Elevator Update

I am happy to bring to you all today an update on our Elevator!  As many of you know - and many of us have experienced - our elevator has been down for a long, long time.  It was originally put in in the 60’s, and lasted the church an amazingly long time.  It is currently out of code and needs to be completely modernized to get it working again.

Our Trustees have been working long and hard, getting bids and vetting out multiple companies, to find the best company to do the work at the most fair price.  We will be going forward with OTIS.  It is our hope that in around 6 months we will have a fully functioning, up-to-code elevator again!

The elevator project is not cheap - again I must stress that this is a complete modernization of an over 60 year old elevator.  Thus, we have taken out a $215,000 loan through the foundation to get the project moving forward.  This is a refinance of a previous loan we took out with them in 2019 for critical facility repairs.

We plan to utilize our capital campaign funds to pay down this loan, and will be prayerfully discerning other income-generating activities to go toward the loan balance as well.  This may include the sale of extra lots around the church property - but please know that sale of property will not happen without significant church discussion and input.  It requires a church conference where every member has the opportunity to have a voice and vote.

I urge everyone to join me in prayer for this project as we move forward.  Be in prayer for the construction staff that will be on site.  Be in prayer for those faithfully giving toward the project, and for those discerning income-generating opportunities in support of the project.  Be in prayer for those people we will be better able to welcome to our campus with accessibility granted to our Sanctuary once again.

If you feel led to give to this project, you may make a gift to our “Foundations of Faith” fund at any time.  You may also make a pledge toward the campaign if you have the ability to make a dedicated gift through 2027.  Gifts of any amount help us in our critical journey to make our second floor welcome to ALL once more.

Thank you to everyone who has gave significant hours in research, preparation and/or prayer around this project.  I have to specifically name Ken Brown for elevator research, Katie Smith who led the charge on applying for the loan, and Christine Messer who supported us with any financial records required along the way.  I am very grateful to be your pastor, and very thankful to be able to share this update with you all today.  For any further questions, please feel free to contact me.

Blessings,

Pastor Nicki