Now that the holidays are over we can breathe a little easier. Thankfully things are returning to a more normal pace and rhythm of daily life. The holidays are nice simply because they get us out of our routine, but after awhile it is nice to get back to normal. Things are settling down at church as well, and I am encouraged by the progress we are making towards the sanctuary renovation. Let me bring you up to date on a couple of things since we have not heard much since we wrapped up the capital campaign at the end of October.
The first bit of good news is that we are currently receiving close to 100% of the pledges to the sanctuary renovation fund. You might think that with the slowing economy and Christmas that we would have peaked in October and November, but started to slack off a bit through December and into January. According to the pledges we should be receiving approximately $2500 per week. After fifteen weeks of collecting pledges we are right on target. This does not include the dollars given on First Fruit Sunday so we are slightly ahead of our goal. Let me commend all of you for your sacrifice and faithfulness, and encourage you to keep up the good work. At this rate we will not get there over night, but we will get there!
The other bit of news is that we have shown the plans to a second contractor to get another cost estimate. So far it looks like the estimate provided by Barnes Design and E.T. Gresham are fairly accurate. The total project cost estimate was $1.2 million. The construction of bathrooms and gathering space, and the renovation of the connecting hallways was approximately $700,000. The renovation and re-orientation of the sanctuary was approximately $500,000. The first piece that has to be in place before any of the other pieces can be pursued is the bathrooms. With $360,000 pledged to date we are looking at either scaling down the project or pursuing additional revenues.
To date only one-third of our regular giving units have made pledges. Some may still be opposed to the renovation plans. Others may feel their funds may not make much of a difference for such a large project. Every gift counts. One of the principles of the capital campaign is: “not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice.” If you have not made a pledge I ask you to prayerfully consider doing so. Like Moses leading the Israelites to the promise land, I am not sure how long this is going to take, but we know where we are going and we know God is leading us.
Terri Tew will be presenting all the updates at the church business meeting in two weeks. I hope you will attend, and please keep all of this at the center of your prayers. Emmaus Baptist Church will never lack for a bright future as long as the congregation continues to step out in faith and is willing to take risks for God’s kingdom.
Blessings, Pastor John