by Anna C.
There has been a lot of movement on the expansion project front.
- We have now received 3 bids from general contractors and one statement of intent to bid when we are further along in the building permit process. Please note that these bids have not yet been reviewed. The steering committee and parish council will be studying the bids and will select the winning bid.
- In his quarterly report to the parish council, our treasurer announced that the total funds remaining for project planning amount to $207,354. This should be adequate to cover all expenses up to the building permit. These funds were gathered from early donations that began trickling in unsolicited.
- A team of volunteers has been interviewing a segment of about 30 parishioners across all age groups on the needs and challenges that the expansion project should address. We are grateful for the cooperation and generosity of those interviewed. We are learning so much about our fellow parishioners and what is important to them in their relationship with the church.
- In our effort to learn from others’ successes and mistakes, the parish council is inviting representatives from other churches that have had successful capital campaigns to talk to us. Our first speaker was from Fr. Cosmin from St. Andrew's. Romanian Orthodox Church in Potomac, Maryland. Their story is fascinating. What struck us is their optimism, willingness to take risks, patience and dedication.
- Even though the congregation is considerably smaller than ours, they have succeeded in raising approximately 4.5 million dollars in the course of several years through generous and repeated donations, a grant, bank loans and various fundraising events, including two annual festivals.
- Our civil engineer is busy putting the finishing touches on a site plan package that will be submitted to the county for approval before we can apply for a building permit. These are complex processes that involve continuous feedback from the country and adjustments on our part. It could well take us a year before we have a building permit at hand. This will give us adequate time to complete fundraising and, if adequate funds have been raised, begin construction.
