FORWARD in FAITH... FAQ's
"For we walk by faith, not by sight."
(II Corinthians 5:7)
(II Corinthians 5:7)
WHY BUILD?
Our leadership has discerned we are at a crossroads: we need more space if, for Christ, we are 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.
Our Children’s Ministries have 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. In short: as participation in our ministries has grown, we have felt the “squeeze” when it comes to space.
Right now, we have in our favor:
WHAT ABOUT DEBT?
This expansion presents multiple benefits to our ministries, but also additional debt that the Church will need 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.
For New Song, we teach that debt is not ideal. Unfortunately, it can be necessary, and we will want to pay it down as quickly as possible. Debt puts churches, just as our homes, in a position of being “beholden to another.” Debt places homes, and churches, at risk. Debt also prevents us from being able to do 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 $412,000, the sooner we can move on to more ministries and projects!
WHAT IS THE TIMELINE?
We are ready to get to work now! You have shared, in many conversations, how much it means to you that we explore all options for growth, strength and sustainability. You have repeatedly listed improvements you want us to pursue: ministry space, restrooms, and paved parking (just to name a few). We hear you!
We have already voted to begin the research phases of this project. These steps include contacting architects, builders and additional services. The next steps will also include approvals from the denomination, Hanover County, lenders, and more. We aim to have concept drawings to the congregation by the end of the year (if not sooner), and we are already at work with institutions on the funding side.
HOW CAN I HELP?
Our next steps include many ways to get involved:
WHAT IS SACRIFICIAL GIVING?
To sacrifice is to give up something of importance so something of greater significance can occur. At its heart, sacrificial giving begins with prayerful discernment as to what God is asking us to give.
HOW MUCH AM I EXPECTED TO GIVE?
The only expectation is that each person will pray and ask the question, “Lord, what do You want to do through me to fulfill Your will for New Song Church?” We then pray you will do exactly what God leads. While the amounts will obviously be different for everyone, our hope is that each person will be led by God to give generously and sacrificially.
WHAT OTHER CONSIDERATIONS ARE BEING REVIEWED?
The cost to complete this project of adding an additional 4,400 sq./ft. is right at $650,000.
When we add our present debt to these plans, the total becomes $1,062,000.
If we are able to significantly pay down our current debt, and feel the next step can also be accomplished, we are hopeful to include the paving of our parking lot (~$250,000).
We are including some of the first drawings we have of these ideas (see below).
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 where God is calling.
Let’s all remain prayerful, stay involved and stay tuned!
Our leadership has discerned we are at a crossroads: we need more space if, for Christ, we are 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.
Our Children’s Ministries have 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. In short: as participation in our ministries has grown, we have felt the “squeeze” when it comes to space.
Right now, we have in our favor:
- A season of ministry to grow as a Church and align even more around our mission and vision
- A time of intentional strategy to prepare for post-Covid ministries
- Historically low interest rates
WHAT ABOUT DEBT?
This expansion presents multiple benefits to our ministries, but also additional debt that the Church will need 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.
For New Song, we teach that debt is not ideal. Unfortunately, it can be necessary, and we will want to pay it down as quickly as possible. Debt puts churches, just as our homes, in a position of being “beholden to another.” Debt places homes, and churches, at risk. Debt also prevents us from being able to do 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 $412,000, the sooner we can move on to more ministries and projects!
WHAT IS THE TIMELINE?
We are ready to get to work now! You have shared, in many conversations, how much it means to you that we explore all options for growth, strength and sustainability. You have repeatedly listed improvements you want us to pursue: ministry space, restrooms, and paved parking (just to name a few). We hear you!
We have already voted to begin the research phases of this project. These steps include contacting architects, builders and additional services. The next steps will also include approvals from the denomination, Hanover County, lenders, and more. We aim to have concept drawings to the congregation by the end of the year (if not sooner), and we are already at work with institutions on the funding side.
HOW CAN I HELP?
Our next steps include many ways to get involved:
- Pray for our leadership
- Pray for discernment and strategic partnerships to be formed
- Pray about the ways God is calling you "over and above" your normal tithe to generously 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
WHAT IS SACRIFICIAL GIVING?
To sacrifice is to give up something of importance so something of greater significance can occur. At its heart, sacrificial giving begins with prayerful discernment as to what God is asking us to give.
HOW MUCH AM I EXPECTED TO GIVE?
The only expectation is that each person will pray and ask the question, “Lord, what do You want to do through me to fulfill Your will for New Song Church?” We then pray you will do exactly what God leads. While the amounts will obviously be different for everyone, our hope is that each person will be led by God to give generously and sacrificially.
WHAT OTHER CONSIDERATIONS ARE BEING REVIEWED?
- We are expanding our facility to include:
- Space for children (pre-COVID, we were literally busting at the seams!)
- Space for gathering and connecting in the lobby and Commons area (a recommendation from the NLI feedback)
- Additional bathrooms to accommodate all ages
- Reconfigured staff offices based on current staff and best use of space
- A pavilion for outdoor, sheltered space
- Additional parking spaces; many have also requested a paved parking lot
The cost to complete this project of adding an additional 4,400 sq./ft. is right at $650,000.
When we add our present debt to these plans, the total becomes $1,062,000.
If we are able to significantly pay down our current debt, and feel the next step can also be accomplished, we are hopeful to include the paving of our parking lot (~$250,000).
We are including some of the first drawings we have of these ideas (see below).
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 where God is calling.
Let’s all remain prayerful, stay involved and stay tuned!
Here are a few pictures of what's on the way!
