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
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| 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
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