Building Project Begins

Last Sunday (August 24th) after the third service, over 200 people stayed or returned to participate in the 3rd congregational vote. This time, our team was seeking approval on the final design plans and financing package for our new building project. Like the two votes before this one, the plans were approved by a 99.3% vote. A few days later Macatawa Bank approved a final lending package.

Look for the work to begin almost immediately. Our contractors are moving quickly to get some important pieces finished before the hard Michigan winter sets in.

As one of your pastors, I want to share two things about the process of the last 4 1/2 years that led to Sunday's final vote. First, I can't even begin to tell you how God has showed up in this in huge and small ways. Most of you will never know what our Building Teams and Financial Team have experienced in the last year. There have been two separate times when it seemed like the project would not move ahead, and then another door opened.



That's what happened as late as early July. The budget was almost two million dollars over where we needed it to be. Then God gave us some new ideas and suddenly we were back in business. Again, in the lending realm, this is a difficult time for all the banking industry. But just in time, God opened some doors that appeared shut.



The second thing I want to lift up is the incredible volunteer work a dedicated core of your volunteer leaders have done to make this possible. God will honor these men and women. You and I will never be able to account for the hours they have poured over solutions. The amazing thing is that they brought the project in on budget without compromising square footage, but it hasn't been without sleepless night and great sacrifice on our behalf



What I've noticed most is that the process itself of dependence on God to open doors has deepened the faith and depth of our leaders. They will be able to share stories with us at some point. They worked hard, but it was God who moved us ahead. The truth of the Psalm Unless the Lord builds the house, those who labor, labor in vain.....has been lived out!



Now it's up to the rest of us. We have to show up for frequent volunteer jobs. Soon, you will be hearing about these volunteer opportunities that stand to save our church thousands and thousands of dollars. We also must continue to give sacrificially. No gift is too small. Each one makes a difference for the Kingdom of God.



One last thing.....we are planning a ceremonial ground breaking for Sunday, September 21st. In all likelihood, work will already be taking place on the site before that date. The groundbreaking will be followed by a church picnic at Dutton Shadyside Park. The picnic will also be an opportunity to get connected with a Life Group for the fall.



What an exciting time! We go forward together!!!



Brad