On Sunday, August 1, we celebrated God's goodness and gave thanks for our
successful capital campaign which brought in pledges and one-time gifts
totaling $1,024,936.40. Amazing!
But you weren't through! We received several more pledges over the course of
the weekend and as of today, our pledges and gifts total stands at
$1,052,016.00. God is good and God's people are generous!
Most of you want to know what happens next, and we're happy to tell you.
Here is a brief overview of what we've done until now and of the next
several months:
We identified the top 4 priorities for our new facility:
- Worship space for 500-600
- Adequate parking for 500-600
- Gathering and greeting space
- Classrooms and multi-purpose meeting spaces
The Board of Directors approved a budget of $1.5 million based on
our campaign total and our plan to borrow $500,000 when we refinance our
existing bonds.
Here is a general timeline for next steps:
- Receive detailed floor plan and cost analysis (August)
- Finalize refinance and new loan (August-September)
- Solicit contractor bids and hire contractor (August-September)
After that, we will launch Phase I of our building plan which
includes the sanctuary, gathering space, nursery, classrooms, offices and
parking spaces. As we begin the permitting process, etc., much of the early
activity will be "invisible" to you. As soon as we receive confirmation of
groundbreaking and other dates, we will let you know.
"We Can Make a Difference by Jaci Velasquez. This online video will only be available until June 1, 2010. If you enjoy the music of Jaci Velasquez
you can purchase her music at the iTunes store.
Why is MCCAustin doing the project?
The main reason MCCAustin is building now is that we are continuing to grow, and our facilities are inadequate even for a church half our size. We have no
classroom space, meeting rooms, or music facilities (such as rehearsal room) and inadequate social/gathering space and office space. Our church has
reached this 400 member, 350 average attendance plateau three times now. Our community is hungry for more Christian education, more social
gatherings, more programs such as estate planning and relationship building and more community building events. Our current building has an
expected life-span of 25 years... It was intended as a first, temporary, and economically feasible step to allow us to begin worshiping at Freedom Oaks.
When is MCCAustin planning to build?
The Church Building committees are planning wonderful things and will have a time frame for ground breaking very soon!
What will it look like?
This will be our preliminary work; this is not our final architectural design. It is a starting place from which we can begin to make decisions about
the actual design and structure of our building. We will be able to use the floor plan and projected cost analysis to solicit bids and select a
construction company.
Why Being Church ~ Building Community?
This title brings together our history and identity--"We are the church!" with our future--"Celebrating the GLBTQ community of Austin."
Everyone is asked to prayerfully consider giving sacrificially to the campaign over and above their regular contributions. Some will do
this by delaying a major purchase or trip. Some will do this by contributing stocks, artwork, or other items. Some will do this by changing
an aspect of their lifestyle and perhaps contributing money that they would have spent on expensive hobbies and such. Some will actually
take on a part time job of some sort.
Go to God with an open heart and pray "God, bless me with generosity. May my giving to your church be one of the ways I offer myself
to you and return thanks for your blessings."
Stay tuned for more exciting updates!
EMAIL: office@mccaustin.com
