Nancy Siegel, a member of the communications committee for the capital campaign, provides us with a glimpse of what we can expect in the coming months. So, buckle your seatbelts, we’re just getting started on this ride!
Last Sunday, nearly 480 members attending the Congregation meeting gave almost unanimous approval to undertake the $4.4 million Capital Campaign. We praise God for His leading and look forward to continued spiritual growth as we embark on this journey of faith.
April 20, 2007 is Commitment Sunday when we will formally collect the commitments from the Congregation. Leading up to that event, there will be a number of activities that are planned to inform the members and friends of Tenth so that we can prayerfully determine what God would have us pledge toward the Capital Campaign.
We want to provide information in a number of ways. On Tenth’s website, you can find a wealth of Capital Campaign information including copies of the previous bulletin inserts, the strategic planning committee report and a detailed list of the capital campaign projects. We also anticipate a number of luncheons, geared toward newer members, in which Dr. Ryken will share his vision; campaign praying tours; dessert meetings focused around specific campaign projects; and a seminar on planned giving, tentatively scheduled for March 1.
An important goal of this campaign is spiritual growth, both individually and corporately. With that goal in mind, we will be providing a devotional guide which will aid in prayer for God’s guidance as you consider your level of participation.
Our children – Tenth’s next generation of leaders – are also part of the Capital Campaign. During the Bible School hour, the elementary children will learn what Scripture says about children’s contribution to the body of believers. They will be challenged to participate themselves in this important mission of the church.
This is an exciting time in the life of Tenth Church. Join with us in rejoicing in God’s rich blessings and ask that God will increase our faith as we begin this journey together.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Welcome!
Welcome! Whether you were directed to this blog by someone at Tenth or just happened to stumble across it, I'm glad you found us. I can joyfully report that Tenth's members approved the capital campaign motions at the January 27, 2008 congregational meeting. As Tenth's capital campaign is now officially underway, there will be a lot of information dispersed to the congregation in many different forms. This information is valuable and vital to understanding the purposes of the campaign and to assist you in deciding what your commitment should be. This blog is designed as a supplement to those communications to show some of the ways God has used Tenth Presbyterian Church to work in the lives of its members and others associated with the church. It will also showcase aspects of different projects that the campaign will support. It is our hope that reading these personal testimonies and hearing about the projects in a more informal way will excite and inspire you. Furthermore, hopefully seeing a glimpse into some of the lives of Tenth's members and friends will serve as a catalyst for actually meeting these people and hearing more about their stories.
While we hope to share the stories of many, I will be the primary host of the blog. My name is Sarah McInnes and I am a member of Tenth. My husband and I are former members of Parish 1 and now reside in Parish 6. I will do my best to provide you with regular posts and I hope that you will check in frequently. (You can also receive the posts via email by signing up at the "subscribe via email" link at the right.) As you can see, I have added the bulletin inserts as background, along with some links for more information about the projects we will support.
Please feel free to email me with suggestions or questions at thispeople2008@gmail.com and I will make sure to share your email with someone that can answer your question. Also, as you may have seen in the bulletin you can also contact the following members of the Capital Campaign committee: Marion Clark mclark@tenth.org, Brian Esterly brian.esterly@rcn.com, Philip Ryken pryken@tenth.org, Elmer Snethen esnethen@cantol.com.
We are embarking on an exciting journey together as a congregation and I am honored to be able to assist in highlighting just a few of the ways that God has been working in the lives of His people at Tenth. Be sure to check back soon!
While we hope to share the stories of many, I will be the primary host of the blog. My name is Sarah McInnes and I am a member of Tenth. My husband and I are former members of Parish 1 and now reside in Parish 6. I will do my best to provide you with regular posts and I hope that you will check in frequently. (You can also receive the posts via email by signing up at the "subscribe via email" link at the right.) As you can see, I have added the bulletin inserts as background, along with some links for more information about the projects we will support.
Please feel free to email me with suggestions or questions at thispeople2008@gmail.com and I will make sure to share your email with someone that can answer your question. Also, as you may have seen in the bulletin you can also contact the following members of the Capital Campaign committee: Marion Clark mclark@tenth.org, Brian Esterly brian.esterly@rcn.com, Philip Ryken pryken@tenth.org, Elmer Snethen esnethen@cantol.com.
We are embarking on an exciting journey together as a congregation and I am honored to be able to assist in highlighting just a few of the ways that God has been working in the lives of His people at Tenth. Be sure to check back soon!
The picture above is of me and my husband Andy. Please introduce yourself to us at Tenth!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Capital Campaign, Part 8
Key Question: “How can I give?”
To some, $4.4 million may seem an insurmountable goal. Yet we believe this is the capital campaign God has called us to undertake—a prudent investment in kingdom work that by the grace of God is also a reachable goal for Tenth Church. In contemplating your role in the capital campaign, consider the following:
1. Everyone plays a role. It should come as no surprise that the congregation’s tithes to cover our annual expenses are unequally distributed. However, every contribution is necessary for us to fulfill our ministry commitments. The same will be true in this campaign. Everyone’s commitment, regardless of the size, will be necessary for us to meet our goals. A successful campaign does not require equal gifts from all, but it does require equal sacrifice.
2. This is a spiritual journey. The campaign is first and foremost a spiritual process. We know from Scripture that Jesus honors sacrificial and cheerful giving. We believe that giving to this capital campaign will result in spiritual growth and maturity. Investing in the future with our gifts today allows us to seek God’s work in our lives both individually and corporately as a church community.
3. Committing to the capital campaign should not replace our regular offerings. By definition, a capital campaign is a season of extraordinary financial giving in which—in addition to making regular tithes and offerings from their income—the people of God make a corporate, cheerful, and prayerful financial commitment to advance the gospel mission of the church.
There are many ways to give, such as designating Tenth in your will, donating stocks, bonds or mutual funds, or giving through charitable annuities. We will be providing more specific information about noncheckbook giving as the capital campaign approaches. Regardless of how we give, we should remember that everything we possess is the Lord’s and that we are only returning a portion of the resources of which God has made us stewards.
Prayerfully consider ways in which you might make a commitment that includes giving from monies regularly spent on non-necessities. Do you really need the latest electronic gadget? Can you forgo your purchase of the $4.00 gourmet coffee twice a week? How about “bagging” your lunch or cooking a meal rather than ordering take-out? Is there an outing or vacation that your family would be willing to sacrifice? Can you increase your tithe to 10%, 15%, or even 20%? When we honestly examine our spending habits, we can appreciate the wealth of disposable income with which the Lord has blessed us.
Campaign Timeline
January 27, 2008: Congregational Meeting to seek approval for the Capital Campaign (an information packet was mailed to every member this past week and a Congregational Forum will be held on January 20).
Assuming the campaign is approved by the congregation, the following additional activities are planned:
To some, $4.4 million may seem an insurmountable goal. Yet we believe this is the capital campaign God has called us to undertake—a prudent investment in kingdom work that by the grace of God is also a reachable goal for Tenth Church. In contemplating your role in the capital campaign, consider the following:
1. Everyone plays a role. It should come as no surprise that the congregation’s tithes to cover our annual expenses are unequally distributed. However, every contribution is necessary for us to fulfill our ministry commitments. The same will be true in this campaign. Everyone’s commitment, regardless of the size, will be necessary for us to meet our goals. A successful campaign does not require equal gifts from all, but it does require equal sacrifice.
2. This is a spiritual journey. The campaign is first and foremost a spiritual process. We know from Scripture that Jesus honors sacrificial and cheerful giving. We believe that giving to this capital campaign will result in spiritual growth and maturity. Investing in the future with our gifts today allows us to seek God’s work in our lives both individually and corporately as a church community.
3. Committing to the capital campaign should not replace our regular offerings. By definition, a capital campaign is a season of extraordinary financial giving in which—in addition to making regular tithes and offerings from their income—the people of God make a corporate, cheerful, and prayerful financial commitment to advance the gospel mission of the church.
There are many ways to give, such as designating Tenth in your will, donating stocks, bonds or mutual funds, or giving through charitable annuities. We will be providing more specific information about noncheckbook giving as the capital campaign approaches. Regardless of how we give, we should remember that everything we possess is the Lord’s and that we are only returning a portion of the resources of which God has made us stewards.
Prayerfully consider ways in which you might make a commitment that includes giving from monies regularly spent on non-necessities. Do you really need the latest electronic gadget? Can you forgo your purchase of the $4.00 gourmet coffee twice a week? How about “bagging” your lunch or cooking a meal rather than ordering take-out? Is there an outing or vacation that your family would be willing to sacrifice? Can you increase your tithe to 10%, 15%, or even 20%? When we honestly examine our spending habits, we can appreciate the wealth of disposable income with which the Lord has blessed us.
Campaign Timeline
January 27, 2008: Congregational Meeting to seek approval for the Capital Campaign (an information packet was mailed to every member this past week and a Congregational Forum will be held on January 20).
Assuming the campaign is approved by the congregation, the following additional activities are planned:
- January–March: Provide information through events and communications so that members can learn more about the campaign and prayerfully determine their level of participation.
- March 30–April 20: Personal and public preparation for the campaign, including biblical messages and a devotional study guide
- April 20: Commitment Sunday—Congregation makes financial commitments to the campaign
- May 18: Celebration Sunday—Communicate to the congregation what the Lord has done through his people in enabling us to achieve our God-given mission
- May 2008–May 2010: Provide ongoing followup so that members can track their commitments and be informed about status of projects
Sunday, December 30, 2007
City Outreach, Part 7
Key Question: “What else is Tenth Church doing during this time?”
As we contemplate a capital campaign, we are mindful of Tenth’s mission to build a fellowship of kingdom-minded disciples. We are a wonderfully large and diverse community of believers. That blessing presents a dilemma: how can we connect people within the church and make sure their pastoral needs are being met?
Pastor Marion Clark and Elder Steve Carter head the Kingdom Discipleship Commission, which has responsibility for pastoral care, parish effectiveness, and building community. Building on the parish system, the Commission wants to improve communication with the installation of Tenth Community Assistants. These TCA’s will maintain relationships with approximately ten members each so they can facilitate better connection to the church and particularly to their parish elders. About twenty-five are in place now. Other developments are taking place among the elders and diaconate to better equip them and free them up for pastoral care. Please read the Commission’s report which was released in September 2007. Copies are in both church lobbies and can be found on Tenth’s website under Tenth Ministries\Discipleship.
As part of our mission to reach Center City, Tenth has committed to a ministry that brings a vibrant and transforming kingdom presence to our surrounding neighborhoods. One means of achieving this is through the work of Paul Tripp, Minister to Center City. Early in the new year, he will launch a re-designed evening worship service, steeped in the Reformed tradition, that will provide a more participatory worship experience. We want to welcome people to a community of faith that takes worship seriously and communicate the awe of God. We pray that these services will be instruments of Christ’s redemptive work in the life and culture of Center City.
Project of the Week: City Outreach Project │ $350,000
Following the model of the early church in Acts, we are convinced that planting new churches remains the most effective way to evangelize Philadelphia. We are in the midst of a fruitful church planting climate in our region. Within the last decade, the Philadelphia Presbytery has planted ten churches, including three Tenth daughter churches. We want, in partnership with presbytery, to saturate the city with new churches, reaching the lost where they are. Church planting multiplies our original investments. Because they take in new members and develop their own outreach budgets, we multiply the numbers we bring into God’s kingdom both in terms of people and funds. We will approach church planting along two fronts: ethnic urban church plants and Tenth daughter churches.
Ethnic urban church plants typically require an extensive period of outside funding before achieving financial independence. They minister to new believers who otherwise might not have a place to worship and typically draw members with few resources. But they have a transforming effect in their immediate neighborhood because of the close, practical attention they are able to give. By giving an infusion of support, we can give them the needed boost to establish a foothold in their communities.
The funds designated for daughter churches will initially be used to support interns who will serve at Tenth with the intention of planting a daughter church in the near future. Critical factor to the success of a sustainable church plant is the ability of the minister. By providing initial support for his salary and by providing him experience and training in Tenth Church, we are more likely to enable his success.
Whether it is our emphasis on building a fellowship of kingdom minded disciples, ministering in Center City or planting churches to blanket the city, we take seriously the call to be a light in a dark world. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).
As we contemplate a capital campaign, we are mindful of Tenth’s mission to build a fellowship of kingdom-minded disciples. We are a wonderfully large and diverse community of believers. That blessing presents a dilemma: how can we connect people within the church and make sure their pastoral needs are being met?
Pastor Marion Clark and Elder Steve Carter head the Kingdom Discipleship Commission, which has responsibility for pastoral care, parish effectiveness, and building community. Building on the parish system, the Commission wants to improve communication with the installation of Tenth Community Assistants. These TCA’s will maintain relationships with approximately ten members each so they can facilitate better connection to the church and particularly to their parish elders. About twenty-five are in place now. Other developments are taking place among the elders and diaconate to better equip them and free them up for pastoral care. Please read the Commission’s report which was released in September 2007. Copies are in both church lobbies and can be found on Tenth’s website under Tenth Ministries\Discipleship.
As part of our mission to reach Center City, Tenth has committed to a ministry that brings a vibrant and transforming kingdom presence to our surrounding neighborhoods. One means of achieving this is through the work of Paul Tripp, Minister to Center City. Early in the new year, he will launch a re-designed evening worship service, steeped in the Reformed tradition, that will provide a more participatory worship experience. We want to welcome people to a community of faith that takes worship seriously and communicate the awe of God. We pray that these services will be instruments of Christ’s redemptive work in the life and culture of Center City.
Project of the Week: City Outreach Project │ $350,000
Following the model of the early church in Acts, we are convinced that planting new churches remains the most effective way to evangelize Philadelphia. We are in the midst of a fruitful church planting climate in our region. Within the last decade, the Philadelphia Presbytery has planted ten churches, including three Tenth daughter churches. We want, in partnership with presbytery, to saturate the city with new churches, reaching the lost where they are. Church planting multiplies our original investments. Because they take in new members and develop their own outreach budgets, we multiply the numbers we bring into God’s kingdom both in terms of people and funds. We will approach church planting along two fronts: ethnic urban church plants and Tenth daughter churches.
Ethnic urban church plants typically require an extensive period of outside funding before achieving financial independence. They minister to new believers who otherwise might not have a place to worship and typically draw members with few resources. But they have a transforming effect in their immediate neighborhood because of the close, practical attention they are able to give. By giving an infusion of support, we can give them the needed boost to establish a foothold in their communities.
The funds designated for daughter churches will initially be used to support interns who will serve at Tenth with the intention of planting a daughter church in the near future. Critical factor to the success of a sustainable church plant is the ability of the minister. By providing initial support for his salary and by providing him experience and training in Tenth Church, we are more likely to enable his success.
Whether it is our emphasis on building a fellowship of kingdom minded disciples, ministering in Center City or planting churches to blanket the city, we take seriously the call to be a light in a dark world. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Global Outreach, Part 6
Key Question: “Why does the capital campaign include designations for City and Global Outreach?”
Many of our local and global partners face challenges difficult for us to imagine. They minister to populations that are often hostile to God’s Word, encourage new believers to worship and fellowship together, and tend to the physical and spiritual needs of their communities. These activities require money, but fledgling city church plants and national ministries are often in communities rooted in poverty. These brothers and sisters need our financial help.
The City and Global Outreach designations represent a “double tithe” of the capital campaign giving. We believe the Lord would have us give out of our abundance to projects outside of Tenth’s direct needs. Our goal is to raise an additional $700,000, or 20% more than our projected capital expenses, as a double tithe—10% to city church plant work and 10% to global outreach projects. The projects selected have the involvement of partners connected with Tenth. While this represents a unique approach to capital campaigns, we believe it is consistent with our church mission of using the abundant resources with which God has blessed us to reach the city and multiply gospel ministry globally.
The strategic investment we make enables our local and global partners to accomplish more than they could through our ordinary offerings or Easter Sacrificial giving. Without this capital giving, it would be difficult for these ministries to otherwise accomplish their goals.
Project of the Week: Global Outreach Projects │ $350,000
God’s call for sacrificial giving should benefit not only us, but others throughout the world with whom we are already laboring. Each of the projects listed below represents the continuation of an existing partnership with Tenth-supported workers and national leaders.
Many of our local and global partners face challenges difficult for us to imagine. They minister to populations that are often hostile to God’s Word, encourage new believers to worship and fellowship together, and tend to the physical and spiritual needs of their communities. These activities require money, but fledgling city church plants and national ministries are often in communities rooted in poverty. These brothers and sisters need our financial help.
The City and Global Outreach designations represent a “double tithe” of the capital campaign giving. We believe the Lord would have us give out of our abundance to projects outside of Tenth’s direct needs. Our goal is to raise an additional $700,000, or 20% more than our projected capital expenses, as a double tithe—10% to city church plant work and 10% to global outreach projects. The projects selected have the involvement of partners connected with Tenth. While this represents a unique approach to capital campaigns, we believe it is consistent with our church mission of using the abundant resources with which God has blessed us to reach the city and multiply gospel ministry globally.
The strategic investment we make enables our local and global partners to accomplish more than they could through our ordinary offerings or Easter Sacrificial giving. Without this capital giving, it would be difficult for these ministries to otherwise accomplish their goals.
Project of the Week: Global Outreach Projects │ $350,000
God’s call for sacrificial giving should benefit not only us, but others throughout the world with whom we are already laboring. Each of the projects listed below represents the continuation of an existing partnership with Tenth-supported workers and national leaders.
- Continue construction of the Rafiki Village in Monrovia, Liberia, for orphans
- Continue construction of a church building, school, and children’s center in the Los Olivos community of Barranquilla, Colombia, with Gospel Through Colombia
- Contribute to the development of the African Enterprise Study Centre for Urban Mission and Evangelism to train up a new generation of church leaders in Africa
- Contribute to the endowment for the Dr. James M. Boice Chair of Practical Theology at the Reformed Seminary in Aix-en-Provence, the only Reformed seminary for the Francophone world
- Through a partnership with Miami International Seminary (MINTS), help Mission to the World (MTW) videotape teachers in the United States, translate the teaching, and offer the videos to students, pastors, and church planters throughout the Muslim world
- In keeping with our partnership with a major world people group, fund a church building project for a major city in a Muslim country.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Real Estate, Part 5
Key Question: “How can we consider a Capital Campaign when we are behind in our current giving?”
The gap between actual giving in 2007 and our budgets is an understandable concern as we consider undertaking a capital campaign in 2008. Trustee Clive Stockdale provided a report recently showing encouraging signs that we are in fact “catching up.” (See Tenth Press article from November 25, 2007). Giving in December often exceeds any other month’s so we are prayerfully hopeful that by the end of the year, giving will match expenses.
We have additional reasons to go forward. Next years’ ministry and building budgets will be flat: that is, there will be no overall increases, which should provide some relief. Furthermore, churches undertaking campaigns often experience increased giving to their operating budgets at the same time that money is being raised for capital expenditures.
Most importantly, as Rev. Clark wrote in part 1 of this series, the Capital Campaign will be a faith-stretching experience. In a season of sacrificial giving, God can teach us important lessons such as evaluating our spending priorities and depending on his Providence. Maybe we will experience, as the churches in Macedonia, the “abundance of joy” of those who give despite affliction and extreme poverty (2 Corinthians 8:2–3).
Project of the Week: Property Acquisition Reserve Account ¦ $400,000
Tenth Church presently suffers from a shortage of space in every major category. Nurseries are crowded; over 100 first through sixth graders meet each Sunday in the Catacombs; some adult classes cannot be offered because there is simply no place to meet; our congregational gathering space is essentially limited to the Sanctuary; and there is insufficient office space for existing staff. We already rent space to accommodate our needs and will need to lease additional space in the near future. The lack of facilities constrains our ability to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and serve him effectively. The ultimate goal, therefore, is to acquire nearby property to establish a multipurpose facility for gospel ministry. Our experience in ministry and vision for the future gives us confidence that these new facilities will be well used by both current and future generations. Consider our plight if past generations had lacked the foresight to acquire 1701 Delancey and 315 South 17th Street or excavate and renovate the Catacombs.
The real estate committee has, over recent months, identified and evaluated various properties and facilities that Tenth might purchase or rent to further its ministry agenda. Nearby real estate parcels that serve our needs are both limited and expensive. Nevertheless, there is a strong sense of urgency because undeveloped neighborhood properties are being developed and are not likely to be available again.
The purpose of this campaign project is to create a reserve account to help the Building Committee assess properties as they become available and act quickly when the right property is identified. Funds will be used to pay the initial fees that come with assessing a property’s suitability, including earnest money to take a property off the market while it is being evaluated and reimbursement for legal, architectural, and engineering services rendered as part of the evaluation process. Congregational approval is required prior to the purchase of any new property.
A Real Estate Report has been developed to provide a thorough overview of our property needs, as well as the principles and priorities we will follow in evaluating potential acquisitions. This report is posted on Tenth’s website.
The gap between actual giving in 2007 and our budgets is an understandable concern as we consider undertaking a capital campaign in 2008. Trustee Clive Stockdale provided a report recently showing encouraging signs that we are in fact “catching up.” (See Tenth Press article from November 25, 2007). Giving in December often exceeds any other month’s so we are prayerfully hopeful that by the end of the year, giving will match expenses.
We have additional reasons to go forward. Next years’ ministry and building budgets will be flat: that is, there will be no overall increases, which should provide some relief. Furthermore, churches undertaking campaigns often experience increased giving to their operating budgets at the same time that money is being raised for capital expenditures.
Most importantly, as Rev. Clark wrote in part 1 of this series, the Capital Campaign will be a faith-stretching experience. In a season of sacrificial giving, God can teach us important lessons such as evaluating our spending priorities and depending on his Providence. Maybe we will experience, as the churches in Macedonia, the “abundance of joy” of those who give despite affliction and extreme poverty (2 Corinthians 8:2–3).
Project of the Week: Property Acquisition Reserve Account ¦ $400,000
Tenth Church presently suffers from a shortage of space in every major category. Nurseries are crowded; over 100 first through sixth graders meet each Sunday in the Catacombs; some adult classes cannot be offered because there is simply no place to meet; our congregational gathering space is essentially limited to the Sanctuary; and there is insufficient office space for existing staff. We already rent space to accommodate our needs and will need to lease additional space in the near future. The lack of facilities constrains our ability to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and serve him effectively. The ultimate goal, therefore, is to acquire nearby property to establish a multipurpose facility for gospel ministry. Our experience in ministry and vision for the future gives us confidence that these new facilities will be well used by both current and future generations. Consider our plight if past generations had lacked the foresight to acquire 1701 Delancey and 315 South 17th Street or excavate and renovate the Catacombs.
The real estate committee has, over recent months, identified and evaluated various properties and facilities that Tenth might purchase or rent to further its ministry agenda. Nearby real estate parcels that serve our needs are both limited and expensive. Nevertheless, there is a strong sense of urgency because undeveloped neighborhood properties are being developed and are not likely to be available again.
The purpose of this campaign project is to create a reserve account to help the Building Committee assess properties as they become available and act quickly when the right property is identified. Funds will be used to pay the initial fees that come with assessing a property’s suitability, including earnest money to take a property off the market while it is being evaluated and reimbursement for legal, architectural, and engineering services rendered as part of the evaluation process. Congregational approval is required prior to the purchase of any new property.
A Real Estate Report has been developed to provide a thorough overview of our property needs, as well as the principles and priorities we will follow in evaluating potential acquisitions. This report is posted on Tenth’s website.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Why an Elevator?, Part 4
Key Question: “Why do we need an elevator?”
Jesus honored the sometimes creative efforts made by and on behalf of those whose limitations made access to him difficult. Consider the blind beggar who would not be silenced. He strategically placed himself in Jesus’ path, crying “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:35–43). There is the woman whose bleeding made her an outcast but nevertheless had the temerity to pick her way through the crowd to be healed by touching the hem of Jesus’ robe (Luke 8:42–48). How about the compassion of Jesus for the invalid who could find no one to help him enter the healing pool? (John 5:1–8). Or the hated, diminutive tax collector who climbed the sycamore tree so he could personally see Jesus? (Luke 19:1–10). And then there is the example of extreme renovations: the resourceful efforts of four men who made it possible for their paralytic friend to be lowered through the roof to Jesus and hear his words, “Take up your bed and walk!” (Mark 2:1–12).
A major portion of the Capital Campaign is earmarked toward fulfilling a commitment that was made more than 10 years ago—to provide elevator access to areas of the facility that are presently inaccessible to those with physical limitations. The elevator will be located on the south wall of Reception/Fellowship Hall between the Middle Building and Delancey Building, thereby improving exterior wheelchair access as well as access to the Catacombs, Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, Reception Hall, and the first three levels of the Delancey Building. This is an expensive endeavor which will negatively impact space that is already at a premium. Why then are we planning an elevator, and why at that location?
The Session has a long-standing but as yet unrealized commitment to an elevator. The Building Committee conducted an Access Survey in 2006 and found no shortage of members requiring physical assistance. Some members of our congregation can no longer serve the Tenth community simply because stairs bar their way. Statistics tell us that the fastest growing population is in the oldest age bracket. These are certainly compelling reasons. But more importantly, can there be any doubt that Jesus’ compassion and caring extends to all of his people? Shouldn’t we reflect his character by making it possible for those with physical limitations to participate in worship, education, and fellowship, being blessed in turn with their presence?
Before commencing any construction on the elevator, alternative space will be necessary to accommodate the nursery and pre-school children who will be displaced. This will necessitate finding appropriate rental space so that the needs of all of God’s children can best be met. The
goal of improving access for those with the greatest physical needs while minimizing the impact of lost space is certainly challenging. But God’s call for us to be ministers of his compassionate love demands no less.
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:40.
If you would like to see diagrams showing the floors accessed by the elevator, click here.
Jesus honored the sometimes creative efforts made by and on behalf of those whose limitations made access to him difficult. Consider the blind beggar who would not be silenced. He strategically placed himself in Jesus’ path, crying “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:35–43). There is the woman whose bleeding made her an outcast but nevertheless had the temerity to pick her way through the crowd to be healed by touching the hem of Jesus’ robe (Luke 8:42–48). How about the compassion of Jesus for the invalid who could find no one to help him enter the healing pool? (John 5:1–8). Or the hated, diminutive tax collector who climbed the sycamore tree so he could personally see Jesus? (Luke 19:1–10). And then there is the example of extreme renovations: the resourceful efforts of four men who made it possible for their paralytic friend to be lowered through the roof to Jesus and hear his words, “Take up your bed and walk!” (Mark 2:1–12).
A major portion of the Capital Campaign is earmarked toward fulfilling a commitment that was made more than 10 years ago—to provide elevator access to areas of the facility that are presently inaccessible to those with physical limitations. The elevator will be located on the south wall of Reception/Fellowship Hall between the Middle Building and Delancey Building, thereby improving exterior wheelchair access as well as access to the Catacombs, Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, Reception Hall, and the first three levels of the Delancey Building. This is an expensive endeavor which will negatively impact space that is already at a premium. Why then are we planning an elevator, and why at that location?
The Session has a long-standing but as yet unrealized commitment to an elevator. The Building Committee conducted an Access Survey in 2006 and found no shortage of members requiring physical assistance. Some members of our congregation can no longer serve the Tenth community simply because stairs bar their way. Statistics tell us that the fastest growing population is in the oldest age bracket. These are certainly compelling reasons. But more importantly, can there be any doubt that Jesus’ compassion and caring extends to all of his people? Shouldn’t we reflect his character by making it possible for those with physical limitations to participate in worship, education, and fellowship, being blessed in turn with their presence?
Before commencing any construction on the elevator, alternative space will be necessary to accommodate the nursery and pre-school children who will be displaced. This will necessitate finding appropriate rental space so that the needs of all of God’s children can best be met. The
goal of improving access for those with the greatest physical needs while minimizing the impact of lost space is certainly challenging. But God’s call for us to be ministers of his compassionate love demands no less.
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:40.
If you would like to see diagrams showing the floors accessed by the elevator, click here.
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