Facilities for Ministry Progress Report

Progress Report from the Facilities for Ministry Planning Team

"And (Christ's) gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors, and some teachers, for the equipment of saints, for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." - Ephesians 4:11-12

St. Paul's Study Committee Formed

The St. Paul's Church Council has formed a "Study Committee" in accordance with The Book of Discipline to review current and future ministries and to develop concepts for facility improvements and/or needs in support of the current and future ministries. The committee, officially named "Facilities for Ministry Planning Team", initially meet on October 26, 2010 and developed a plan for accomplishing its assigned mission. The purpose of this communication is to present an update to the St. Paul's congregation on the process and progress of our work.

But first, it is helpful to review St. Paul's Purpose and Vision Statements and other related background information:

St. Paul's Purpose Statement

"To know and follow Christ and to help others know and follow Christ (through worship, learning, music, serving, and caring ministries)."

St. Paul's Vision Statement

"A modern church for a seven day program" was the vision that guided the development of St. Paul's nearly 100 years ago. This was the vision that set St. Paul's apart and propelled it to become one of the most dynamic communities of Christian disciples in the region. In 1996, a Long Range Planning Task Force concluded that that our vision had not changed. The 2000 Study Committee concluded that our vision had not changed. The 2008 Strategic Planning Steering Committee concluded that our vision had not changed. So, today, the 2011 Facilities for Ministries Planning Team believes in the original vision of "a modern church for a seven day program".

Other Background Information

As mentioned above, the last time a Study Committee was formed at St. Paul's was in the fall of 1999. The committee, co-chaired by John Girotto and Laura Derr, issued their final report in June 2000. Many St. Paul's members were involved in the final recommendations that included the construction of an approximate 58,000 SF expansion and upgrades to the existing facilities. A building committee was subsequently formed and a preliminary design was prepared by mid 2002. At that time, several dynamics were changing in the life of St. Paul's and economic circumstances were also changing. As a result, the building committee's proposal was not implemented. Perhaps God was saying "slow down"? God was not saying "stop", because several positive things have happened since 2002 in regards to facilities. Some include:

The chapel was remodeled.
The annex was repaired and improved on both the exterior and interior.
"How Firm a Foundation I and II" were implemented involving substantial improvements to the exterior of the facility designed to preserve the building for many years.
City steam was abandoned and a new heating system was installed.
Various remodels occurred such as the offices, new restroom, new shower facilities, and contemporary worship in the social hall.

Facilities for Ministry Planning Team Process

The Facilities for Ministry Planning Team has developed a three phase process as follows:

Phase I - Data Gathering

This phase involves working with all of the Program Committees, Ministry Partners, and Staff in determining current and future ministries of St. Paul's. For each ministry, current facility usage and desired facility needs will be determined. An inventory of existing facility spaces and current usage will also be assessed.
In addition, we are reviewing available information from groups who have served in the past.

Phase II - Data Analysis

This phase involves using the space needs and inventory of existing spaces determined in phase I and assessing the "gap" between available and needed space. This step will determine facility improvements (modifications and/or additions) that may be needed to better serve current and future ministries.

Phase III - Concept Design and Report

This phase involves preparing a site master plan and concept design of the facility improvements determined in phase II. This may involve two or more alternatives. A cost opinion will be prepared for each alternative. A final report will be prepared summarizing the activities of the planning team and a recommended concept will be made for review and approval by the congregation.
If a concept is approved, the next steps will be to form a building committee to implement the recommended concept and to form a fund raising committee to secure the necessary funds.

Facilities for Ministry Planning Team Progress

At this time the planning team is nearing the completion of Phase I. Currently, we anticipate completing our activities and moving to the congregational approval step around the first of May.
Should you have any questions or wish to share any comments, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the planning team.
Yours in Service to Christ,

The Facilities for Ministry Planning Team

John Mather, co-chair
Dale Moore, co-chair
Jacob Chacko
Bill Clymer
Judy Fitzgibbons
Mary Hurlburt
Bill Stein
Bill Williams
Lorna Barnes, ex-officio Church Council
Jerry Matchett, ex-officio Church Council
Harlan Gillespie, Senior Pastor