"For we walk by faith, not by sight."
(II Corinthians 5:7)
(II Corinthians 5:7)
For the last 10 years, as it pertains to our facility, we have been working towards two specific dreams:
· To pay down the debt from our existing land and buildings, and
· To expand our existing space.
At the same time, New Song has also grown our ministries to serve the community (and world) in faith. Combined, this time has been filled with twists and turns, some expected and some not – but God’s people have remained dedicated to the mission throughout. We have paid down close to $1.3 million in debt during this time, while also being able to fully fund our budget each year. We have grown in membership, missions, and financial giving since our launch in 1997. This has been an incredible journey; God is not through with transforming dreams into reality.
After intense efforts over the last year, our leadership has discerned a time to “grow” even more is upon us, and we want to invite you to join in this journey right from the beginning. One of the catalysts to this effort has come in the form of a $100,000 contribution to our present indebtedness. This gift was given as a call for the congregation to match this amount as a church. We are hoping to build up our sense of energy and excitement as we imagine all the possibilities of what God is asking us to do!
In order to explain this upcoming effort, we have several primary needs to share:
· 1: Paying down our remaining balance of $400,000, and
· 2: Design plans for our next facility expansion, and
· 3: Strategizing how to pay for these new spaces.
This work presents multiple benefits to our ministries, and we are also aware that this will generate a level of debt that the church will want to address as soon as possible. Obviously, we would prefer to carry no debt, which we read is both biblical and a sign of sound financial stewardship. Our leadership has discerned we are at a crossroads: we need more space if, for Christ, we were going to reach more people in the community through worship, small groups, and our various ministries for all ages. We are maxed out on available space for nurseries, classrooms, lobby space, restrooms and administration. We have known since 2005 that our space is not going to sustain our growth, and we feel now is the time to move ahead.
Right now, we have in our favor:
· Historically low interest rates
· A time of intentional strategy to prepare for post-Covid ministries
· A season of ministry to grow stronger as a Church and prepare to align even more around our mission and vision.
Within this list, we could include that our children’s ministries has been filled to capacity most Sundays in the last few years. Our availability for small groups, counseling sessions, worship services and community events has been hampered by a lack of space. Frankly, Covid-19 has also revealed that we are incredibly limited on options to s-p-r-e-a-d out when required, as well. In short: as participation in our ministries has grown, we have felt the “squeeze” when it comes to space.
For New Song, we teach that debt is not ideal. Unfortunately, it can be a necessary evil, but it is still an area we need to put down as quickly as possible. Debt puts churches, just as our homes, in a position of being beholden to another. Debt puts homes, and churches, at risk. Debt also prevents us from being able to do so many other projects and ministries we feel strongly about, but can’t possibly afford while carrying debt.
That is why we are starting conversations with the congregation early and often about how we can, together: (1) pay down our existing debt, and (2) move forward with this new expansion. The reality remains: the quicker we pay off the present debt of $400,000, the sooner we can move on to more ministries and projects! We are ready to get moving: you have shared, in many conversations, how much it means to you that we explore all options for growth and strength. You have repeatedly listed improvements that you want us to pursue: more ministry space, more restrooms, and paved parking (just to name a few). WE HEAR YOU!
Our next steps include many ways to get involved:
- Pray for our leadership
- Pray for discernment and partnerships that will be made: architects, contractors and more
- Pray over how God might be calling you to go above-tithe and support this endeavor
- Pray for the families we will reach, impact and engage in ministry
- Pray for the ministries and dreams this space will enable to become a reality
Here’s what we want you to know today about our next steps:
· We have considered safety, ministry for all ages, and a strategy to not over-burden our future with debt as we enter into this next phase.
· We are expanding our facility to include: more Children’s ministry space and storage (including a dedicated and locked/monitored Children’s Hall), an outdoor pavilion, more restrooms, more administrative offices, and more lobby/Commons area.
The cost to complete this project is right at $1,000,000 when we add our present indebtedness ($400,000) to the plans for this new expansion and enhancement ($570,000). We are including some of the first drawings we have of these ideas that represent an additional 4,400 sq/ft of interior space, plus an outdoor pavilion.
We will be updating frequently as we move into the approval process with the architects, Hanover County, the Richmond District of the United Methodist Church, and our internal teams and committees. We ask that you consider joining us on where God is calling.
Let’s all remain prayerful: stay involved and stay tuned!
· To pay down the debt from our existing land and buildings, and
· To expand our existing space.
At the same time, New Song has also grown our ministries to serve the community (and world) in faith. Combined, this time has been filled with twists and turns, some expected and some not – but God’s people have remained dedicated to the mission throughout. We have paid down close to $1.3 million in debt during this time, while also being able to fully fund our budget each year. We have grown in membership, missions, and financial giving since our launch in 1997. This has been an incredible journey; God is not through with transforming dreams into reality.
After intense efforts over the last year, our leadership has discerned a time to “grow” even more is upon us, and we want to invite you to join in this journey right from the beginning. One of the catalysts to this effort has come in the form of a $100,000 contribution to our present indebtedness. This gift was given as a call for the congregation to match this amount as a church. We are hoping to build up our sense of energy and excitement as we imagine all the possibilities of what God is asking us to do!
In order to explain this upcoming effort, we have several primary needs to share:
· 1: Paying down our remaining balance of $400,000, and
· 2: Design plans for our next facility expansion, and
· 3: Strategizing how to pay for these new spaces.
This work presents multiple benefits to our ministries, and we are also aware that this will generate a level of debt that the church will want to address as soon as possible. Obviously, we would prefer to carry no debt, which we read is both biblical and a sign of sound financial stewardship. Our leadership has discerned we are at a crossroads: we need more space if, for Christ, we were going to reach more people in the community through worship, small groups, and our various ministries for all ages. We are maxed out on available space for nurseries, classrooms, lobby space, restrooms and administration. We have known since 2005 that our space is not going to sustain our growth, and we feel now is the time to move ahead.
Right now, we have in our favor:
· Historically low interest rates
· A time of intentional strategy to prepare for post-Covid ministries
· A season of ministry to grow stronger as a Church and prepare to align even more around our mission and vision.
Within this list, we could include that our children’s ministries has been filled to capacity most Sundays in the last few years. Our availability for small groups, counseling sessions, worship services and community events has been hampered by a lack of space. Frankly, Covid-19 has also revealed that we are incredibly limited on options to s-p-r-e-a-d out when required, as well. In short: as participation in our ministries has grown, we have felt the “squeeze” when it comes to space.
For New Song, we teach that debt is not ideal. Unfortunately, it can be a necessary evil, but it is still an area we need to put down as quickly as possible. Debt puts churches, just as our homes, in a position of being beholden to another. Debt puts homes, and churches, at risk. Debt also prevents us from being able to do so many other projects and ministries we feel strongly about, but can’t possibly afford while carrying debt.
That is why we are starting conversations with the congregation early and often about how we can, together: (1) pay down our existing debt, and (2) move forward with this new expansion. The reality remains: the quicker we pay off the present debt of $400,000, the sooner we can move on to more ministries and projects! We are ready to get moving: you have shared, in many conversations, how much it means to you that we explore all options for growth and strength. You have repeatedly listed improvements that you want us to pursue: more ministry space, more restrooms, and paved parking (just to name a few). WE HEAR YOU!
Our next steps include many ways to get involved:
- Pray for our leadership
- Pray for discernment and partnerships that will be made: architects, contractors and more
- Pray over how God might be calling you to go above-tithe and support this endeavor
- Pray for the families we will reach, impact and engage in ministry
- Pray for the ministries and dreams this space will enable to become a reality
Here’s what we want you to know today about our next steps:
· We have considered safety, ministry for all ages, and a strategy to not over-burden our future with debt as we enter into this next phase.
· We are expanding our facility to include: more Children’s ministry space and storage (including a dedicated and locked/monitored Children’s Hall), an outdoor pavilion, more restrooms, more administrative offices, and more lobby/Commons area.
The cost to complete this project is right at $1,000,000 when we add our present indebtedness ($400,000) to the plans for this new expansion and enhancement ($570,000). We are including some of the first drawings we have of these ideas that represent an additional 4,400 sq/ft of interior space, plus an outdoor pavilion.
We will be updating frequently as we move into the approval process with the architects, Hanover County, the Richmond District of the United Methodist Church, and our internal teams and committees. We ask that you consider joining us on where God is calling.
Let’s all remain prayerful: stay involved and stay tuned!
