August 2007 Archives

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Scripture Reading: Exodus 18:13-27,
Ephesians 4:11-13 (Scripture Reader: Jason Groen)
Message: "It Takes a Body To Be The Church" (Pastor Steve)
Offering: Unity Ministries
Lead Worshiper: Heather Pluimer

Welcome to Unity Church!

Each Sunday these times are set aside to give glory to God, to worship Him, to seek His face. We are glad that you have joined with us today to celebrate His goodness and faithfulness to all who put their trust in Him!

Ministry Team “Strength” Training

Everyone who is on a Ministry Team or serves Unity Church by doing any task connected to a Ministry Team (which includes just about everybody) is asked to attend this year’s “Strength Training” session TONIGHT from 6:30-8:30pm. Our focus this year is going to be on “living our strengths” and “leading from our strengths.” You will have the chance to dialogue with other members of the Ministry Teams you serve on, and those from other Ministry Teams throughout the evening. Please join us tonight for this important piece of Unity’s ministry.

Next Sunday

Pastor Bob Pollema from Bunde CRC will be preaching next Sunday and Pastor Jeff will go to Bunde and preach at their church. The Worship Planning Team has invited Pastor Bob to be one of our guest preachers this year.

The Weekly Calendar

View The Monthly Church Calendar

Today (4th Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship
Children ages 3-preK will be invited by announcement to go to Children’s Church.
6:30pm: Ministry Team Training

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting

Wednesday:
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry

Next Sunday (1st Sunday):
10:00am: Worship

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Wednesday, September 5
7:00pm Fellowship Meeting in the Library

Sunday, September 9
Fall Kick-Off

Sunday, October 7
Area Wide Disability Awareness
25th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday, November 11
CRC “Rededicating” 150th Anniversary Combined Worship at Willmar Evangelical Free Church

Unity Church Announcements

Disciples Materials Available

Over the course of this year, we will put particular focus on growing as disciples of Jesus Christ. Beginning September 9, we will use the new spiritual formation program, Disciples, which integrates worship, small groups, and personal devotions. There are five different five-week series, each with specific focus on different aspects of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. The aim of Disciples is to train followers of Christ in the skills of living their faith in every part of their daily lives. You can pick up the daily devotional reading guide today in the fellowship hall by signing your name on the registration form. If your small group is using the Disciples material, you may also pick up the first five-week study today. The daily devotions and small group discussions will begin the week after our Fall Kick-Off on September 9.

Building Project Update

The Building Expansion Team decided to reject all the bids from the contractors, because Unity Church is not in a position financially to be able to afford the cost of the project as it was bid. The team will continue to seek ways to reduce the costs associated with the project and submit new plans for bid on January 15. We will update the congregation at the Congregational Meeting on September 2 and, if necessary, offer several meeting times in September and October for members of the congregation to hear about the process and offer their input about the project.

Two Services Feedback

The team working on implementing our move to two morning worship services in October would like to invite the members of Unity Church to join us for discussions after worship on Sunday, September 2.

WOMEN OF FAITH TICKETS

We have 15 tickets left! We would really like to see them used! They are good seats. If you would like to go to women of faith and have not purchased your ticket, contact April Swierenga today to get your ticket. $69.00 per ticket. Great price! Women of Faith is Friday evening October 19 and Saturday, October 20th.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Outdoor Worship

It is not about your denomination or age but an evening centered on the Body of Christ exalting our Great God! Join us outside TONIGHT at 7pm in the backyard of Willmar CRC (1708 8th Street) as we join together in worship through song, the Word and prayer as we "...draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith."

Praise & Thanksgiving service

God graciously answered our recent prayer for rain. You are invited together once again for a service of thanksgiving. This will take place on Wednesday, August 29th at First CRC of Prinsburg at 7:30 p.m.

Celebration of Life Concert

Get your tickets now for the Celebration of Life Concert featuring Mark Schultz on Thursday, October 11 at 7:00pm at the Evangelical Free Church (1305 19th Ave SW, Willmar). Tickets are $15 for preferred seating or $10 for general seating. General tickets are available at Hope Pregnancy Center and Good News Christian Book Store. Preferred Seating is only available by calling Hope Pregnancy Center at 320-235-7619. There will also be an opportunity to financially support Hope Pregnancy Center at the concert.

West Central Christian Singles Outings

Hayride/Bonfire at Beaver Falls Park Saturday, September 8 at 4:00 pm. Meet at Willmar E-Free Parking lot to carpool. Leaving promptly at 4:00 pm. Please pack a bag lunch and beverage

Creative Gardens Tour and Bonfire
Friday, September 21 at 7:00 pm at Julayne's house at 429 County Road 9 - east past the Holiday Inn on Hwy 12 and south 1/4 mile on County Road 9. She lives on the east side of the road across from Maranatha Church. Please bring a lawn chair. Please RSVP by Sept. 4.

Teen “Kick-It” Class

Any teenage tobacco user is invited to attend an eight week class on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30pm at Unity Church. The class is voluntary and confidential for teens who want to kick their habit.

50 Years of Grace

September 15 - 16, Grace CRC of Inver Grove Heights will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary. Please remember them in your prayers, giving thanks for the grace that has enabled them to reach this milestone, and asking God's continued grace for vision, energy, and resources to continue serving His kingdom in Inver Grove for many years to come. For more information about the celebrations, contact Grace Church at 651-451-2717 or info@gracecrcigh.org.

CMCS Fall Retreat

Parents and friends of CMCS are again planning a retreat for our high school students at Lake Geneva Christian Center, on September 21-23 and we need your help. Will you pray for the weekend, that God’s Spirit may move in the lives of those attending this retreat? We are greatly in need of financial help, so we can keep the cost affordable to the students. If you would be willing to help in this area, please send your donations to the CMCS marked “retreat fund”. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Senior Citizens

The Senior Citizens will be gathering for a potluck at the Prinsburg Fire Hall on Wednesday, August 29 at 11:30am. It was postponed due to a funeral. Please bring: A-G, desserts; K-P, casseroles; Q-Z, salads. Any questions, contact Ardy Zondervan

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10: 19-26 (Scripture Reader: Willis Wubben)
Message: "Encourage One Another and Don’t Hold Back!" (Pastor Steve)
Offering: Unity Ministries
Lead Worshiper: Bryan De Groot

Welcome to Unity Church! Welcome to worship at Unity! We are delighted that you are here. Our desire in this place is to experience an authentic encounter with God. This may happen in different ways for each of us as God touches our hearts and lives in unique ways. Our prayer is that you would sense the presence of God today and be blessed as you worship Him.

Coming This Fall…

Beginning September 9, we will use the new spiritual formation program, Disciples, which integrates worship, small groups, and daily devotions with a focus on growing as disciples of Jesus Christ. There are five series of give weeks each, focusing on the different aspects of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. The aim of Disciples is to train followers of Christ in the skills of living their faith in every part of their daily lives. Over the next few weeks you will have the opportunity to pick up one of the devotional guides for use at home. We will also provide each small group with the materials for the first five-week study.

St. Cloud Prison Ministry

A team of people, including Pastor Jeff, are leading worship this morning at the St. Cloud Penitentiary. Pray for God's blessing on their time together with the inmates.

The Weekly Calendar

View The Monthly Church Calendar

Today (3rd Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship
Children ages 3-preK will be invited by announcement to go to Children’s Church.

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting

Wednesday:
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry

Next Sunday (4th Sunday):
10:00am: Worship
6:30pm: Ministry Team Training

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Sunday, September 9
Fall Kick-Off

Sunday, October 7
Area Wide Disability Awareness
25th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday, November 11
CRC “Rededicating” 150th Anniversary Combined Worship at Willmar Evangelical Free Church

UNITY CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Building Project Update

The Building Expansion Team met with the Council on Monday night to inform them that we are rejecting all the bids from the contractors on the expansion project. Unity Church is not in a position financially to be able to afford the cost of the project as it was bid. The team will continue to seek ways to reduce the costs associated with the project and submit new plans for bid on January 15. We plan to offer several meeting times in September and October for members of the congregation to hear about the process and offer their input about the project. The Council has already begun to develop ideas for how to continue to inspire our ongoing ministry without the increase in space available to meet those needs.

WOMEN OF FAITH TICKETS

We have 20 tickets left! We would really like to see them used! They are good seats. If you would like to go to women of faith and have not purchased your ticket, contact April Swierenga today to get your ticket. $69.00 per ticket. Great price!

Community ANnouncements

90th Birthday Open House

You are invited to a 90th Birthday open house for Ed Mulder on Sunday, August 19th from 2:00pm - 4:00pm at the Prinsburg Community Center.

Senior Citizens

The Senior Citizens will be gathering for a potluck at the Prinsburg Fire Hall on Thursday, August 23 at 11:30am. Thos with last names beginning with: A-G, bring desserts; K-P, bring casseroles; Q-Z, bring salads. If you have any questions, please contact Ardy Zondervan

Back to School Veggie Tales Party

All kids ages 4 years old through grade 6 are invited to a back to school party at Bunde Christian Reformed Church on Wed, August 22 from 7:00-9:00pm to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. We will watch Moe and the Big Exit, the newest Veggie Tales movie. We’ll also have a snack, games and craft. Come join the fun!! Parents are strongly encouraged to attend with your children. Find a color page located in your mailbox and bring it back for a prize on August 22.

Outdoor Worship

It is not about your denomination or age but an evening centered on the Body of Christ exalting our Great God! Join us outside on Sunday, August 26th at 7pm in the backyard of Willmar CRC (1708 8th Street) as we join together in worship through song, the Word and prayer as we "...draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith."

Celebration of Life Concert

Get your tickets now for the Celebration of Life Concert featuring Mark Schultz on Thursday, October 11 at 7:00pm at the Evangelical Free Church (1305 19th Ave SW, Willmar). Tickets are $15.00 for preferred seating or $10.00 for general seating. General seating tickets are available at Hope Pregnancy Center, Good News Christian Book Store. Preferred Seating is only available by calling Hope Pregnancy Center at 320-235-7619. There will be an opportunity to financially support Hope Pregnancy Center during the concert.

CRC Sesquicentennial Update

THANK YOU to all who participated in the CRC Sesquicentennial Service last Sunday afternoon! What a joy it was to praise and thank God for His goodness and faithfulness, and also to celebrate the many good things He is accomplishing through the ministries of our churches. Please note that our third and final Sesquicentennial Service will be held on November 11, 2007. The guest speaker will be Rev. Jerry Dykstra, who is the Executive Director of the CRC. He will bring the challenge of “Rededicating”.

West Central Christian Singles Outings

Saturday, September 8 at 4:00 pm Event: Hayride/Bonfire at Beaver Falls Park (south of Olivia) RSVP by Sept. 4 to wccs.willmar@yahoo.com Meet at Willmar E-Free Parking lot to carpool. Leaving promptly at 4:00 pm. Please pack a bag lunch and beverage Friday, September 21 at 7:00 pm Event: Creative Gardens Tour and Bonfire Place: Julayne's house (head east past the Holiday Inn on Hwy 12; turn right where Lumminaries is, which is Co. Rd. 9. Drive 1/4 mile; she lives on the left/east side of the road across from the Maranatha Church; mailbox #429. Creative Gardens sign at the driveway. Please bring a lawn chair.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:1-11
Message: "Finding a Path Through the Desert" (Marly Breems)
Offering: Unity Ministries
Lead Worshiper: Josh Layman

Welcome to Unity Church!

Welcome to all who enter this place of worship. May you sense the presence of God and be refreshed by the outpouring of His Spirit. As God has poured himself out for us, we pour ourselves out in worship today.

CRC Sesquicentennial Celebration

Today the Christian Reformed Congregations of Brooten, Bunde, Hancock, Prinsburg, Raymond, Renville and Willmar will again gather in combined worship to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the CRC. The service will take place at the Willmar Evangelical Free Church at 4 p.m. It will feature the music of the Bunde Praise Team, a vocal duet by Heather Pluimer and Christina VanderPol, a piano duet by Aimee TeBrake and Debra Newhouse, a visual presentation featuring our local ministries, and Judy Groen as accompanist. The guest speaker will be Rev. Roger Kok of Grand Rapids Michigan. Nursery will be provided and valet service will be available. The offering will help to cover the expenses of our sesquicentennial events. You are cordially invited to be part of this service of prayer and praise!

The Weekly Calendar

View The Monthly Church Calendar
Today (2nd Sunday):
10:00am: Morning Worship
Children ages 3-preK will be invited by announcement to go to Children’s Church.
4:00pm: “Rejoicing” 150th Anniversary of the CRC Sesquicentennial Worship at Willmar Evangelical Free Church

Monday:
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting
6:15pm: Deacons Meeting
6:15pm: Elders Care Meeting
7:00pm: Full Council Meeting

Wednesday:
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry

Next Sunday (3rd Sunday):
10:00am: Worship

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Sunday, August 26
Ministry Team Training

Sunday, September 9
Fall Kick-Off

Sunday, October 7
Area Wide Disability Awareness 25th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday, November 11
CRC “Rededicating” 150th Anniversary Combined Worship at Willmar Evangelical Free Church

Building Project Update

The Building Expansion Team will meet with the Council on Monday night to discuss the future of the building project. Since all of the bids came in higher than we had budgeted, we need to determine the best ways to do ministry while we continue our work on reducing the cost of the project. We will continue to keep the congregation informed about the progress of the project and plan to have times for discussion over the next few weeks. As always, if you have any questions, you may contact any member of the Building Expansion Team.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Raymond Blood Drive

Tuesday, August 14 from 1:00 - 7:00 pm at the Christian Reformed Church in Raymond.

Night of Praising the Lord

Wednesday, August 15 at 7:00 pm at Bunde Christian Reformed Church. We will have a time of praise and worship led by the Bunde Praise Team, some door prizes and food. Take your family and friends and join us for fellowship and fun! We especially invite the youth of your church!

Back to School Veggie Tales Party

All kids ages 4 years old through grade 6 are invited to a back to school party at Bunde Christian Reformed Church on Wed, August 22 from 7:00-9:00pm to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. We will watch Moe and the Big Exit, the newest Veggie Tales movie. We’ll also have a snack, games and craft. Come join the fun!! Parents are strongly encouraged to attend with your children. Find a color page located in your mailbox and bring it back for a prize on August 22.

WOMEN OF FAITH TICKETS

We have 20 tickets left! They are good seats. If you would like to go to women of faith and have not purchased your ticket, contact April Swierenga today to get your ticket. $69.00 per ticket. Great price!

Open House Bridal Shower

Come and go Bridal Shower honoring Crystal Ahrenholz Bride-elect of Andy Erickson, Saturday, August 18th from 9:30am - 11:30am in the First CRC basement in Prinsburg. Please bring your favorite recipe for the bride! The couple is registered at Target and Menards.

90th Birthday Open House

You are invited to a 90th Birthday open house for Ed Mulder on Sunday, August 19th from 2:00pm - 4:00pm at the Prinsburg Community Center.

Senior Citizens

The Senior Citizens will be gathering for a potluck at the Prinsburg Fire Hall on Thursday, August 23 at 11:30am. Those with last names beginning with: A-G, bring desserts; K-P, bring casseroles; Q-Z, bring salads. If you any questions, please contact Ardy Zondervan.

Celebration of Life Concert

Get your tickets now for the Celebration of Life Concert featuring Mark Schultz on Thursday, October 11 at 7:00pm at the Evangelical Free Church (1305 19th Ave SW, Willmar). Tickets are $15.00 for preferred seating or $10.00 for general seating. General seating tickets are available at Hope Pregnancy Center, Good News Christian Book Store. Preferred Seating is only available by calling Hope Pregnancy Center at 320-235-7619. There will be an opportunity to financially support Hope Pregnancy Center during the concert.

Jennifer (Huisinga) Norbie Benefit

On Saturday, August 18 the public is invited to attend all activities for the event held on the MinnWest Technology Campus on North Highway 71/23 in Willmar at the Life Science Innovations Building (1800 Technology Drive NE).

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Scripture Reading: Romans 1:18-32
Series: Pride and Prejudice: The Dangers of Culturized Christianity
Message: “Exchanging the Glory of God for Empty Pleasures” (Pastor Jeff)
Offering: Unity Ministries
Lead Worshiper: Bryan De Groot

Welcome to Unity Church!

We are glad that you are here and we trust that God will make himself known to you as we worship him together. This morning we celebrate Communion as a reminder of God’s gift to us in His Son, Jesus and as an act of faith in worship that the presence of Jesus is spiritual food for our hungry souls. You are invited to participate in the taking of the bread and the cup if you have trusted in Jesus as Lord and Savior, whether you are a member of our church or not. This morning, you will be invited to come forward to receive the elements.

CRC Sesquicentennial

Next Sunday, August 12, all the area Christian Reformed churches will gather for the second of the 150th Anniversary Celebrations. The theme is “Rejoicing,” with a focus on our local ministries. Join us at 4:00pm at the Willmar Evangelical Free Church. The guest speaker will be Rev. Roger Kok of Grand Rapids, MI.

Please Note: We still need two ushers, two poster carries, and two nursery attendants from Unity for the August 12 Sesquicentennial Service. Please contact the church if you are willing to serve in any of these ways.

The Weekly Calendar

View The Monthly Church Calendar

Today (1st Sunday):
9:00am: Missions Prayer Time
10:00am: Morning Worship
Children ages 3-preK will be invited by announcement to go to Children’s Church.

Monday:
12:00pm: Building Expansion Meeting
4:45pm: Worship Planning Meeting

Wednesday:
7:00pm: Men’s Jail Ministry

Next Sunday (2nd Sunday):
10:00am: Worship
4:00pm: “Rejoicing” 150th Anniversary of the CRC Sesquicentennial Worship at Willmar Evangelical Free Church

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Sunday, August 26
Ministry Team Training Day

Sunday, September 9
Fall Kick-Off

Sunday, October 7
Area Wide Disability Awareness 25th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday, November 11
CRC “Rededicating” 150th Anniversary Combined Worship
at Willmar Evangelical Free Church

UNITY CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mission Trip Kids and Parents

All Utah mission trip kids and parents are asked to come to a meeting to give a report from the recent mission trip. The meeting will be TODAY at 3:00pm at The Rock. The Youth Group will report about both the Utah mission trip and the Colorado “Big Dig” trip to Willmar CRC on Sunday, August 19 and to Unity CRC soon after.

BIG DIG '07

Next weekend, Pastor Steve and several youth will be traveling to Colorado to attend an apologetics conference on Friday and Saturday, August 10-11. This conference on defending the faith, called “The Big Dig” is designed to deepen the roots of the faith of teenagers. Please pray for these youth and this trip.

Building Project Update

The Building Expansion Teams will meet again on Monday to discuss and decide on the next steps for the project. Since all of the bids came in higher than we had budgeted, the team is determining the best ways to reduce costs and move forward. We ask for continued patience, prayers, and support as we continue the challenging work of developing the plan for a facility that meets all of our needs, provides for room to grow, and is still cost-effective for the present and the future. If you would like to offer your input, you may submit your comments online, or talk with one of the team members.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Raymond Blood Drive

Tuesday, August 14 from 1:00 - 7:00 pm at the Christian Reformed Church in Raymond. For an appointment please call Wilma at 967-4139.

Night of Praising the Lord

Wednesday, August 15 at 7:00 pm at Bunde Christian Reformed Church. We will have a time of praise and worship led by the Bunde Praise Team, some door prizes and food. Take your family and friends and join us for fellowship and fun! We especially invite the youth of your church!

Back to School Veggie Tales Party

All kids ages 4 years old through grade 6 are invited to a back to school party at Bunde Christian Reformed Church on Wed, August 22 from 7:00-9:00pm to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. We will watch Moe and the Big Exit, the newest Veggie Tales movie. We’ll also have a snack, games and craft. Come join the fun!! Parents are strongly encouraged to attend with your children. Find a color page located at your church's information table and bring it back for a prize on August 22.

Open House Bridal Shower

Come and go Bridal Shower honoring Crystal Ahrenholz Bride-elect of Andy Erickson, Saturday, August 18th from 9:30am - 11:30am in the First CRC basement in Prinsburg. Please bring your favorite recipe for the bride! The couple is registered at Target and Menards.

Branson Tour

Anyone interested in going on the trip to Branson in November, Please contact Ardy Zondervan ASAP to reserve your seat.

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Explanation of Layout

This new plan more adequately addresses our needs, utilizes our existing facility better, and will provide a much better flow to our building. The most significant change to the plan is that the expansion will go to the south rather than to the east.

Fellowship
One of the primary needs we identified was the need for more space for fellowship after morning worship and potlucks or large functions at other times. The idea all along was turn the current sanctuary into the fellowship hall - which is still the plan. However, that space is still not large enough to host seated gatherings over 200 people. It was also brought to our attention that realistically people would not funnel through the narrow corridor that is currently the front door to go into the fellowship hall. This "bottleneck" almost eliminates the possibility of using that space for Sunday morning gathering.

The solution to that in the new plan is that we take advantage of the removable walls in the current sanctuary and open up both the current sanctuary and the current fellowship hall to make one big area which would include a café area for serving coffee and goodies after church. And to alleviate the "bottleneck" the architect has designed a Meeting Room that functions as a flow-through providing more access to the fellowship area, with the idea that people will more naturally flow out of the sanctuary into the gathering area and fellowship area. In order to use the removable wall, the direction of the expansion had to be changed. This new layout for our fellowship space makes better use of the existing facility and provides more of the space we need for fellowship.

Kitchen
In order to meet our fellowship needs, we also acknowledged our need for a more user-friendly kitchen. In the previous building plan we had the new kitchen where Pastor Steve's and April's offices currently are. In that design it would have been adjacent to the "bottleneck" into the fellowship hall. However, it was also brought to our attention that the location of the kitchen as it was would mean that the backside of the kitchen would be the front of the church. In upgrading the kitchen, we will need a large vent fan on the roof over the kitchen, so as you entered into church you would be looking at "the backside of McDonald's."

The previous layout also did not provide for a separate entrance to the kitchen area that would allow caterers or others to access it without being a disruption. It also did not provide for an easily accessible, yet discrete outside area for garbage collection and disposal. The current location of the kitchen is actually the ideal location for those two needs. The new plan utilizes the existing kitchen, rather than simply leaving it there and building a new one as the previous plan did.

While the current plan does not increase the size of the room for the kitchen, it does provide for more kitchen space by relocating many of the items that take up the most space. By adding the storage room and a walk-in cooler directly off the kitchen, the cupboards and refrigerator can be removed from the kitchen. The door to the kitchen by the outside door will be removed and made into a wall, where the dishwasher will go. The dish return will also be moved to that side of the kitchen so that it will be more easily accessible from the entire fellowship area. The current counter used for the dish return will then be able to be removed, which will provide even more working space.

The serving window will be turned into a wall as well, because the serving counter will now be in the café area. This new serving counter will also provide more outlets for heating and keeping warm any food items for potlucks, which will reduce one reason to have more people in the kitchen. All of these modifications will allow the kitchen to be much more user-friendly, have sufficient space for storage, separate access for caterers, and a discrete location for garbage. And we anticipate that it will reduce the overall cost incurred for upgrading our kitchen by making use of our currently existing kitchen.

Nursery
Since the current fellowship area will be turned into the café area, the nursery can no longer be there as we had in the previous plan. This is actually a much-needed improvement. We were already aware that one of the problems with the previous plan was that the nursery was not easily accessible from the sanctuary at all. A parent would have to walk through the entire fellowship hall (or go out the main entrance and come in the nursery entrance) in order to get to the nursery. We worked on several different ideas of how to make the nursery near the sanctuary, near an entrance, secure, and accessible during other functions as well. The current plan addresses all those desires.

The nursery is divided into infants and toddlers with one drop-off area for both. The infant nursery actually stays where it is now with only the addition of a door that will open into the toddler nursery. The nursery area will also include a changing table, a toddler potty, and an adult toilet so that those who need to use the restroom can do so without having to leave the nursery area.

The new plan provides the space we need for our children and the security to make sure they are safe and well cared for. Once again, this is a better utilization of our current facility and creates a better flow for our members and guests with children.

Education
Because of the changes in the fellowship areas and nursery, we are able to gain three additional classrooms, as well as the Meeting/Library Room and the Consistory Room. In the previous plan, we were able to gain two classrooms with the possibility of using the Green Room and the Consistory Room as classrooms. Those two rooms, however, were on the opposite end of the building from all the other classrooms. The current plan allows ten to twelve classrooms to be right in the same area. This again better utilizes our current facility and creates a nice flow for our Sunday morning educational activities.

Offices
On the previous plan, the church offices were located just off the sanctuary. The current plan places them off the fellowship space in direct sight of anyone entering the church. This makes them more easily accessible and hospitable, while still providing for privacy and confidentiality when necessary. Rather than having the Visitor's Center / Library on the opposite side of the building from the Main Office, the Meeting Room / Library is located right next to it, so that those who have to wait have a comfortable place to do so without feeling like they have to go far away.

The current plan also includes an area for storing files and other items that is readily accessible by each staff member. The Consistory Room is also readily accessible from the office area rather than tucked away at the end of the offices. The organization and layout of this plan provides for a better utilization of space and flow to each room.

Library
In both plans the library is placed in a multi-functional room (rather than a classroom like it is currently). The previous plan placed the library in the Visitor's Center off the main gathering area. The current plan places it in the "flow-through" Meeting Room with the intent that it will be more readily accessible and used since this will be a main passageway and near the offices.

Mechanical and Storage
The current plan uses the existing mechanical room rather than building a new room for another mechanical room in the addition.

It also provides several different storage rooms that will be specifically designated for the kind of storage that will go there (chairs and tables off the fellowship hall, toys and supplies in the toddler nursery, food and kitchen supplies in the kitchen storage, paper and files in the offices). The previous plan had three main storage rooms that could be used for storing anything. By placing each storage room in its useful context we will better utilize the space these rooms take up.

Restrooms
The current plan does not increase the number of primary restrooms. It does, however, add three specific-needs toilets. There will be a Family Toilet right off the coat room just before the Child Drop-Off area. And there will be the toddler potty and adult toilet in the Toddler Nursery. Because of the change in the direction we are building, the existing toilets are easily accessible from both the sanctuary and the fellowship hall. Since our current restroom facilities already exceed the minimum for the capacity we are building for, it does not make financial sense to spend money on building and plumbing additional restrooms. This again is an improvement from the previous plan in utilizing our current facility and creating a better flow for people, while still meeting our needs.

Sanctuary
Other than the location, the sanctuary was the item least changed from the previous plan. The only major modification was that there will be sufficient space behind the platform for storing music equipment when necessary, and rear access for performances and plays. Many of the specific details of the sanctuary will be discussed and decided as we get closer to the time of building and after the completion of our worship space study through the Worship Renewal Grant we received from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.

The Building Expansion Team will meet with the Council on Monday night to discuss the future of the building project. Since all of the bids came in higher than we had budgeted, we need to determine the best ways to do ministry while we continue our work on reducing the cost of the project. We will continue to keep the congregation informed about the progress of the project and plan to have times for discussion over the next few weeks. As always, if you have any questions, you may contact any member of the Building Expansion Team.