Thursday, August 30, 2012
If you have been around anytime in the last week or two, you have seen lots of activity in and around the chapel. There is work going on inside and out, upstairs and down!
Work on the new water line for the sprinkler system system (think fire proofing not irrigation) is nearing completion, the new patio has been tweaked and laid out, and perhaps most exciting was to see the beginnings of the steel structure that will form the base of the new entryway into the youth center go up! What a grand entryway this will be for our young people.
We had a great meeting with architect and contractors yesterday and everything is still on schedule AND budget which is great news. Now we're working on all the fun and exciting ways to unveil our newest space to you and to the community. Stay tuned.
Monday, August 20, 2012
(this post comes from Carrie Bowers, our Interim Director of Christian Education)
I look at the faces in these pictures and I smile. I can’t
help it! I smile thinking about what an amazing time they had a camp this year,
what great friendships they made and built upon, what gifts and skills they
discovered that they didn’t even know they had. From so many of our children,
I’ve heard first hand how Reinhardt is one of the things they anticipate and
look forward to all year. Year after year, it is an experience that has been
faithful to them . . . living up to their expectations.
Over the past few weeks and months I’ve heard so many
express their hopes, dreams and expectations for the Chapel renovation. It’s
not even December and yet, Advent is among us! Already this summer we’ve
watched with great expectation as walls have come down, the roof has been
replaced and windows have appeared.
Looking at these pictures of our children at Reinhardt, I
can only hope that this Chapel renovation will provide for them, too, a place
where relationships continue to be formed, strengthened and nourished. I pray
that it will be a place where gifts they didn’t even know they had are
uncovered and unearthed. I trust that it will be a place where faith is formed,
molded and shaped. I expect that it will be a place that provides them with the
community they need to thrive long before they enter youth group and high
school.
The prophet Isaiah reminds us all of what seems so
unexpected, “The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with
the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together and a little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11: 6) It is my
greatest hope that this Chapel renovation will provide the place and space for
the children in our midst to lead us all as they faithfully follow God’s call
in their own lives.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Here are a few pictures of the continuing progress of our chapel renovation project. The construction is moving at a swift and productive pace!
 |
| Exposed duct work will give the youth center a contemporary, "industrial chic" feel. |
 |
| As the drywall is framed and added, the cross remains central in the renovated chapel. |
 |
| New windows on both sides of the building will enable abundant natural light. |
 |
| A large window will lighten our brand new gathering just inside the chapel. |
Sunday, July 29, 2012
On the heels of another wonderful Montreat Youth Conference, our youth came back as on fire as ever. A particularly meaningful theme, a wonderful pair of keynote speakers, and an inspirational preacher had the youth struggling all week with what it means for God to be using imperfect people like us for his perfect purposes.
In their small groups this year, many of the youth found themselves listening to youth from around the country talk about home churches that did not necessarily encourage their full participation in the life of the congregation, and certainly did not afford them some of the opportunities that Shallowford provides. They voiced over and over again, how grateful they are to have a church home where they feel valued, heard, and empowered.
Tonight, the Youth and Young Adult committee had a great meeting as we looked back on what was another great year, and also looked ahead to the new and exciting challenges and possibilities that lie ahead in the year to come. A great deal of our conversation revolved around the many new opportunities that having our dedicated youth center will offer in our ministry to and with and for young people.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
 |
| The construction sub-committee considers lighting options |
Thursday, July 12, 2012
The Chapel Renovation
project moves forward with great enthusiasm and we hope you are enjoying
viewing the progress on this blog! We are still accepting
pledges to our New Beginnings Capital Campaign. You can give
electronically, one-time or reoccurring, using a credit card
by clicking here or contact Wanda
Brown to have your pledge deducted from your bank account.
Friday, July 6, 2012
More exciting progress on the chapel this week. They continue to work on trim work both upstairs and downstairs that will be used to frame out some of the existing structure. The pilasters and other trim work are really going to accentuate the existing wood work and make things pop in the new space in addition to making everything a little brighter and a little fresher. 
Perhaps the biggest visual progress this week is the new window! They began work late yesterday on a new window that will open partly into the new narthex area of the chapel and partly into Pastor Alex Thomas' brand new office! To see the sunlight pouring into the new space this afternoon was so exciting! Just imagine what it will look like when the rest of the windows arrive. Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Along with a few pictures of the continuing progress on the renovation project, here are some FAQs from the Chapel Renovation Task Force. We're still accepting pledges to make this New Beginning a reality for our congregation and community!
What is the overall budget for the project and why is it different from our original goal of $1,000,000?
The committee worked with the design team and developed a high-level cost estimate to define the $1,000,000 capital campaign target early in the process. As more time was spent in refining the project and fully exploring the existing conditions and required upgrades, the cost of the project increased. The committee value-engineered or eliminated numerous “nice to have” aspects from the project, but the final bids still exceeded cost estimates we received. Here are some further insights on major cost drivers:
Construction bids were $120,000 higher than expected primarily due to infrastructure upgrades such as electrical, fire protection sprinkler system (mandated by the fire marshal) and mechanical systems
Incremental requirement for a water line to service the sprinkler system of $60,000
Additional upgrades to electrical service provided to the building of $8,000
Asbestos abatement costs of $14,000
Incorporating these changes, we now expect the total project to be approximately $1.3 million. We are proactively working with the General Contractor to identify areas to reduce the budget without impacting the overall design and substance of the project. Considering the age and condition of the existing building, we are maintaining a contingency buffer to ensure we will complete the project within the $1.3 million budget.
Since the project will cost more than our campaign goal of $1,000,000, what will be the sources of additional funds?
Funding comes from either donations (pledged and unpledged) or a bank loan. To date, we have received $1,065,066 in pledges and unpledged contributions. The difference of the total project cost and the amount donated will be added to the church’s mortgage when it is renewed.
Based on donations received to date, we expect the maximum amount we will have to borrow temporarily to be $800,000, although we have approval from the bank to borrow $950,000. At the end of our campaign in 2015, we currently expect to have approximately $200,000 in borrowing remaining, which will be added to our mortgage.
How do I pay my pledge and will separate statements be sent for the Capital Campaign?
Separate statements will not be sent but, chapel pledges will be noted and tracked on your regular giving statements. When making a pledge payment, please note amounts designated toward your chapel pledge.
How long do I have to pay the amount pledged?
Members have been asked to complete payment of their pledges within 3 years, beginning on March 1, 2012. The task force realized that these are difficult times for many of us and that it would be best to have the option to spread out pledges over time.
If I am able, would it be helpful to pay my pledge more quickly than over the 3-year time span?
Yes, it would be helpful! If more money comes in early, we will borrow less from the bank.
Is it too late to make a pledge?
No! While we did make our original goal, we are hopeful that additional pledges and contributions will be received, enabling us to minimize the amount added to the mortgage.
The cross remains central as the renovation continues
Our youth space will be wide open and well-lit
For the first time, the chapel will include a gathering space for conversation before and after worship
What is the overall budget for the project and why is it different from our original goal of $1,000,000?
The committee worked with the design team and developed a high-level cost estimate to define the $1,000,000 capital campaign target early in the process. As more time was spent in refining the project and fully exploring the existing conditions and required upgrades, the cost of the project increased. The committee value-engineered or eliminated numerous “nice to have” aspects from the project, but the final bids still exceeded cost estimates we received. Here are some further insights on major cost drivers:
Construction bids were $120,000 higher than expected primarily due to infrastructure upgrades such as electrical, fire protection sprinkler system (mandated by the fire marshal) and mechanical systems
Incremental requirement for a water line to service the sprinkler system of $60,000
Additional upgrades to electrical service provided to the building of $8,000
Asbestos abatement costs of $14,000
Incorporating these changes, we now expect the total project to be approximately $1.3 million. We are proactively working with the General Contractor to identify areas to reduce the budget without impacting the overall design and substance of the project. Considering the age and condition of the existing building, we are maintaining a contingency buffer to ensure we will complete the project within the $1.3 million budget.
Since the project will cost more than our campaign goal of $1,000,000, what will be the sources of additional funds?
Funding comes from either donations (pledged and unpledged) or a bank loan. To date, we have received $1,065,066 in pledges and unpledged contributions. The difference of the total project cost and the amount donated will be added to the church’s mortgage when it is renewed.
Based on donations received to date, we expect the maximum amount we will have to borrow temporarily to be $800,000, although we have approval from the bank to borrow $950,000. At the end of our campaign in 2015, we currently expect to have approximately $200,000 in borrowing remaining, which will be added to our mortgage.
How do I pay my pledge and will separate statements be sent for the Capital Campaign?
Separate statements will not be sent but, chapel pledges will be noted and tracked on your regular giving statements. When making a pledge payment, please note amounts designated toward your chapel pledge.
How long do I have to pay the amount pledged?
Members have been asked to complete payment of their pledges within 3 years, beginning on March 1, 2012. The task force realized that these are difficult times for many of us and that it would be best to have the option to spread out pledges over time.
If I am able, would it be helpful to pay my pledge more quickly than over the 3-year time span?
Yes, it would be helpful! If more money comes in early, we will borrow less from the bank.
Is it too late to make a pledge?
No! While we did make our original goal, we are hopeful that additional pledges and contributions will be received, enabling us to minimize the amount added to the mortgage.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Check out these newest pictures of our Chapel Renovation! The scaffolding has been brought in and the framing work has begun for drywall.
Here are the entrances to our brand new, accessible restrooms on the chapel level!
As soon as you enter the lower level, you get a sense for how open and large that space will be.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Preparations continue as we get ready for the major construction to begin. Last
week the pews were carefully removed. For the next few months, they will live with
A.C.White Relocations. A.C. White is a storage and moving company with special
temperature controlled locations used for furniture. So rest assured they will be in
perfect shape when it is time to be moved back into their new home in the fall.
removed. It's looking more and more like a blank slate!
Monday, May 21, 2012
To cap off the celebration, Bill Pendergrast and Erling Grovenstein as the oldest founding members, and Christian Wright as our youngest member officially turned the first dirt-filled shovels.
There is still a week or two of behind-the-scenes contract work to be negotiated and then you will begin to see real change and progress begin to take place. Continue to check back for the latest updates, or you can sign up to the right to receive an email whenever there is exciting news to hear about. Click here to see the full gallery of renovation photos.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
You may have noticed a few less trees in the courtyard this week. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to two of our older pines in order to make way for the ensuing construction. You may have also noticed however, sunlight actually shining on the chapel roof this week! I know, I couldn't believe it either. Removing these trees will not only give us more space for our new entry way and patio, but it will also help us to better maintain our brand new roof. As it turns out, pine sap, shade, and water aren't so good for a roof.In the meantime, the building is being emptied, the food pantry has been relocated to its temporary trailer, and the International Church is making arrangements to continue services in Heritage Hall. Once everything is out, the first major step will be asbestos removal.
We have also managed to forever capture the memories that were senior blocks. We are still working on finding a way to pay homage to those youth who literally grew up in that chapel basement. If you have some ideas, let us know.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)