STEP BY STEP:  APPEAL HISTORY

CONGREGATIONAL MISSION AND VISION

In 2005, every member of the congregation was invited to participate in a series of small-group Mission & Vision Gatherings, focusing on long-term planning as we approached our 150th anniversary. As a result of these gatherings, expansion of our facilities was identified as a top need, given our growing ministries.

FACILITIES TEAM REPORTS TO COUNCIL - 1/06

At the January 22 Council Retreat, the Facilities Team presented a detailed report including eight concept-recommendations for Council:

(1) There is an immediate need for a Multi-purpose Ministry Center (MPMC) with modern kitchen, suitable for congregational gatherings and recreation/activities for Christian Schools/Youth.  (2) Keep the existing Parish Building and Parsonage. Reconfigure and update as necesary for ministries. (3) Don't allow the unavailability of adjacent property  to be an obstacle to ministry - consider our current property.  (4) Even if available, the properity next to the parsonage is not the best location for MPMC since it is too far from the sanctuary.  (5) The best location for MPMC would be adjacent to the current office wing, with the front connected to an expanded narthex space and the rear connected to the exiting parish building. This would require a shift of parking to the front.  (6 & 7) Maintain contact regarding adjacent properities for furture parking, outdoor play space, picnic shelter, etc. (8) As a possible first transition step, explore adding one row of parking along Grace Street.

Council accepted the Facilities Team's concept-recommendations as a starting point for planning and authorized the following steps:  (1) Capital Needs Team to move forward with necesary financial analysis and feasibility proposal for a potential Capital Campaign; (2) Fafcilities team to move forward in exploring specific details of possible MPMC design(s) for presentation and consideration by the Council and congregation; (3) the Facilities Team to compile information from meetings of various ministry teams/committees/guilds, incorporating ideas to ensure facility designs and re-structuring will address current and future ministry callings; and (4) the Council to join with these teams for continued prayer for the Spirit's wisdom and guidance as we seek to discern God's will and specific vision for our congregation's growing ministries.

INFORMATION GATHERING - FEB. TO JUNE 06

From February into June, the Facilities Team shared its eight concept-recommendations with ministry teams, committees, women's and men's groups and other church groups along with a possible sketch of a new building location. Each team/committee/group was aksed to complete an information sheet regarding specific needs/visions for a MPMC. Council considered a preliminary time table that would allow fundraising to begin in late 2006 or early 2007.

COUNCIL ADOPTS POSSIBLE TIME TABLE -3/06

At its regular meeting on March 21, Council adopted a possible time table as a goal subject to change as the process develops:

May/June 2006:  initial congregational meeting to verify general concepts and initiate fundraising process for facilities expansion.

Summer 2006:  Facilities and Capital Needs Teams continue planing work & research to narrow focus for project.

October 2006:  Begin 2-3 year campaign to raise 20 percent of more of possible building cost as up-front payment.

Fall 2008: (or early 2009, if necessary) As we near or surpass our fund goal, Fafcilties Team presents detailed buliding proposal with final cost prjectsions for council/congregational consideration. IF APPROVED, then

Sometime in 2009: (congregations's 150th anniversary) Groundbreaking, construction and/or dedication of expanded facilities.

COUNCIL ACTIONS - MAY 2006

Council held a conference call with a representative of the ELCA Stewardship Leadership program on May 16. At its regular meeting on May 23, Council voted to engage the Key Leadership program for the capital appeal. Cost for a congregation of our size is $5,000 plus cost of printing, postage, and the representative's expenses.

Council also authorized Pastor Eric to contact Karen Sumner, a consultant representative for the ELCA MIssion Investment Building Consultants, to conduct a feasibility study.

COUNCIL ACTIONS - JUNE 2006

The Rev. Dr. Dean Piper of Florida has been assigned by the ELCA Key Stewardship Leader program as the capital appeal consultant for our project. Based on his recommendation, Council approved the January/February time period to conduct our Capital Appeal. Council also received a preliminary report from Karen Sumner, ELCA Mission Investment Fund Building Consultant, on her calculations from figures furnished on a Fainancial Feasibility Information sheet. She will meet with the Council and the Capital Needs/Facilities Teams on Aug. 23.

COMPILING INPUT - JULY THRU AUGUST 2006

The Facilities Team compiled the input from the various congregational committees, ministry teams, and groups. The team presented it summary of facility priorities at the August council meeting.

FEASIBILITY STUDY & MASTER PLAN - AUG. 06

In August 2006, Congregational Council receives the results of the Feasibility Study conducted by the ELCA Building Consultant, which completes an indepth analysis of our membership data, giving patterns, and potential. This Feasibility Report indicates that our congregation could support monthly loan payments in the amount of $4,272 - $5,639 per month. Since Grace had no existing building fund, the report indicated that we would need to have an initial capital appeal raising between $300,000 and $400,000 over the first three years. Based on their calculations, we selected a "medium-range" feasibility number of $986,000 for the entire project.

INFORMATION SESSIONS - SEPTEMBER 2006

Copies of the Facilities Team' report on the facility priorities was presented at information sessions for members of the congregation on Sept. 10, 12 and 14.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - SEPT. 17, 2006

A congregational meeting was held on Sept. 17, 2006, for the purposes of authorizing Congregational Council and the Capital Needs Team to take the steps needed to begin raising funds for a facilities expansion pogram. The two-part motion up for vote included creating a Building Fund to begin receiving offerings in January 2007 and utilizing the ELCA Key Stewardship Leader Program to work with the congregation in planning and conducting a capital fund appeal. The congregation approved this motion and authorized Congregational Council and the Facilities Planning Team to start conducting interviews with architects for the purpose of submitting prelimary drawings and proposals.

OKAY FOR MASTER PLANS/DRAWINGS - 12/06

At the congregational meeting on Dec. 3, 2006, the congregation voted to retain the architectural firm of Carter/Jumper/Sease to proceed with a “master plan” and schematic drawings for the proposed facilities expansion. (See above prelimary plan.) The contracted amount for these initial architectural services is not to exceed $18,000, with $10,000 borrowed from the Property/Maintenance Fund as “seed money” for preparatory planning stages, including up-front payment for architectural services and any necessary preliminary surveys or inspections. Money borrowed from the Property/Maintenance Fund is to be repaid from monies received in early stages of the Capital Appeal.

KICKOFF SUNDAY - JAN. 21, 2007

Our Growing in God’s Grace Building Fund Appeal officially began Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007, with the Rev. Dr. Dean Piper delivering the message at the 11 a.m. service. Dr. Piper has been assigned as the ELCA Key Stewardship Leader for our Growing in God’s Grace campaign.  Dr. Piper also spoke that night at 5:30 p.m. at the annual Leadership Supper. This "kickoff"  inaugurated our three-year building campaign.

10 DAYS OF PRAYER & DEVOTIONS - FEB. 2007

From Feb. 5-14, the entire congregation joined in 10 days of special prayer and devotion using the daily guide in the February Grace newsletter. Everyone was encouraged to spend five minutes each day to read the daily Scripture passage and pray.

PRAYER VIGIL - FEB. 24, 2007

A vigil of prayer was maintained from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, the eve of our Commitment Sunday. We prayed - and continue to pray -  for the miraculous work of the Spirit, to open our hearts to this opportunity for us to grow in God’s  grace - and to join us together in this vision of growth that will share the life-transforming grace of God with more and more people. 

COMMITMENT SUNDAY - FEB. 25, 2007

Sunday, Feb. 25 was our "Growing in God's Grace" Commitment Sunday for pledges for the Building Fund Appeal. The Rev. Dr. Dean Piper returned to bring the message at the morning worship service and led the congregation in making commitments for our "Growing in God's Grace" Building for Ministry program. It was a miracle Sunday!  We prayed and God answered our prayers. The Holy Spirit moved among us as we prayed for an expanding mission and ministry in 2007 and beyond. Our First Report indicated that 76 pledges were received for a total of $273,620 over the three-year pledging period. We were grateful to see 154 worshippers in church on Commitment Sunday. Our appeal continues as follow-up calls are made to those unable to be in church Feb. 25, and letters are sent to congregational friends.  

MORE ON OUR BUILDING PLANS - MARCH 2007

Members had the opportunity to share their questions and feedback on the proposed Master Plan at the Lenten Supper on Wednesday, March 7 at 6:15 p.m. and the Committee Night on Sunday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m.   

MEET THE ARCHITECT - MARCH 2007

A Growing in God’s Grace Ice Cream Celebration was held on Sunday, March 25. Architect Joel Carter made a presentation on our proposed Master Site Plan. 

INFORMATION SESSIONS - APRIL 2007

Congregational Information Sessions were also held Tuesday, April 10;  Monday, April 16; and Sunday, April 22 for those not able to attend the session on March 25. A summary of the architect's presentation was shared, and feedback and suggestions were received. 

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - MAY 20, 2007

A Congregational Meeting was held after the 11:00 a.m. service on Sunday, May 20 for the purpose of voting on whether to proceed with the architect's proposed Master Site plan.  The results of this vote was 66-4 in favor of moving ahead with the Facilities Expansion Project. Prior to this important vote, Congregational Information Sessions were held on Wednesday, May 16; Friday, May 18; and during the Sunday School hour on Sunday, May 20. The congregation also authorized council to enter into contracts necessary to proceed with the design, construction and financing of the project.

CONTRACTOR SELECTED - OCTOBER 2007

After a lengthy interview and research process, Cannon Contraction was selected as contractor of the project and the process of a specific building design was begun.

POTENTIAL LOAN UPDATE -  JUNE 2008

The Capital Needs Team has contacted numerous financial institutions concerning potential financing for the facilities expansion project. In June 2008, we are able to lock-in an exceptional rate with BB&T. Based on our community-oriented Christian Schools ministries, we qualify for an interest-free loan from SC Lutheran Men in Mission. Details of these loans are as follows:

20-year BB&T Loan:          $850,000 maximum at 5.5% for 5 years

10-year SCLMM Loan:       $150,000 interest-free

The BB&T Loan has an 18-month interest-only construction period starting in June 2008. Interest rate and payment amount would be adjusted after 5 years.

The SCLMM Loan must be accepted by May 2009 or we will need to re-apply.

INFORMATION SESSIONS - AUGUST 2008

Congregational information sessions were held on Sunday, August 24 at 10 a.m. and Wednesday,  August 27 at 6:30 p.m. to update the congregation on the latest on our facilities expansion project as we prepare for a tentative September congregational meeting to consider the final proposal.

The Facilities Planning Team, with the leadership of Bob Dibble, has reached a tentative resolution to the issue of the claimed railroad right-of-way with Norfolk Southern.  The Facilities Team is pursuing a hybrid design-build model (vs. a design-bid-build model). Once the right-of-way issue is settled, the next step will be to formally make a recommendation to council and enter a preliminary contract for the actual design of our building in order to arrive at a specific cost. The final design and cost wil be submitted to the congregation for approval.

RAILWAY AGREEMENT - SEPTEMBER 2008

Thanks to the efforts of Bob Dibble, the church obtains clear titlte to a 50-feet stretch of our property to which Norfolk Southern Railroad claimed right-of-way. A long-term annually renewable lease was arranged for an additional 50-foot stretch closest to the tracks.

INFORMATION SESSIONS - JANUARY 2009

In preparation for a called congregational meeting set for Sunday, Jan. 11 to vote on moving forward with our proposed building project, a series of discussion/information sessions were scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 4; Tuesday, Jan. 6; Wednesday, Jan. 7; and Sunday, Jan. 11. Updated information sheets about the project were also included in the December and January newsletters.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - JAN. 11, 2009

At its congregational meeting on Sunday, Jan. 11, the congregation voted 90-7 to move forward with our proposed Phase I Multi-Purpose Ministry Center.The proposal that came before the congregation has a cost of $981,300 with initial monthly loan payments totalling $5,750. Members voted 90-7 in favor of the proposal and authorized Council to determine the best time for construction to begin. Congregational council will hold a called meeting at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 18 to consider a groundbreaking date for the project and to determine if we can begin construction as early as February and to explore any related issues. The contract could be finalized as early as the Council Retreat on Jan. 25 with a potential Groundbreaking date of Feb. 15.

FUNDRAISING/PROMOTION - FEB. 8, 2009

The "Growing in God's Grace" Building Promotion and Fundraising Team held its preliminary meeting on Feb. 8. Council appointed this team to 1) celebrate and encourage the on-going financial contributions to the building fund; 2) to coordinate fundraising projects for the building fund; 3) to promote opportunities for any special item gifts or donations; 4) to encourage long-term/estate gifts and facilitate any future capital appeal; and 5) to foster expanded visions for ministry utilizing the new facilities. 

GROUNDBREAKING - FEBRUARY 15, 2009

Groundbreaking for the new Multi-purpose Ministry Center was held during the morning worship service on Sunday, Feb. 15. The Rev. Virginia Aebischer, SC Synod Assistant to the Bishop, presided over the groundbreaking. Construction preparations began the following day on Monday, Feb. 16.

"SERVANTS OF GOD" PATIO - SEPTEMBER 2009

Donations began being accepted for dedicated bricks for our planned "Servants of God" patio. The goal is to have the names of all Grace members (past and present), friends, and associates on these bricks in order to represent the "great cloud of witnesses" who have served the Kingdom here in this place throughout the decades. Single named bricks may be ordered for a minimum donation of $25 each. Minimum donation per brick for five or more bricks ordered at the same time is $20 each. In addition to a brick for your current family, you may also wish to honor your ancestors or adopt a brick for one of Grace's charter families, or a past Sunday School teacher or pastor. The donor's name will not be included on the brick, but will be recorded in a special donor's book for the patio. Order forms are available in the church narthex or call the church office.

MINISTRY CENTER DEDICATION - OCTOBER 2009

The Rev. Mel Amundson, Assistant to the SC Bishop, assisted the Rev. Eric Fink with the dedication of the new Ministry Center. A 150th Anniversary photo was taken of those in attendance on this special occasion.

150th ANNIVERSARY BANQUET - OCTOBER 24, 2009

The 150th Anniversary Banquet was the first congregational event held in the new ministry center on Saturday, Oct. 24. Special guests were Grace's Golden Age members. The event was catered by Shealy's Barbecue of Leesville and also featured a "sneak peek" of the 150th Anniversary DVD being produced by Roscoe Bedenbaugh.

GGG GOLF TOURNAMENT - NOVEMBER 2, 2009

The first annual Growing in God's Grace Golf Tournament was held Nov. 2, 2009, at Mid-Carolina Club. Sponsored by Grace Lutheran Men in memory of Curtis and Elaine Shealy, this fundraiser for the Building Fund netted $1,772.69.

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING MEAL - NOVEMBER 2009

Grace's new Ministry Center enabled the congregation to sponsor a free Thanksgiving Meal for those in the community in need or alone on Thanksgiving Day.

NARTHEX, PARKING DEDICATION - DECEMBER 20, 2009

The expanded narthex and new parking areas were dedicated to the glory of God by the Rev. Eric Fink at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20.

PATIO DEDICATION - ???? 2010

Our new "Servants of God" patio near the narthex entry doors is taking shape. The patio bricks have been laid out by volunteers, and is beautified by a beautiful bench given by Bob & Heather Harris and a 150th anniversary cross given in honor of Pastor Eric by Larry & Lori Williams, Ron & Ann Calsing, and Glenda & Everett Crafts. Johnny Merck continues to work on engraving the named bricks for the patio. Dedication will be held in the coming months as the engraved bricks are finished. Donations are still being accepted for dedicated bricks for our planned "Servants of God" patio at $25 per single brick or $20 per brick for orders of five or more. Order forms are available in the church narthex or call the church office.