Lake Grove Presbyterian Church

Sanctuary Enhancement Project

Questions & Answers

1. What is the Sanctuary Enhancement Project (SEP)?
   The Sanctuary Enhancement Project will address significant Sanctuary refurbishment needs and add capabilities that will enhance worship and other uses of the Sanctuary.
   
2. What are some of the refurbishment needs?
   The Sanctuary was built in 1959 and needs refurbishment.  The flooring, the walls, and some pews need repair or replacement.  Some of the flooring is asbestos tile, which requires proper removal and disposal.  The pew cushions are faded and warped.  The finishes are dark and dated.  The room does not comply with current City code regarding disability access.  The sound system is inadequate, outmoded, and temperamental.  The lighting is also inadequate for the congregation and musical groups, especially in the evening.  The chancel area is inflexible and not aligned to current needs.
   
3. What are some of the enhancement needs?
   Through an extensive congregational survey, the congregation identified the need to improve (1) chancel and nave lighting, (2) sound system operability, (3) chancel flexibility, (4) choir seating, (5) pulpit visibility, and (6) audio/visual capability.  If possible, the congregation requested lighter walls, more natural light, and a connection to God’s environment.  In addition, the congregation expressed the strong desire to keep the “character” of the room.  The room has “good bones” and these “good bones” need to be preserved. 
   
4. When did this project start?  What work has been done?
   The project began in 2006 when the Session concluded that a major project was needed to refurbish and renew the Sanctuary, which was approaching 50 years of age.  The Session recognized the wisdom of evaluating opportunities to enhance the facility at the same time, believing this to be good stewardship.  So, a team of volunteers was commissioned by the Session to begin a dialogue with the congregation about refurbishment needs and enhancement opportunities.  This team completed its work and shared its conclusions with the congregation at last year’s Annual Congregational Meeting. 
   
   Early in 2007, the Session commissioned another team of volunteers to design a plan that addressed the identified needs and opportunities.  This work was largely completed in September of 2007 at which time the recommended plan was carefully reviewed by the Session at its Fall retreat.  The Session unanimously endorsed the plan and subsequently commissioned another team with the goal of completing the project in the summer of 2008, pending congregational approval at the January meeting.
   
   In order to complete the project in the summer of 2008, some work had to proceed in advance of congregational approval.  A few individuals, believing strongly in the project, agreed to fund the work.  The work that has been done to-date is critical to completing the project this summer.
   
5. What happens if the congregation decides not to pursue the endorsed plan?
   If the congregation decides not to pursue the endorsed plan, much of the work that has been done to-date with the congregation and with the many volunteers who have worked on this project will be put on the shelf for potential use in the future, but we need to recognize that much of this work may be lost.  Nevertheless, we know that some work is still required to repair and refurbish the Sanctuary (e.g. the floors, the lighting, the sound system, and compliance issues).  This work will have to be folded into a yet-to-be defined project or projects. 
   
6. When will construction begin and when will the project be completed?
   If approved, construction will begin on or about May 1st and end in mid-October.  The Sanctuary will be close on May 12th and re-open on September 7th.
   
7. How much will it cost?
   The cost of the project is estimated to be $1.6 million.  This estimated is based upon a detailed estimate by our architect.
   
8. How will we pay for this project?
   As of this date, approximately 40 families have stepped forward to contribute $150,000 in cash to the project and pledged an additional $200,000+.  Like the CE Wing Project, the plan is to ask the congregation for 4-year pledges to raise the additional funds. 
   
9. When will the pledge drive take place? 
   It is anticipated that the pledge drive will take place after Easter.
   
10. What if we don’t raise enough to pay for it?
    If we do not raise enough money to pay for the project outright, we will borrow the remainder from the Synod of the Pacific.  In the case of the CE Wing Project, we did not initially raise sufficient funds to pay for the project and secured a mortgage in the amount of $1,225,000.  Through a focused effort and the support of the congregation, this loan was repaid within five years.
    
11. Why is it necessary to apply for a loan now, when we don’t know how successful the fundraising effort will be?
    Today, the Board of Trustees and the Session are asking the congregation to approve an application for a line of credit of up to $1.7M to finance the construction.  The church will draw on this line of credit to pay for the construction.  When the construction is complete and all bills paid, the unpaid remaining debt will be refinanced into a mortgage.
    
12. Why is the requested amount $1.7M, when the estimate is $1.6M?  The request for more than the current estimated cost reflects the fact that we do not have definitive cost estimates for all of the work.  Given the nature of this project, some extra contingency seems prudent.  Nevertheless, the SEP Building Committee and the Trustees will spend no more than what is needed to complete the project as proposed.