When Emily reached out to me a few weeks ago, I thought “oh what might I be asked to do…personnel? Another committee?” Emily shared with me the work from the Building Projects Task Force, the renderings and the estimated projections for the costs. She asked me to lead the capital campaign…OK…not what I was expecting. As we met we talked through the 4 areas of the project:
Accessibility
- New parking lot that eliminates gravel and adds ease of movement for all our members and guests flowing in and out of the building with increased handicapped parking spots and a ramp from the parking lot up to the door level
- New driveway drop-off near the handicapped-accessible door for folks with mobility challenges or families to use
- New sound system in the Sanctuary with cutting-edge technology to create an elevated aural experience in our Sanctuary for all people, sitting in all places in the room. This system will include particular wearable devices for people experiencing hearing loss.
Sustainability
- New energy management system that updates the outdated 2007 technology with the ability to more easily isolate various zones in the building
- New blower system that updates the 100-year-old fan powering the Sanctuary with heat and air conditioning
- Installation of solar panels on the roof to offset energy costs with solar technology
- EV chargers in the parking lot to support EV technology and create a revenue stream for the congregation
- A possible add on if we exceed our fundraising goal: Replacing all the original windows on the Sanctuary building (excluding the stained glass in the Sanctuary) for increased energy efficiency
Hospitality
- New signage around the property to assist guests and members as they move through the space
- New security cameras and stations to increase safety while at the church house
- New first floor flooring to replace stained carpet
- New outdoor pavilion which creates an informal, outdoor space for sharing meals, worshiping together, and enjoying company
- New playground for our youngest members and friends
- A possible add on: Cosmetic upgrades to the Baraca Room to create an updated, multi-use community space equipped with needs for groups of 20-50 people.
- A possible add on: Replace all the carpet throughout the building
Legacy
- Beautiful landscaping, a sacred garden, and a columbarium to remember the saints that have come before us and give thanks for their lives and legacy
- Patio space with pavers inscribed by the “great cloud of witnesses” who form the beloved community yesterday, today, and tomorrow
She walked me through the renderings and the estimated costs…between 1.5 – 2 million dollars.
The more we talked, the more excited I became. I wanted to talk it over with Art and think/pray on it for a few days. I am juggling a lot with my job and I just wondered “could I take this on”? Over the next few days, as I talked to Art, read through the materials again, thought about the areas of emphasis, pondered the costs, I kept coming back to “we can do this.” This is not a marathon – this is a sprint. A hard sprint – but we can do this. I can help with this.
I emailed Emily and my email started with just 2 words: I’m in.
As I answered the call to lead this, I reflected over the last 9 years that I and my family have been attending First Baptist on Fifth. I started attending by myself shortly after Emily came. I was at a point in my church life and faith that I was tired and church seemed to have become too hard for me. I was spiritually empty. I came and listened to Emily’s sermons, the beautiful music of the choir led by David, I received the passing of the peace. I came home on Sundays filled with joy. I told Art and Isabelle about my journey. Soon, Isabelle asked if she could come with me. Of course! I had met Joy along the way and she told me about the youth group – introduced me to Katie, to Mary. Isabelle came and was welcomed by Mary, Scott, Joy, Chris, Katie, Daniel, Hannah. Daniel, Hannah, and Isabelle became a trio that connected with each other outside of church. Then, Art started coming. One day we were all in church together and Isabelle leans over and says to me “are we doing this or not?” And down the aisle we walked together.
And while Isabelle is now away in Indiana, married, attending another church – she still looks at First Baptist on Fifth as her church family. You celebrated with us at her college graduation and marriage. I shared with Isabelle recently that Mary Nell and Nancy asked about her one day and said “they send their love” and her reply back “I love those ladies.”
Art will not miss Sunday School!! Even on days I might want to join online…he’s saying “I’m going.”
How could I not help lead this campaign? There is something in this campaign for all of us:
- If you are one who join online – we are upgrading the sound and video system for more accessibility.
- If you are a family with young children – a new playground
- If you notice the carpet stains – new flooring
- If you are hot or cold in the sanctuary – a new boiler!
- If you like to attend events and gatherings with our congregation and community – a pavilion
- If you struggle to walk on the gravel – a new parking lot
- If you want us to be leaders in sustainability – solar panels and charging stations
So – I am asking you today – to join with the 38 families who have pledged $1,161,800 to finish this sprint! Find your place on how/what you can give – there is no right or wrong amount. Talk with your spouse, your family, your bank account….and decide ‘what can I give up.” My weekly coffee run? A family dinner out once/month; going to see the latest movie instead of waiting for streaming.
We can finish this sprint together. I’m in…will you join me to be in too?