Things are moving quickly now as we prepare to build "For the Generations to Come" thanks to the hard work of Michael Helland and others over the last few years. Last Sunday we presented the new phasing plan for our project. The board has selected Bailey Construction from Lacey as our contractor. We'll do the auditorium and parking expansions and drainage dirt work as phase one. The church is super excited and ready to get to work. Some aspects we can do ourselves. The presentation, with pictures and comments by our management team of Jake Nelson, Dave Christensen and myself, is viewable on our livestream at https://livestream.com/discoverybaptistgigharbor/events/7280826 .
Our board also instructed our architects (Snodgrass & Freeman) this week to finish necessary drawings to get the building permit for phase one as soon as possible. We currently have $157,000 in our Building Fund as well as approval from our BNN mission to borrow 1.3 million for the entire project when ready. Phase one to be around $300,000 which is very affordable. It will increase our auditorium by 50% or up to 300 seats. This will also allow us to expand our small platform, install a baptistery and switch to three aisles vs. two as desired. It will also allow us to bring Chris Rogers fully on staff quicker as the ministry grows with our burgeniing area. Thanks to all who have given to our Building Fund promotion to get this started.
Artist's digital rendering of the extended auditorium, seating and extra windows. It currently only has 4 windows per side. (Image by Josh Suko)
We hope to have our permit to do a ground breaking by September. Phase one will only take a few months to complete.
I am reminded of Christ's first words about the church. "I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it." (Mat. 16:18). This is His church and we are planning to build on His schedule and being careful to "count the cost" (Luk. 14:28). We know that building don't change people. But what happens inside of them does.
Phase 2, the new education center, restrooms, larger foyer, storage, nursery and fellowship hall, will come as soon as we have sufficient funds to build that also. See the video for details and costs. Please keep it in prayer...and thanks for giving over and above your regular building for "...the Next Generation" project. Information booklet, pictures and commitment cards are available in the foyer.
For the Next Generation,
Pastor Mark