Building Phase 1: Fall 2008

Word of Peace's current facility is used for ministry to both our congregation and the community. As a congregation, we have recognized that our ministry is hampered by lack of space—especially for ministry to children. The plans for Phase I include the addition of six classrooms, a large meeting room and enlarging our nursery as well as our youth and education offices.

In January, the congregation approved the first steps toward going forward to build Phase I, which included the funding for the plans of the addition and the planning of the fall pledge drive. After Church Council approval in May, a special Congregational Meeting was held on June 1st, at which a motion was given to start the building process in 2008 rather than 2009, and to secure the necessary loans to cover the cost of the project. The motion was approved 188 to 3.

Because of an increase in cost of materials since the original bid, the Church Council found it necessary to review the financing for the project.  in August, a special Congregational Meeting was held, where our congregation approved to go ahead with the building and finance an additional amount to cover the increased costs.  This motion was approved 108 to 8.

Construction Issues
During construction, our primary focus will be to ensure the safety of our children, members, visitors and staff. Steps are being made to address any safety issues that may arise during construction. Other issues that need to be ironed out include the availability of some classrooms affected by the construction, volunteer needs, and critical building use dates (specifically preschool and fall education programs). Church Council and Word of Peace staff are working diligently to address these issues as well.

Construction will not affect preschool, with the other than the parents and visitors are being asked to come through the main East doors of the church to bring their kids to and from class.   The South entrance/exit will be under construction.