FAQs

We’ve posted the answers to the frequently asked questions!

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Building Plan | Schedule | Finances | Partnership

Building Plan

1. How many people will the new facility accommodate? How was this number determined?
   The new sanctuary will seat approximately 500 people, and is based on the vision of our church. Should MCC ever need to accommodate more than 500 people, a church plant in a neighboring community would be pursued rather than expanding further.
2. What is the layout of the new sanctuary?
   The proposed sanctuary is 80 ft x80 ft. Take a look at the preliminary drawings available on the Resources Page.
3. What will be located in the basement under the sanctuary?
   The basement will include a complete nursery care center,restrooms, and rooms for Sunday School classes (youth and adult) and committee meetings.
4. How much space is dedicated for outdoor activities and parking in the new plan?
   Our current design will allow for a total of 228 parking spaces, with the majority located on an expanded upper level parking lot and a new, smaller lower level parking lot below the new sanctuary. Our current plan is to only finish a portion of the parking lot with the actual construction phase, with the remaining parking to be completed as additional funding allows. Since the number of parking spaces required is based on the total seating in the sanctuary, this plan will be contingent upon municipality regulations and requirements.

   Until the lower level parking lot is completed, this space will be available for various outdoor activities. Unfortunately, once this parking space is finished, our outdoor space will be largely absorbed by the required parking lots.

5. What will the new nursery be like?
   The current design of the basement allows for a 5-room nursery care center. The center will consist of a single sign-in area, a nursing mother’s room, a crib room, restrooms, and three separate nurseries – for infants, tweeners, and toddlers. The preliminary drawing of this area can be found on the Resources Page.
6. What portion of the new facility will be used by the youth activities?
   We will be able to use the new classrooms for children’s church and youth Sunday School classes, and the old sanctuary will be available to house numerous youth activities including Powered UP! and youth groups.
7. What will be completed during each phase of construction?
   The detailed list of items to be completed will be determined once we receive formal bids for the construction; however, we do have a list of what we hope to complete during the construction phase:

   At the end of the proposed construction phase, the following should be completed:

   • The exterior of the new church (both the existing facility and the new facility), excluding landscaping plants
   • The upper level parking, exterior lighting, storm water retention,and grading
   • For the new sanctuary: carpeting, finished walls, lighting,seating, and possibly the audio system
   • For the wing connecting the old and new facilities: the pastoral offices, the restrooms, a new entrance/drop-off area, and a new lobby/gathering area.

   At the end of the proposed construction phase, the following will not be completed:

   • The lower level parking located to the left of the new facility and the far right upper level parking will not be completed. Detailed drawings are available on the Resources Page.
   • Renovations to the existing building, with the exception of the new office and connecting hallway, will not be completed.
   • The basement under the new sanctuary will consist of painted concrete block, cement flooring, fluorescent lighting. The new nursery facility and classrooms will not be completed.

   Additional funding will be required to complete the items listed above.

8. How will the original facilities be used?
   Until the new nursery is complete, we will continue to use the current nurseries on Sunday mornings. Portions of the existing offices will be used to house the new pastoral offices. The existing sanctuary will become our new fellowship hall, to house church luncheons and dinners,youth group events, and other church events.In the long term, we hope to also expand the kitchen into the current Sunday school rooms, located adjacent to the present sanctuary.

Schedule

1. How long will the fund raising portion of the plan take before we begin construction?

   The detailed construction schedule depends on the following factors:

   • The amount of funds raised to support the design, government approvals,and construction, which will be determined in the following weeks as pledge cards are submitted
   • The actual cost of construction, which will be determined by the formal construction bids obtained in late 2008/early 2009 (after construction drawings are completed and government approvals are obtained)
   • The mortgage required to complete the construction, which also depends on the funds raised and bids received. Refer to the Finances section below for additional information.
   • The completion of all construction drawings and necessary government approvals, which will require the majority of 2008.

   As a result, construction could occur as early as 2009 or as late as 2011.

2. When will the new facility be completed and ready for use?
   The construction phase is expected to last approximately 12-14 months, but will not be defined until the actual contract is placed. Contract placement is contingent upon the items described above in Schedule Question1.
3. Will we be able to continue to use the church during construction?
   We expect to be able to use the existing church facility and parking lot throughout the construction phase.
4. Will we only have one Sunday morning worship service when the new sanctuary is completed?
   Absolutely!

Finances

1. How much will the new facility cost – from start to finish?

   The new church facility will cost an estimated 2.9 million dollars. Note that the actual cost will be contingent upon the following factors:

   • The date the contract is placed. Building costs in recent years have increased by approximately 8 to 10 percent each year, so the sooner we place the contract, the less the actual building costs will be.
   • The amount of the actual bids received and negotiated. The building committee has received a range of estimates from various builders,both above and below the estimated 2.9 million dollars.

   The scope of the initial construction phase is defined in the Building Plan Question 7. Additional funding will be required to complete those items not included in the proposed construction phase.

2. How much have we already spent in the design and planning of the new facility?
   Approximately $46,100 has been spent as of December 2007 for surveys, topographical maps and preliminary architectural design fees.
3. How does MCC plan on funding the building expansion?
   MCC currently plans on using funds raised from this capital campaign to fund the completion of the construction drawings and the necessary government approvals throughout 2008. A mortgage will be considered for the portion of the construction that is not funded by the proceeds of this capital campaign.
4. Approximately how much do we expect to raise in pledges?

   The capital campaign committee hopes to raise at least 1 million dollars in pledges over the next three years. Funds above and beyond this target will be essential in minimizing the amount mortgaged.

5. If we obtain a mortgage, what will be the term and interest rate?
   The building committee is currently investigating the current mortgage rates available.
6. Is it likely that MCC will have to divert funds typically used for out reach and ministry to make payments on the mortgage?
   No. All funding required to build the new sanctuary is separate from the current operating budget, and will therefore not impact the current ministry at MCC.
7. What will we do if insufficient funds are pledged? Will the current building plan be re-evaluated, or will the balance simply be mortgaged?
   This will be evaluated once all pledges have been received.

Partnership

1. How do I become a partner in the Walking the Path campaign?
   We encourage all members and regular attenders to step out in faith with us and become a partner by pledging to give a weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly gift.

   Download the campaign brochure »
   Download a pledge card »

   Pledges and donations may be made at any time; contact us for more detailed information about giving options.

2. How may I donate stock to the campaign?
   MCC has a working relationship with Mike Urban at A.G. Edwards. Please contact Jane Ahlstrom (724-327-8411 x14)to obtain account, contact information, and to work out any specifics regarding donating stock.