Cornerstone and sanctuary construction set to wrap up mid-May
The past year has been a tough one, but some really good things have emerged as well:
Pollution is down.
Hobbies are back.
Zoos and museums have online tours.
Dogs everywhere are very, very happy.
And while it’s been hard to be apart as a Soapstone family, we too are experiencing some God-timed goodness in watching the second floor Cornerstone construction and sanctuary fireproofing take place without any disruption of what would be the normal busy buzz of church activities and worship.
Amazing progress has taken place and we are happy to share that we have a target completion date of mid-May to earn our Certificate of Occupancy for both spaces.
We are planning to hold our first sanctuary worship services in over a year on Pentecost, May 23, at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. PRAISE!
A huge thank you to Don Keller and the Building Committee who have kept the dust from settling over recent months via Zoom calls, masked walk-throughs and careful attention to every detail and dollar spent. As a result of their efforts and those of our general contractor, we are positioned to come in nearly $60K under budget. (Another unexpected blessing!)
We are now considering with Church Council and the advice of our Finance Committee, who are helping to take the full Soapstone financial picture into consideration, whether to move forward to shift from a state of occupancy to one of true usability. Additional items for this would include, but not be limited to:
- More flooring
- More painting
- Wi-Fi
- Security cameras
- A/V setup
- Kitchenette with appliances
- Serving island with special lighting
Because multiple trades are involved, installation of these items can be managed more efficiently by the general contractor while the space is still under construction.
We’ll soon begin conversations around the next phase of the project, which includes funding for tables, chairs, casual seating, and other equipment needed to make the space inviting and fully operational for a variety of uses.
We are so grateful for your continued interest, prayers and financial gifts that have made this possible. Even a pandemic can’t keep the Soapstone community from progress! Many of you are on track to complete or have completed your Cornerstone pledges, and we thank you. If you need to know where you stand, feel free to contact our Financial Secretary, Katie Cable. To give to our Cornerstone Project click here or mail a check to Soapstone UMC.
COVID has changed a lot about our world and Pastor Mitzi is reconvening our Community Connections Team to consider the most impactful ways this space can be used – ways to address needs we couldn’t have even imagined when we began planning. What a beautiful testament to collectively coming together and placing our faith in the One who readies us for what we can’t yet see.
Grace and Peace,
The Cornerstone Steering Committee