“When God calls people, He connects them to a place.”
– Rev. C. John Weborg
We want to expand our existing facility so we can welcome people who do not currently attend ECC Princeton, deepen relationships with those who do already attend, and invest in the future of generations to come.
“When God calls people, he connects them to a place.” – Rev. C. John Weborg
We want to expand our existing facility so we can welcome people who do not currently attend ECC Princeton, deepen relationships with those who do already attend, and invest in the future of generations to come.
UPDATES
December 7, 2023: What are we waiting for?
We thank God for all the pieces of the preconstruction puzzle as they fall into place. We have received the shop drawings for the steel rebar (that goes in the concrete). After the drawings’ accuracy is verified, we’ll place the steel order. (It should take about a week to arrive.) With December winter settling in, we don’t expect to complete the foundation this year, but we will persevere if the weather allows.
Regarding finances: thank you for continuing to send your pledges and gifts for the Growing the Mission capital campaign! These funds are earning interest in CDs until construction begins. Several members have committed to loan IOUs toward the project, bringing us closer to the project budget of 2.5 million. Additional gifts and pledges are still welcome (see link at bottom of page, or contact the church office).
September 24, 2023: Groundbreaking Service
Our worship service concluded with a ground-breaking in preparation for the excavation for our new building. The indoor portion of the service was shortened, and then everyone was invited to go outside. Multiple ropes were tied to a shovel, and we stood in groups, holding the ropes, and then together we pulled the ropes and broke the ground together, using the litany below.
To the glory of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
We break this ground.
With thanks to God, for His grace that has blessed and guided us all along the way,
We break this ground.
With gratitude for those who by faith saw this day coming, and sacrificed to make it possible,
We break this ground.
With faith that our hopes and dreams will become a tangible space on God’s earth,
We break this ground.
With hope that in this place, hurting people will find healing, lost and lonely people will find a home, and followers of Jesus Christ will be nurtured and grow in friendship,
We break this ground.
With confidence that it is our Lord who will build his Church and prosper it,
We break this ground.
May this place be a sign of God’s powerful presence among us. In this place, may God’s name be honored, may God’s kingdom grow, and may God’s will be done.
Amen.
September 10, 2023: Service of Thanksgiving
After the morning’s worship service, we gathered outside in the yard between the Youth House on Pleasant Street and the Happy Hands playground. Pastor Derek read from Ecclesiastes 3, which reminds us that “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…a time to tear down and a time to build…” We shared memories of the ways God has used the house to build the faith of students and adults, particularly through the ministries of the youth pastors we’ve been given over the years. We thanked God for his faithfulness and provision. It was a helpful time of acknowledging the mixed emotions of letting go of one thing in order to receive what is being given next. The following Monday and Tuesday, the Pleasant Street house, garage, and shed were torn down, and the playground equipment removed.
April 2, 2023: Congregational Meeting
On Palm Sunday, we gathered in the Fellowship Hall to learn more about updated project costs and potential financing options. We were encouraged to hear that our current cash on-hand and pledge amounts are now just over $1.5 million, with pledges coming in slightly ahead of schedule and additional gifts being made as the project start date nears. We shared our perspectives on the projected expenses and potential financing options with each other in small table groups as well as open discussion as a whole. At the meeting’s end, we voted to authorize the drawing of final construction plans, which will help us get firmer project cost numbers, and then to decide the best plan for financing.
April 10, 2022: First Fruits Sunday
What an exciting day! On Palm Sunday, we brought our first gifts for the capital campaign, as well as our commitment cards indicating our plans for giving over the next three years. Thanks be to God, a total of $985,000 (gifts and pledges) was raised… which is over 80% of our goal! We celebrated this milestone at a special reception following the morning’s service. We expect gifts and pledges will continue to come in over the next few weeks, and encourage you to prayerfully consider joining us, if you have not already done so. Read further to get involved and help us finish the campaign well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are we launching a capital campaign?
In the last several years, we have outgrown our ministry spaces. Children, students, and adults who participated in Wednesday night ministries have been squeezed into every available room. Attendance at Vacation Bible School has had to be capped. The Youth House only holds 15 students (and also need significant structural repairs and updates). All-church meals can be safely held in the Fellowship Hall only if less than 90 people participate. Restrooms are not ADA compliant.
What are we building?
With God’s help, we plan to build a new facility west of the alley behind the church, and also to repurpose several rooms in our current building. The new facility will include a large space in which we can prepare and enjoy meals together, welcome our community, and provide gathering and activity space for all ages. It will also include 4 new classrooms, fully equipped kitchen, storage and multi-use space.
How much will it cost?
Current estimates are 2.5-2.7 million to construct a 12,000 square foot facility west of the alley. We hope to raise 1.5 million through this capital campaign, and to fund the remainder of this project through existing savings, funds and a mortgage.
When will the building be done?
As of April 2023, our groundbreaking date is getting closer, as construction drawings are being completed and bids are solicited. Fundraising via the capital campaign continues with the commitment to raise over 50% of the project cost before starting construction.
How can I help?
- PRAY for God’s direction both as individuals and as a church body! Prayer opportunities include the 40 Days of Prayer, Prayer Journey and 12 Hours of Prayer. You can pick up a prayer guide at the church or view the guide here. Just now, we’re particularly praying for the work of the Building Team, architects, and the contractors submitting bids.
COMPLETE a Commitment Card below (or contact the church office). You may also give online here.
We ask everyone who calls ECC Princeton home to prayerfully consider giving sacrificially for a 3-year period, over and above regular general fund and mission support. For more information, please view our Growing the Mission brochure.
