For quite some time our congregation has desired to build a new church for several reasons, including the need for more space and the desire to worship in an Orthodox structure that speaks to our way of life. Those are typically good reasons, but the rationale for a church is actually much deeper than that. This newsletter series will unfold our purpose in building a temple dedicated unto the Lord and our patron Saint John of Konstadt, as we contemplate our communal work before Christ. This article will give the background of where we stand so far.
In the fall of 2010 Father James blessed an individual to start speaking with an architect from Studio 951. In December a building committee was formed, consisting of Ben Whitener, Rich Leiter, Nate Perez, Father James Dank and Deni Lautenschlager. The committee meets on the third Thursday of every month to formulate goals and a timeline for completion of our project.
During our time together we have decided, with the blessing of Father James, that our Plan A for building this Holy Temple would be to stay on the current property. This would include buying the three houses to the east and the pink house to the north of our current church. Once we formulated the plan, we asked the architect owner Dave Johnson and architect Matt Wills to draw up a conceptual plan of the first floor of the church on the properties to the east of the current church.
A couple months ago Studio 951 presented us with drawings on a several different locations, based on if we do not acquire all the properties. These drawings are on display at St. John's, on the building campaign bulletin board. The temple would be facing east with the idea that the current church would become a parking lot. The plan would also include a basement for fellowship hall, kitchen, and Sunday school rooms. The second story balcony would be a "cry room" with a window to look out for nursing mothers, or parents would like to have their children calm while still participating in the liturgy. The baptismal chamber, located on the left, will be under the floor. When not in use, the door to the chamber would close and become part of the floor.
We have not hired Studio 951 yet, nor will we hire any architect until we have acquired all four properties. In the short time we have met as a committee, we have already bought one house to the east and recently put money down on the pink house to the north! That means we already are halfway to our goal of acquiring the properties ! GLORY TO GOD!
Financially we still have a long way to go. Our goal is to pay off the mortgage on the pink house as quickly as possible. We ask that in the coming months that you would prayerfully consider giving an offering above and beyond the 10% tithe that you contribute to the parish. If you feel led to contribute specifically to this project, please designate your gift for the "New Building Fund."
Prayer of Accord
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, you have said by Your pure lips that "if two or three agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
Inscrutable are Your words, O Lord. your love of Mankind knows no limits. your mercy is without end. We Your servants the parishioners of St. John of Kronstadt Church pray in accord for wisdom, unity and guidance as we work to expand our facilities to meet the needs of our growing congregation.
Help us in all our works, today, tomorrow and on any day, that these may be to Your glory. But not as we will, but as You will. Your will be done. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
