Church Expansion

This week, I wanted to use the Priestly Ponderings to inform you of the exciting work that is about to begin on the church building. As we have continued to grow, we have often reached our maximum capacity on the typical Sunday mornings, to say nothing of Christmas and Easter. Part of the building plans that have been drawn up and have been the intention of the parish since its original construction is to remove the two rooms at the back of the nave (the nursery and classroom). We already have the additional pews, which are now being upholstered, and will increase the seating of the nave from 78 to 120 people. While we will lose the larger nursery, we will maintain a smaller mother’s room or nursing room with the one-way window at the back of the nave. Additionally, upper and lower cabinetry with counterspace will be added to the Fellowship Hall (MacGregor Hall) in place of the current tables against the wall to accommodate additional storage needs and assist with coffee hour.

Now that we have received our permits and have the crews all lined up, the demolition and construction process will begin on October 13th. Because the rooms were made to be taken down, the renovations should only take a week and a half, affecting one Sunday. We have planned for this to be on a Morning Prayer Sunday, since the nave will be under construction. This will allow us to hold the Morning Prayer outside. The 8 AM Holy Communion service will still be held.

We are making this renovation now because there are immediate needs; however, there are further building plans that the Building Committee has worked on. These will be presented at our Annual Parish Meeting on November 2nd, where we will also begin a capital campaign to start raising funds for the future extension of the church.

With all of this said, we have some work that needs to be done in preparation for these renovations, namely, clearing out the rooms. If you are able, stick around on Sunday, the 12th, after the service and coffee hour, and we will put you to work. It shouldn’t take too long, and many hands make light work.

This is indeed a blessing that God has granted us the ability and stability to do this. Earlier this week, an email was sent out to the clergy of the diocese informing them that a church in Dark County, Ohio, within our diocese had to close its doors due to a lack of members. It was a faithful church with good leadership, and I am sure God has used the church in people’s lives there. And, ultimately, God prunes the vine so that the rest of the vine might flourish. However, this is a reminder to all of us that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). We give thanks for the blessings of God in our lives because we receive all things to us by his grace.

And thank you all for your faithfulness and sacrifice as you join in the work that God is doing here at All Saints and in Raleigh.