May 2, 2012

All Things Possible! Update

I'm ready to move some dirt, pour concrete, and build some walls. We have all the necessary permits, the architectural plans are finished, and our general contractor is ready. The remaining issue to resolve is financial.

Pledges to The All Things Possible! Campaign were submitted in November of 2010. Our financial team projects that total funds given to All Things Possible will be approximately $840,000.

The original goal of the campaign was $1,300,000 which was the estimated amount of enlarging the auditorium, elevator, and completion of a second floor class room. Since our pledge total was well under this amount, expanding the auditorium will be the scope of the current project. Beginning to work on the second floor will wait until funds are available.

The cost of expanding the auditorium will be $1,000,000. Therefore a significant gap of $160,000 remains and must be addressed. I am inviting you to pray for the All Things Possible! Campaign and seek the Lord's guidance. Specifically, we will be asking for people to make additional pledges so that the short term financing can be paid off quickly. In the next few weeks, you will receive additional details about this process.

Our vision is to see lives transformed by the powerful message of Jesus Christ. We are seeing individuals as well as entire families redeemed. Our yound adult ministry has been launched this year as well as Marriage Coaching. Other ministries at Grace continue to thrive such as short term missions.

However, the auditorium has been over-crowded for several years. In order to reach more people we need additional space. We can make room for people who want to come to our church but literally can't find a seat.

I want to encourage you to finish strong with your giving to the All Things Possible! Campaign. I'm reminded of the words of Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Finish strong with our pledges enables us to launch the construction project.

In His Grace,
Steve Hill

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February 20, 2011

All Things Possible! Update

The All Things Possible! effort is continuing. Since our capital campaign ended in November, our building team has been busy hiring an architect and an engineer. Poage Engineering and Affolter West & Jones Architects were hired and have been working on the first phase of the building application process. On February 11th, the application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) was submitted to the city. The city will review the application and the process will start to have our current CUP modified. This process will take a minimum of 6 months and as long as a year. Once the CUP is approved, we will submit our plans for a building permit. When the application process is close to completion, we will have a better idea of our budget and funds available. Any adjustments to the project will be made at this time.

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September 14, 2010

Dear Church Family,

Thirty years ago, a handful of people met in a living room and began a great adventure to start Grace Community Fellowship. They shared a vision for a different kind of church. We have the same kind of vision today. We dream of being a church that has a dynamic influence in our community. We dream of becoming a church that values all people. We want to see God do more than we could ever hope or think. Since then, the dream of Grace Community Fellowship has become a thrilling reality. We are spanning generations, reaching the unchurched, and helping people follow Jesus. We are driven by our shared commitment to Love People Where They're At.

Our All Things Possible! campaign will be launched this fall so we can fulfill the mission and press forward with our vision. This campaign is undeniably about reacing people and helping them follow Jesus. Limited space in the auditorium and limited adult classroom space has been a major challenge in accomplishing our vision. We envision an expanded auditorium which will add a significant amount of seating. We envision utilizing our upstairs to help people learn God's word. God has placed us as stewards in a strategic location in our community. We want to use God's resources wisely and add additional space that helps us expand the Kingdom of God.

The All Things Possible! campaign will be an exciting journey of faith. Together we can grow our church by changing lives through the power of the gospel. Expanding our facilities is not for ourselves—expanding our facilities is to benefit others who will come to know the Savior. On September 19th, we will officially launch a 10-week campaign to inspire the people of Grace to help make this vision become a reality. We hope you will partner with us in this campaign because we care enough to grow.

I have never been more excited and thankful about being your pastor as I am now. You are a wonderful church family and it is a pleasure to serve you. I believe we are ready for this great opportunity and challenge. Please be in prayer that God will show us the steps of faith He has in mind for us to take. Together we can make a difference for His Kingdom.

Your and His,
Steve Hill