FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  What are the reasons for the expansion/enhancement project?

A:  Our commission from Jesus Christ is to witness to people and build God’s kingdom.  Our church building is over 20 - 30 years old and limits our ability to carry out this “Great Commission.”  This project will meet several pressing needs identified by our pastoral staff and church body.  It will enable us to more effectively fulfill the Great Commission and realize Harvester’s mission to “Worship, Connect, Serve.”

• Worship – a bigger, brighter, more attractive sanctuary
• Connect – larger fellowship areas and foyer, additional classrooms, and remodeled gym and kitchen
• Serve – more discipleship areas and a larger facility to help bring the community to our church

Q:  Why should we expand the church before we get new members?

A:  The church is continually growing, but there is untapped potential in our community.  The size and quality of our current physical environment is impeding our further growth.  We have an opportunity to draw the local community in with a more inviting atmosphere, improved fellowship areas, more secure and attractive child care areas, more classroom space, teen facilities, and the ability to host larger congregations for special events such as children’s productions and Easter services.  Our enhanced, larger space will also help us better connect with and minister to our community by giving us the opportunity to expand existing programs and develop new ones.

Q:  Why are we moving forward with this campaign in these tough economic times?

A:  We believe God is calling us to build His kingdom now as opposed to waiting for the “right” time.  God is bigger than the economy, and He calls us to be faithful in difficult times as well as in prosperous times.

Q:  How much will this cost and when will it be started and completed?

A:  The entire project is expected to cost $2.5 million.  Significant portions of the project can be completed for $1.8 million.  We expect to break ground in the Spring of 2010 and complete construction in the Fall of 2010.

Q:  What will be asked of me?

A:  To move Forward in Faith, by praying for our church and this campaign, and by asking God what He is calling you to do.  Please prayerfully consider:

·        Giving your time and talents to help with this campaign by participating on any one of several teams

·        Working to energize our congregation, to minister to our community, to connect with others, and to bring people to God 

·        Making a financial pledge towards the project at the all-church banquet on Nov. 8.  The pledge amount is the total amount you expect to give, spread over the next three years, in addition to your normal offerings.  Nobody will pressure you to make a pledge and your pledge will be private.

Q:  What physical changes will be made to our church as a result of this project?

A:  The project will significantly improve the look, feel, and functionality of our church, by adding 12,000 square feet of new floor space, changing the floor plan, and enhancing our existing space.  Some of the highlights are as follows:

• Dramatic and more modern exterior appearance
• Sanctuary expansion of 200 seats
• Large fellowship areas on both levels
• Additional classrooms for adults, teens and children
• The nursery and children's areas will be relocated and dramatically improved
• Addition of children’s indoor playground area
• New restrooms, flooring and other upgrades in the gymnasium
• Kitchen upgrade includes replacing 30 year old appliances
• Addition of a driveway canopy
• The main entrance will be relocated and will allow the new foyer to be a central point for the building.  The new foyer will have access to all other locations in the building (children’s wing, administrative offices, adult classrooms on the lower level and the teen center, gymnasium and sanctuary on the upper level).
• There will be a hallway connecting the rear entrance door near the gym to the upper lobby
• Increase safety by eliminating the existing stairway directly in front of the sanctuary
• Replacing the existing two person elevator with a modern 10 person elevator

To see an artist's rendition of what our fully completed renovation will look like, please Click Here.