET'S COMMIT TO PRAY
Pray that God would prepare our hearts and the hearts of the community for opportunities for how He wants to glorify His Name through the Pavilion and the Playground at GCC.
LET'S GENEROUSLY GIVE
To build the Pavilion and renovate the Playground, we need financial support. We are stepping out in faith to make this dream a reality and ask that you consider giving generously. After praying and deciding what amount you would like to give, the next step is to click the "Make Your Pledge Here" button below to make your confidential pledge (or commitment) to the Pavilion & Playground Project. Or you can fill out a hard copy Pledge Card and drop it by the church office. The deadline to communicate your commitment pledge is June 6th.
LET'S PURPOSE TO GATHER
Let us look for opportunities to connect and build relationships. If you are part of a Life Group, make plans to meet at the pavilion. If the Men of Grace want to host a cookout, let's do it under the pavilion. If you want to plan play dates, meet at the new playground! Be present, get involved in each other's lives, build relationships and continue to spread the good news of Jesus to everyone!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why are we building a pavilion? Don't we already have two picnic shelters?
A: The two current picnic shelters serve the purpose of small gatherings of fellowship. The new pavilion, however, will be able to host 180 people for gatherings such as worship services, weddings, Bible Studies, Men's retreats, Women's picnics, etc. Additionally, it will provide a covered space for large children and youth activities, including Wednesday night ministry games, Kids Camp dining, and outdoor outreach events.
Q: Why do we need to renovate the playground? Isn't it in working condition?
A: The existing playground equipment and play areas have worn through time. Specific pieces on the existing equipment need to be replaced or reconditioned. Also, the layout of the existing play equipment needs to be organized to bring it up to current safety standards as well as ADA compliance. The new play surface within a newly fenced in area will provide safety, keep maintenance for the area to a minimum, and give the area a new aesthetic appeal.
Q: Will this capital campaign have an adverse effect on our general budget and ongoing ministries?
A: Our current giving to the General Budget is consistent, solid and strong. During this pandemic period, we have made multiple efforts to adjust any expenses that were impacted by the reduced activity and use of resources. The Elders are asking that the funds given to support this campaign be funds that are above and beyond the normal tithes and offerings that you are currently giving. You are being asked to prayerfully consider how much to support this campaign and to step out in faith to make it a reality. Since these funds should be above and beyond our normal giving there should not be an adverse impact our general budget.
Q: What is the difference between a pledge and a donation?
A: The difference between a pledge and a donation is that a pledge is your communication of your promise or intention to give, while a donation is the act of actually giving a contribution. We are asking everyone to take some time from now until June 6 to pray and consider the amount they plan to give . The deadline to fill out and complete your Pledge is June 6, at which time the elders will determine if we have the funds committed and pledged to move forward with all or a portion of the project. In other words, from now until June 6 is a time of prayer, discernment, and decision, during which time you may communicate your Pledge at anytime up until June 6. Actual giving toward the project, however, will not begin until after June 6. Therefore, anytime from now until June 6 when you are ready to communicate your confidential pledge, please click on the link below or turn in your Pledge Card at the church building. Our progress together will be updated each Sunday morning.
Q: How much should I give?
A: The answer to this question is different for each of us, and ultimately it is between you and the Lord. The accomplishment of this project will only be by God's grace and His provision. Proverbs 16:9 states that "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps." We are depending on Him for the resources and trusting in Him to establish our steps.
In terms of how the Lord might accomplish this endeavor through us, one possible scenario is listed below. We are asking that you consider what part of the whole the Lord is moving in your heart to give (Exodus 25:2).
A: The two current picnic shelters serve the purpose of small gatherings of fellowship. The new pavilion, however, will be able to host 180 people for gatherings such as worship services, weddings, Bible Studies, Men's retreats, Women's picnics, etc. Additionally, it will provide a covered space for large children and youth activities, including Wednesday night ministry games, Kids Camp dining, and outdoor outreach events.
Q: Why do we need to renovate the playground? Isn't it in working condition?
A: The existing playground equipment and play areas have worn through time. Specific pieces on the existing equipment need to be replaced or reconditioned. Also, the layout of the existing play equipment needs to be organized to bring it up to current safety standards as well as ADA compliance. The new play surface within a newly fenced in area will provide safety, keep maintenance for the area to a minimum, and give the area a new aesthetic appeal.
Q: Will this capital campaign have an adverse effect on our general budget and ongoing ministries?
A: Our current giving to the General Budget is consistent, solid and strong. During this pandemic period, we have made multiple efforts to adjust any expenses that were impacted by the reduced activity and use of resources. The Elders are asking that the funds given to support this campaign be funds that are above and beyond the normal tithes and offerings that you are currently giving. You are being asked to prayerfully consider how much to support this campaign and to step out in faith to make it a reality. Since these funds should be above and beyond our normal giving there should not be an adverse impact our general budget.
Q: What is the difference between a pledge and a donation?
A: The difference between a pledge and a donation is that a pledge is your communication of your promise or intention to give, while a donation is the act of actually giving a contribution. We are asking everyone to take some time from now until June 6 to pray and consider the amount they plan to give . The deadline to fill out and complete your Pledge is June 6, at which time the elders will determine if we have the funds committed and pledged to move forward with all or a portion of the project. In other words, from now until June 6 is a time of prayer, discernment, and decision, during which time you may communicate your Pledge at anytime up until June 6. Actual giving toward the project, however, will not begin until after June 6. Therefore, anytime from now until June 6 when you are ready to communicate your confidential pledge, please click on the link below or turn in your Pledge Card at the church building. Our progress together will be updated each Sunday morning.
Q: How much should I give?
A: The answer to this question is different for each of us, and ultimately it is between you and the Lord. The accomplishment of this project will only be by God's grace and His provision. Proverbs 16:9 states that "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps." We are depending on Him for the resources and trusting in Him to establish our steps.
In terms of how the Lord might accomplish this endeavor through us, one possible scenario is listed below. We are asking that you consider what part of the whole the Lord is moving in your heart to give (Exodus 25:2).
Posted in Pavilion/Playground