We believe this is a timely and faith-filled step. Our church is growing, and our current space limits our ability to serve families, welcome guests, and disciple the next generation. This project will help us prepare for future growth and extend our reach in the community. With construction costs continuing to rise, we sense this is the right window to move forward while it’s still financially feasible.

We’re planning for the total cost to be $700,000. This reflects what we believe we can afford based on current giving and informed financial forecasting. Keeping the project within this scope allows us to be creative, use in-house manpower where possible, and stay within our financial means without compromising our mission.

The project includes several important upgrades:

• A new sanctuary for expanded worship and flexibility

• A larger lobby and welcome area to improve hospitality and connection

• Potential additional bathrooms to better serve our growing congregation

• Conversion of the old sanctuary into space for children’s and youth ministries, as well as new offices

• A Cost-effective kitchen area (e.g., warming units) to support potlucks and funeral meals and

• A new entrance sign, as funds and pricing allow.

Each element of this project is designed to help us create space for people, grow in discipleship, and steward our building with greater intentionality.

Our goal is to raise $300,000 or more over the next three years through above-and-beyond giving. This amount, paired with our current financial strength and responsible borrowing, will allow us to complete the project with long-term sustainability in mind. The more we are able to raise above $300,000, the more we can meet and even exceed potential building upgrades—both for immediate needs and for preparing our church for the future.

The remaining funds will be financed through The Wesleyan Church’s financial institution, which also holds our current mortgage. This partnership gives us additional support if challenges arise. Any loan must be approved by our local board and congregation, as well as the Wesleyan Regional Board of Administration, ensuring both spiritual and financial accountability.

That said, our desire is to minimize borrowing as much as possible. The more we are able to raise through pledges and donations, the less we will need to borrow, which increases our flexibility for the future. Every commitment - large or small - directly reduces the amount we carry as debt.

We currently have just under $200,000 in existing debt, which would be rolled into the new loan. This means we would carry one consolidated mortgage, simplifying our monthly payment and budgeting process. This is one of the factors our board is actively considering as we prepare for the next steps.

Ten years ago, during our last building campaign, our weekly giving was only one-third of what it is today. Our increased financial strength puts us in a much better position. This plan is based on what we can realistically sustain through current giving, campaign pledges, and manageable financing—keeping us within our means while still moving forward in faith.

Absolutely. While we’re asking everyone to prayerfully consider a financial gift, we understand that not everyone is in a position to give monetarily. There will be many opportunities to serve through sweat equity, such as hands-on help with construction or finish work. Using in-house manpower is a key part of keeping costs low, and your time, skills, and service will be just as valuable to this project as financial gifts.

No work will begin until there is clear unity within the church family. That includes approval from the church board, congregational membership, and the Wesleyan Regional Board. At this point, no start date has been set. Depending on the plan, we will either move forward all at once or in phases. Either way, our construction plan is designed to avoid disrupting our current ministry spaces and weekly activities.

If we fall short of our goal, we won’t move forward hastily. We will adjust the project scope, explore phasing options, or reevaluate the timeline. We will not proceed unless we can do so wisely and with full alignment from the board and congregation. Our aim is to walk in faith, with wisdom and unity guiding every step.