Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality (love for the stranger) -- Romans 12:13
The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart — not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. -- 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart — not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. -- 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Church, I ask you to pray. In 2007, Creekside Church completed Phase 1 of a two part dream for our church building. Phase 1 replaced the front half of our building with our worship center, lobby, and youth rooms and Phase 2 was to demolish and rebuild the back Creekside Kids rooms, Bible study rooms, offices, and an indoor basketball court.
In the 17 years since the completion of Phase 1 the dream of Phase 2 hasn’t faded and for the last two years God has done amazing things. As we seek the Lord and engage in the church's commission of outreach, evangelism, and discipleship, He has increased our numbers and we look ahead to growth in the Lord as we shine brightly for Him at 2876 G St.
The dream of Phase 2 lives on but there is a gap of where we are to where we need to be to responsibly take on that project. After considering the budget and consulting with the EFCA, our church needs to at least double and likely triple in size. The good news is that I believe God has big plans for Creekside and I think that well within the range of outcomes of the future at Creekside is the completion of Phase 2. Our Lord is faithful. Our debt free status as a church and full ownership of the property is a significant benefit and testament to God’s work in this church for the last 40 years.
This is why I want to introduce the idea of Phase 1.5. Phase 1.5 is a stewardship of what God has given us and it’s a look ahead in anticipation of what He will do through Phase 2. Phase 1.5 is a desire to do everything we do today with excellence and to continue that excellence into the future (Colossians 3:23-24). In many ways we’ve already started Phase 1.5 last summer as we put $60k into a new roof. Now that it doesn’t rain inside our rooms, it’s time to get them to a level that will welcome our neighbors and facilitate the anticipated growth of our church. This isn’t anything new as many conversations have ensued over the last 2 years to focus efforts on room revitalization.
Phase 1.5 is also a radical reliance on our God who gives us every resource to reap a harvest for His glory. James 4 says “You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” We’re not seeking God through this because we want to be a famous church in Merced or to take pleasure in the facilities we do have. We are asking God to provide as we strive to be an outpost for the kingdom of God here in Merced. We’re asking God to provide for His church, by His church, from His people both within and outside of Creekside.
Our pledge goal is $50k. This would be giving above and beyond our normal tithing. Our estimated needs are between $20-$30k and we want to give head room for anything unexpected. Any remaining funds from our fundraising would be designated for Phase 2. Theoretically, we could pay this from our savings so we are insulated in a way, but ideally we would raise the money outside of our savings.
The mechanics of Phase 1.5 are simple. As money is raised and pledged then managed by our leadership team, we will start each room and space as smaller projects of the greater Phase 1.5 vision. On the attached page is each room in approximate order of urgency with approximate needs and estimated costs. After each room is accomplished we will celebrate it both internally and make public community updates for our neighbors.
There are 3 primary ways you can donate to this project; financially, voluntarily, and through your connections. The final significant ask is for a project leader/campaign manager. This role would help keep this vision at the forefront of the church's mind, be the point of contact for our project, and to be creative with our resources, volunteers, and finances. If God lays it on your heart to donate in faith, or sponsor a room ahead please contact me directly. Phase 1.5 is simply in its idea stage. I am totally open to exploring other avenues of room revitalization as the Lord leads.
Right now we are not voting on anything. We are simply asking for our church to seek the face of God for His will for how to steward what we have as well as we can. Ask the Lord how you can serve and give to this vision and need for our church. This is a big task but we serve a God who resources His church for the ministry he calls us to. We would want the members of Creekside to be fully on board if we were to adopt a proposal like this.
So please pray. Seek the Lord daily for His will for this project. Ask Him to provide. Ask Him how you can get involved. Ask the Lord to show you how to give of your time, talents, and treasures generously.
I am excited for the future and to shine even brighter for our Lord in the City of Mercy,
Pastor Mike
In the 17 years since the completion of Phase 1 the dream of Phase 2 hasn’t faded and for the last two years God has done amazing things. As we seek the Lord and engage in the church's commission of outreach, evangelism, and discipleship, He has increased our numbers and we look ahead to growth in the Lord as we shine brightly for Him at 2876 G St.
The dream of Phase 2 lives on but there is a gap of where we are to where we need to be to responsibly take on that project. After considering the budget and consulting with the EFCA, our church needs to at least double and likely triple in size. The good news is that I believe God has big plans for Creekside and I think that well within the range of outcomes of the future at Creekside is the completion of Phase 2. Our Lord is faithful. Our debt free status as a church and full ownership of the property is a significant benefit and testament to God’s work in this church for the last 40 years.
This is why I want to introduce the idea of Phase 1.5. Phase 1.5 is a stewardship of what God has given us and it’s a look ahead in anticipation of what He will do through Phase 2. Phase 1.5 is a desire to do everything we do today with excellence and to continue that excellence into the future (Colossians 3:23-24). In many ways we’ve already started Phase 1.5 last summer as we put $60k into a new roof. Now that it doesn’t rain inside our rooms, it’s time to get them to a level that will welcome our neighbors and facilitate the anticipated growth of our church. This isn’t anything new as many conversations have ensued over the last 2 years to focus efforts on room revitalization.
Phase 1.5 is also a radical reliance on our God who gives us every resource to reap a harvest for His glory. James 4 says “You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” We’re not seeking God through this because we want to be a famous church in Merced or to take pleasure in the facilities we do have. We are asking God to provide as we strive to be an outpost for the kingdom of God here in Merced. We’re asking God to provide for His church, by His church, from His people both within and outside of Creekside.
Our pledge goal is $50k. This would be giving above and beyond our normal tithing. Our estimated needs are between $20-$30k and we want to give head room for anything unexpected. Any remaining funds from our fundraising would be designated for Phase 2. Theoretically, we could pay this from our savings so we are insulated in a way, but ideally we would raise the money outside of our savings.
The mechanics of Phase 1.5 are simple. As money is raised and pledged then managed by our leadership team, we will start each room and space as smaller projects of the greater Phase 1.5 vision. On the attached page is each room in approximate order of urgency with approximate needs and estimated costs. After each room is accomplished we will celebrate it both internally and make public community updates for our neighbors.
There are 3 primary ways you can donate to this project; financially, voluntarily, and through your connections. The final significant ask is for a project leader/campaign manager. This role would help keep this vision at the forefront of the church's mind, be the point of contact for our project, and to be creative with our resources, volunteers, and finances. If God lays it on your heart to donate in faith, or sponsor a room ahead please contact me directly. Phase 1.5 is simply in its idea stage. I am totally open to exploring other avenues of room revitalization as the Lord leads.
Right now we are not voting on anything. We are simply asking for our church to seek the face of God for His will for how to steward what we have as well as we can. Ask the Lord how you can serve and give to this vision and need for our church. This is a big task but we serve a God who resources His church for the ministry he calls us to. We would want the members of Creekside to be fully on board if we were to adopt a proposal like this.
So please pray. Seek the Lord daily for His will for this project. Ask Him to provide. Ask Him how you can get involved. Ask the Lord to show you how to give of your time, talents, and treasures generously.
I am excited for the future and to shine even brighter for our Lord in the City of Mercy,
Pastor Mike
Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done in Merced and at Creekside as it is in heaven
Nursery ~$4k
Vision: to better utilize the space for the dynamic range of ages and abilities from 0-4 years old. This includes new toys/equipment, new flooring, paint and wall repair, murals, removal of closet and interior wall, installation of jungle gym, and, in conjunction with the bathroom project, add a toddler sized toilet to the nursery.
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Bathrooms ~$10k
Vision: to have good bathrooms. This includes fixing walls, new stall walls, fix broken toilets and urinals, repair tile, epoxy resin refinishing on tiles, new dividers, better lighting, and installing a mini-bathroom in the nursery.
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Room 8/3rd-6th ~$1k
Vision: this room has some great things like the carpet. This room mainly needs decluttering, paint, and a solution for the ceiling water damage. There is a wide range of options for the ceiling that will vary the cost significantly.
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Room 10/K-2nd ~$3k
Vision: The room (room 7) we’re currently in is very small for the age we’re serving. This is also the sparks room. This room needs new carpet, paint, wall repair, and light fixture repair.
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Fireside Room ~$3k
Vision: This is our most versatile back room for Bible studies, deacon team meetings, new member meetings, etc and we want to make it more hospitable by replacing the carpet, painting, exploring new lighting options, getting new furniture and getting a conference style table for meetings and studies.
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Miscellaneous Courtyard Projects (varying costs)
There are numerous courtyard projects that have needs. Each one can be done on an individual basis.
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- Power washing courtyard for dirt
- Repairing awnings and painting the interior - Replacing windows - Replacing Basketball hoops - Adding canopy/shade structure for playground |
- Repainting lines in courtyard
- Painting all doors inside and out - Replacing sitting chairs - Replacing water fountain - Repainting and repairing kitchen cabinets |
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Room 7 ~$1k
Vision: this room is the smallest and likely best as a staging room for room 8 due to its size. The upgrades that can be done here would be similar to room 8. Ceiling, lighting, paint, and carpet need to be upgraded.
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Pastor’s Office
Numerous people have come to me saying that my office should expand into the next room. While I am flattered at the thought, and would welcome a larger office, this would be the lowest priority over everything else discussed in this packet.