A building program is an exciting and challenging time in the life of a church. As Christians we are called both to act in faith, knowing that God will provide, and to be good, careful stewards of those resources He has placed in our care. Balancing these responsibilities can be difficult as a church grows. Fortunately Saint Andrew has been blessed with a supportive congregation and valuable experience gained from Phase One of our expansion. The following questions and answers are the first in a series we will be publishing in order to keep you informed about the direction of our building campaign. We hope that you will also take a moment to jot down any questions you might have and drop them in the box in the parlor or pass them along to Rev. Sandell. We’ll try to provide an answer and add them to future publications — anonymously, of course.

Why are we considering additional expansion?

This second phase of expansion is an integral part and, in many ways, the most important part of the overall building plan for Saint Andrew. While the first phase provided us with much needed classroom and administrative space, the second phase will enable us to complete our goal of becoming a truly inclusive and accessible church for all of our members. The Presbyterian Book of Order states,

When a place is set aside for worship it should facilitate accessibility and ease of gathering, should generate a sense of community, and should open people to reverence before God.”

Our church currently does not have sufficient space for all members to gather together in fellowship and many areas are inaccessible to those with restricted mobility. The addition of the fellowship hall and elevator will correct this.

What did we get from the last building campaign?

Phase One of our building expansion provided us with seven additional Sunday School classrooms, new church offices, handicapped accessible restrooms, a Narthex large enough to allow better traffic flow and fellowship, and an upgraded heating and cooling system.

What will be included in Phase Two?

Phase Two will include an elevator, a large ground-floor kitchen, a new fellowship hall that will accommodate up to 300 people, a ground-floor nursery, and a new choir room.

Is it prudent to build with the economy like it is now?

Often the greatest opportunities for ministry coincide with the most difficult times economically. When times are tough churches see an influx of people, a greater need in the community, and a greater need within the church family. The church is then challenged with the need to accommodate them. At the same time that we are seeing a greater need in the community, construction costs a coming down making this a particularly important and appropriate time for growth.

How can I help?

Your gifts and donations, large or small, will go a long way towards making our new building a reality. While direct financial contributions and pledges are needed and encouraged, you may wish to consider assets other than cash, including stocks, mutual funds, insurance that is no longer needed, or government bonds that no longer pay interest.

For more information on how you might give please contact Kathy Dorwart at 301-223-8887.