Expansion Update - So What Happens Next?
While we aren't doing updates weekly at this point, we do want to check in and give you a few quick bits on what is coming - as well as a couple quick requests. Worship Area: We are in and actively using our new worship area - and we're working on some final tweaks to make it the way we all want it - such as airflow and temperature, audio coverage, etc. Our weekly attendance numbers have already grown (which is why we did this whole thing in the first place!). In addition, Christmas Eve we had nearly 600 people at the 4:00PM service - and over 650 at the 6:00PM service - also a huge increase from past years! If you're curious about the side by side comparison between the old and new sanctuaries, step into the old one now that the pews and carpet are out and compare it to the memory of when you saw the new sanctuary in a similar condition - quite a difference. All that said, we all still need to work together in the adjustment to the new sanctuary and using it most effectively. The pews are longer in most cases, so please make sure that that you're sliding in as you sit down to enable easy access for folks arriving after you (especially for visitors!). And please be receptive and responsive should an usher ask you to "scootch" in to make room for folks, we're finding that we're spreading out more as we have more space, which gives the inaccurate perception that we're full - when in reality we have a ton more seats if we use it well. Last note on this, we plan to acquire another 90-ish chairs to fill the rest of the worship area space and enable further seating (this was part of the plan from the beginning), but we have been working to manage costs in this interesting economic time so didn't do it right away. Thanks again for your help in this - and in making room for everyone - especially for visitors! And if you haven't had the opportunity to be in the new worship area yet then first - come join us - but if you are away you can see pictures and a link to a quick video clip down below this blog. Sunday School: Great progress here. Thanks to the hard work of so many, and the generous financial contribution of a family who wishes to remain anonymous, we are moving full speed ahead. The walls are in, and painted, and the floor is going in now. In addition, the bathrooms are done, and much of the kitchen/food-prep area is underway. Join us this Sunday, in between services, as we celebrate New Hope's 20th anniversary and get a quick tour of the new area (along with refreshments). When it is completed (we anticipate by March 1st), this new Sunday School area will increase our capacity for children's classes dramatically, and will also enable the present Sunday School area to be used for youth classes, another very important focus for New Hope. As this area nears completion, you'll hear much more about schedules and plans for children, youth and adult classes and other activities - stay tuned. Photos and a link to a video tour are included below as well. New Fellowship Hall (old worship area): This is underway in terms of preparation for the construction. The plan here is to level the floor (at its highest point), and turn it into the new fellowship hall. This will give us a much greater gathering area, for both our congregation and, very importantly, as part of our community outreach - and will also enable what is the present fellowship hall to be used more extensively for adult classes. We are waiting on final approvals from the town, and will have more schedule information after that, but the construction work here is far less complex that what we have already come through. By the way, if you're looking for a pew of your own for home, stop by any time :) In addition, further good news, the bank has extended our construction loan to the end of March, which enables us to have a bit more cash available while the overall project is wrapped up, and is a very positive thing in these interesting times . Thanks for reading, and for your support. If any questions, any time, please don't hesitate to contact any of the EIT folks (Bill Scott, Dave Arnett, Scott Chandler, Chris Hudson, Ralph Pippitt, Lora Lundin).
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