Calvary United Methodist Church, Normal, IL

Building Committee Leadership Notes

	From Dr. Randy Perry, Directing Pastor
	These are exciting times at Calvary as our ministry and outreach continue to expand, our membership is increasing and our goal to make new disciples for Jesus Christ is continually in front of us. God is blessing us richly and we are working to share those blessings with others. Thank you for keeping these goals foremost in your hearts. And, thank you, too, for being such patient, understanding people. It has to be frustrating when there is no place to park except on the grass or off the side of the road. It can be discouraging when you call the office to reserve space on a particular date and learn that it is not available. I personally worry when families struggle to find a place where all can sit together in worship. These are growing pains that have developed a number of times in Calvary's 47-year history. We certainly want to communicate to our visitors, "Welcome to Calvary, we have a place for you and we would love to be your church home." Some growth problems are easier to manage than others. We can always order more doughnut holes, brew more coffee and increase the number of Worship folders. Expanding our facilities to accommodate expanding ministries requires sound planning, good counsel and the support of everyone. I am pleased to report that we are well on our way! Following our successful Capital Campaign, the Building Committee has been meeting since June. I have long believed that good people, given good information, make good decisions. This is Calvary.

	From Larry Phillips, Building Committee Chairperson
	Our congregation stepped out in faith 11 years ago and made the decision to relocate to a new site. Phase I of our building project has proven to be extremely successful---we have a beautiful, functional facility which has allowed us to expand our ministries and welcome new members/friends in record numbers. In response to Calvary’s recent and projected growth, the Administrative Board named a Building Committee earlier this year and asked us to develop recommendations for Phase II of Calvary’s building project. In general terms, there are four primary responsibilities for the Building Committee: Develop plans for additional facilities needed to fulfill Calvary’s vision for ministry; Secure financing for the project; Oversee construction, and related activities, to completion; and Recommend changes to existing building and grounds that might be needed to blend phases I and II. As the committee begins work on Phase II of the building project, please be aware of the following: The work of the Building Committee begins with a blank canvas. While there is speculation Phase II will include a sanctuary, nothing has been decided yet about what will be built. Final recommendations for what will be built in Phase II will be made only after extensive research and input from members of the congregation and church staff. The extent of Phase II building activity will be impacted by available funds. Costs of building materials have increased dramatically since the completion of Phase I and it may be necessary to prioritize our building plans and implement them in a multi-phase approach. Construction on Phase II could begin in the spring or summer of 2010 if planning stays on course, and if sufficient funds are available. Your suggestions and questions throughout the planning and building process will be vital to our success. Feel free to contact any member of the Building Committee at any time. On behalf of the Building Committee, I want you to know we consider it a privilege to serve Calvary in this manner. We ask for your prayers and support as we work together to build up His kingdom.