Making Room for More Update
Dear Hope Church Family,
I am very eager to provide a brief update on the strategic place we stand in relation to the Making Room for More Campaign! In the broadest sense possible, I and the Session remain deeply encouraged, even at times astounded, by the sacrificial, generous giving we as a church family have pledged to this crucial moment in the life of Hope Church.
We have received over $5.1 million in pledges. While the sheer number is thrilling, the deeper reality that this initiative is about renewal of our shared vision and mission for God’s kingdom work is more thrilling still. Rather than yielding to a scarcity mindset, we live in the sure, abundant hope of our God of “more”!
Green Light!
The Session has unanimously and enthusiastically approved moving forward with the Making Room for More initiative to develop our church campus and expand our current building to accommodate our ministry needs.
Timing
- With our fundraising, some pledges will be received in one year, but many will not be fulfilled until the third year of commitment.
- After assessing the timeline of our pledges, we anticipate that we will be able to begin construction in the second half of 2026 or the first half of 2027.
- Because of the complications of our current economic environment, we will finalize the scope and budget for the project in the middle of 2026. This enables us the freedom to adjust the scale of the project based upon construction costs and our fundraising status.
Financing
- We will continue to fundraise in this interim period and hope that we will be even closer to raising the full expense of the project by the time we are able to begin construction .
- We have secured the offer of a line of credit for $3 million to be used either for a bridge loan or for permanent financing.
- With $5.1 million pledged (and continuing to increase) added to a line of credit, our financing power currently rests at $8.1 million dollars.
Action
- We plead with you all to pray with us for God’s clear direction and timely provision. The “yellow light” of his leading at this point demands that we seek more earnestly his will for our shared ministry. He will graciously show us the next step forward!
- We humbly ask that if you are in a position to do so, please consider accelerating your pledge sequence and possibly increasing your pledge. If we are able to have more gifts in hand, the sooner we can step forward with breaking ground.
- If you are among the over 50 households who have not responded about your participation in this campaign, please do so today via the online Commitment Card or one of cards available in the Worship Hall each Sunday. It is of utmost importance that the Session understands the intention of all our members. Even if you are not able to participate financially, we want to know that you will pray for God’s blessing and guidance.
Lastly, we invite you to a Congregational Meeting on April 27th during the Sunday School hour to learn more and respond to this message. If you have questions in advance of that time, please contact me or any member of the Session.
Grace and peace,
David