What is included in this project?
Our primary aim is to build a gymnasium; however, there are two additional facets to this project: 1) on-site needs and 2) off-site needs.
1) The on-site needs: There are two improvements to our church grounds have been deferred for some time: our parking lot is currently in need of resurfacing (a need that will only increase with the flow of heavy construction equipment); and there has been a long-standing vision to enhance the two entrances with decorative gateways and signs.
2) The off-site needs: The elders want this project to become a blessing to more than just our community and GCD family.  We don’t want to simply or selfishly focus on our own needs without considering some of the urgent needs of our missionary families and their ministries.  Therefore, 10% of every dollar raised will be committed to special missions projects as explained below.  When all is said and done, it will be exciting to see that God has not only built a gymnasium for local outreach, but he has also blessed the ministries of our missionaries who are reaching the ends of the earth with the Gospel!

What is the total cost?
The projected budget is $2 million.  This is a rounded total with generous estimates for each facet of the project.  The intent is to ensure that the total cost will not increase during the life of the project.  Roughly, the cost of the gymnasium could be as high as $1.5 million, the repair and improvements to the grounds $300 thousand, then the 10% for missions projects adds $200 thousand.

When will we break ground for the gymnasium?
After much discussion, prayer, and outside counsel, the elders have established a 60/20/20 benchmark for breaking ground.

What is the 60/20/20 benchmark?
Each number represents a percentage of the total cost of this project.  The first number, 60, is the percent of the total cost we must have in cash—i.e. money in the bank (this number will be met as pledges begin to come in and add to the initial offering received).  The second number, 20, represents the additional percentage we need to have in pledges.  The third number, 20, represents the maximum amount the elders are willing to borrow, if necessary.  God willing this final 20% will be received during the process of building the gym, eliminating any need to borrow.  All are encouraged to pray toward this end.

How will the pledges work?
On Sunday morning, October 7, we will receive the initial offering and pledge cards.  What a great blessing it would be if much of the 60% comes in cash on that day!  You should receive a pledge card inserted in this newsletter that reads, “by God’s grace, I pledge a total gift of ­$                over the next three years.”  You will then have the option of dividing this amount into 36 monthly contributions, 12 quarterly contributions, 3 yearly contributions, or giving the total amount at once on a date you designate.  Including this information on how you intend to give will help greatly in establishing our timeline.

Why include special missions projects?
Several of you have asked this question.  The simple answer is that this decision is motivated by a desire to love our missionary neighbors as ourselves.  Some of our missionaries have significant ministry visions and do not have the resources available to them to see them come to fruition any time soon.  This building initiative should not result in our own blessing alone, but also in blessing to gospel ministry around the world.  What joy it will bring to be reminded that God’s work is growing in other lands even as we watch it progressing here at home!

What's the next step?
The elders encourage you to be in earnest prayer leading up to Kickoff Sunday, October 7. Seek God’s direction on the amount you will trust him to provide through you in this effort to build for His glory.