Tell us in general what this building project involves that we’re hearing so much about (vision, cost, goals)?

Our vision here at Armstrong Chapel is “Changing Lives and Our World through Jesus Christ.” We believe Jesus will make a big difference in people of all ages – youth, children, adults. When Jesus brings new hope and purpose to our lives God then shows us how we can make a positive contribution to people in our schools, community, homes, and world.
Living out our vision takes resources. It takes faith, people using their individual gifts and time in ministry and money. We also looked at our physical facilities and began to dream about what would be needed to fulfill our vision.
Then Master Plan is a work in progress, but it does show us how we respond to the facilities needs we identified.
Here are some of the things we want or facility to provide:
♣ Space to strengthen and expand VI’s ministry and reach more youth.
♣ A separate area for our Faith Infusion worship to add to its attractiveness and creativity.
♣ An updating and refurbishing of our existing building facilities (which have served us for 50 years).
♣ A renewed and upgraded pipe organ to strengthen our more traditional worship service.
♣ An area or design that will help unite us and enhance fellowship as we participate in various ministries.
♣ An enhanced area for children and adult education.
♣ A space where large dinners, sports and recreational activities can take place.

The whole Master Plan is projected to cost about $13.5 million.

How long has this project been in the works?

Our visioning process began in the fall of 2005. Our Building and Facilities Committee began its work a little over a year ago. But, church leaders have been discussing the need for some things like additional space for the youth ministry for about five years.

What provisions will this project make for VI students and their families?

The Master Plan includes an area for youth ministry that is about three times the size of the current youth room. That are would have high ceilings and flexibility to be decorated in ways that make it attractive for youth.
That’s not all. The “auditorium” (we haven’t decided on a permanent name yet) would provide space for youth worship and nearby education rooms will be available for youth “break-out rooms” or for events involving youth and their families.
Of course, youth and their families will also benefit from improvements in technology, and a lot of other general improvements that make the building more attractive and functional.

What excites you the most about this project?

Two things. First, I’m excited about the new ministry opportunities our renovated and expanded facilities will provide. Just think of the creative things VI can do in new space. We will be able to host the community in a new way in the “auditorium”, have more education classes for spiritual growth and much more.
Second, I’m excited about the idea that we can do more than help ourselves. We can provide facilities that will serve the needs of people for years to come. We have the facilities we have today because fifty years ago people I don’t even know today took a step of faith and build the building we have today. I’m grateful to them. Fifty years from now I think there will be people who look back and are thankful for our faith and sacrifice.

How can students and families contribute?

First, they can pray for the faith and wisdom of our congregation as we proceed.
Second, in a few months all of us will have an opportunity to contribute. I remember a story of a teenage young man over 80 years ago who made a commitment to support his church’s building program. He sold papers, washed cars, did odd jobs and worked for three years to fulfill his commitment. That young man went on to serve God in mighty ways throughout his life. His congregation is one of the strongest churches in our area today.
Third, as our Capital Campaign moves forward youth will be asked to take some responsibilities. What a great way to invest yourselves in the work of Jesus Christ!

What will be the most difficult hurdle?

Two hurdles come to mind. One is moving forward in unity. Not everyone will agree 100% about every aspect of any building proposal. But, if we can hold on to the vision together and be willing to seek the good of the whole church (and not just what we want for ourselves) God will do an amazing thing.
The other hurdle is raising the needed financial resources for the project. It is a very large project. Not every one can give at the same level. A great phrase comes to mind: Not equal gifts but equal sacrifice. If we all will ask God what God wants to do through us and then trust and obey him, I really believe that God will do more than we at first might imagine.

Who designed the new building?

The short answer is that Champlin-Haupt Architects prepared the Master Plan drawings. A better answer is that the people of Armstrong Chapel did. The Visioning Team helped by establishing a vision. That vision and our strategic goals suggested some needs. Various leadership groups in the church (like the VI leaders and Youth Ministry Support Team) gave input to the needs. Over 100 people returned surveys and provided input to the Building and Facilities Committee. All these inputs went into the drawings that we call the Master Plan.
It is also good to remember that the Master Plan is just the first stage of drawings. Later more detailed and complete drawings will be done.

We hear something about different phases to the building. Can you tell us about those and when realistic completion goals might be met?

Many churches that take on very large projects like ours find that for financial reasons they have to complete the project in two of more steps. We have talked about two phases.
Phase One would include the renovation of the current facility, new youth space, the auditorium, children’s education space, a new gathering area and the organ. It is projected to cost $8.5 million dollars.
Phase Two would include a gymnasium/fellowship hall or “family life”- type center, additional classroom and meeting space, and a entirely new kitchen (rather than a renovated one). It would also enable us to bring the church offices back into the main building.
Assuming a successful capital stewardship campaign that raises enough money to complete Phase One, construction could probably begin in 2009 with completion in late 2009 or early 2010.

Is there anything that did not make it into the final plan you wish had been included?

Not really! I believe our current plan will enhance our ministry in dramatic ways.

Is there anything else?

We haven’t yet talked about missions. Our plan is that 5% of the money raised in our capital campaign will go to missions. Some of this will be designated for our Mission Endowment; some to our West Ohio Conference capital campaign; and some to mission projects chosen by our Missions Committee.
We are doing this because even as God blesses us we want to help others as well.