Taking NEXT Steps
I’m excited about the journey we are on together related to our NEXT initiative. I want to update you on some steps that we have recently taken.
Advance Commitment Night. This past Monday, about 230 of us gathered for an incredible time of worship that included singing, Scripture reading, praying, making commitments for NEXT, and a great time of fellowship. The entire night was meaningful, joyful, and worshipful. 118 commitments were made as an act of significant generosity and ultimately as an offering to the Lord. As for reaching our goals (100% participation, as well as the actual financial goal)…we are off to a great start!
If you were not able to be part of that night, keep in mind that we will have another opportunity to make commitments on Sunday, November 15, in each of our worship services.
Architect Selection. This past Tuesday, our Overseers approved for us to engage the Azar + Walsh Architects to begin the planning and design phase of our NEXT initiative. This does not constitute authorization to proceed with construction, which will require a church vote. Rather, it identifies the firm we will work with to develop a more fully defined project, schedule, and budget to present to the church for consideration.
I am thankful for a selection team comprising five Inglesiders with relevant expertise that thoroughly interviewed three architectural firms. After careful consideration, the team recommended to me that we select Azar + Walsh. Being in agreement with their recommendation, I recommended to the Board of Overseers that we choose Azar + Walsh. After reviewing and discussing the proposal, the Board approved the recommendation.
While we do not have an exact date yet, our hope is that sometime in late spring, we will have updated designs and renderings from the architect, as well as refined cost estimates, to present to the church for consideration.
Prayer Team. I am thankful for our NEXT prayer team. This group has committed to praying for the initiative, will meet regularly to do so, and will encourage others in our church to pray as well. The team includes:
Scott Brown Linton Holleman Keri Lynn Smith
David Bruce Mark Kitchens Richard Taylor
Kari Dobson Laura Layfield
Daryl Hayes Luci Reed
With the affection of Christ,
