Why were these projects chosen?
- The flat portion of the roof has been a proverbial “thorn in our flesh” in recent years. We have made attempts to try and fix the problem ourselves, but have fallen short. Having the problem fixed professionally now prevents the damage from getting out of control, will stop further costs from adding up, and assures the sanctuary, which was built for us by godly saints in the past, will be around for future generations of Christians here in Lowell.
- The two primary HVAC units heat and cool the sanctuary, which is the primary gathering place for our church family. Replacing these units ensures a reliable meeting place for years to come.
- The kitchen, while not the place of corporate worship, is nonetheless a key place of ministry. The kitchen touches nearly every ministry in our church-- everything from youth and children's ministry to LIFE groups to outreach to the senior banquet to Community Dinners. The church kitchen aids in our church's ability to be hospitable and welcome those not part of our church family into our "home" with a warm cup of coffee or a "home-cooked" meal. While not a hazard, the church kitchen is functionally the same as when it was built back in 1977. Giving the kitchen an update will ensure that ministry will not only continue to be a blessing as it has over the years, but provide even greater opportunities to serve our congregation and those in our community through hospitality.
What is the objective of the Home Renovations Project?
- The objective of the campaign is to raise $250,000 over a two-year period through covenant pledges from the congregation over and above regular tithes and offerings.
- In the fellowship hall there will be a physical Home Renovations project hub where you can see some details about the projects and get a covenant card. On that card, there will be a place where you can mark how you believe the Lord is leading you to covenant with us toward the Home Renovations Project. The elders ask that each family in the congregation prayerfully consider in what ways God has enabled you to contribute to the Home Renovations Project. By October 5, we ask that covenant pledge cards be turned in to one of the offering boxes at the back of the sanctuary. These covenant pledges will be completely private. No one on the church leadership team will know what you write down. The only persons who will see your pledge amount are: You, the Lord, and Randy Mass, the church’s financial secretary.
How do the covenant cards work?
- In Scripture, in the book of Nehemiah, when the people of God were beginning the repairs of the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah led the people to covenant together to support the work of rebuilding. Over the next few weeks, the elders would like each household in our congregation to prayerfully consider covenanting together with us to support the work of these Home Renovations in one of three ways:
- Prayer: The most important way your family can contribute to this project is through prayer. "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” -Psalm 127:1 This certainly applies to Spiritual Home Renovations, but it also applies to material Home Renovations as well. We need you to covenant with us in prayer that the Lord would establish the work of our hands and supply all our needs according to His riches. We need you to covenant with us in prayer for wisdom to execute these projects well.
- Labor: When God’s people were building the tabernacle, the Scriptures says that there were those in the congregation whom God had filled “with His Spirit, in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship…that they might make all” that God commanded them (Exodus 31). We know that God has uniquely gifted each of you here in various ways that only you are. A second way you and your family can contribute is through time and labor. We would love for you to covenant with us to volunteer time and work as the need arises.
- Financially: If God has blessed your family financially in such a way where you have the ability to give financially in support of these projects, we would love your help.
- In the fellowship hall there is a physical Home Renovations Project Hub where you can see some details about the projects and get a covenant card. On that card, there will be a place where you can mark how you believe the Lord is leading you to covenant with us toward the Home Renovations Project. The elders ask that each family in the congregation prayerfully consider in what ways God has enabled you to contribute to the Home Renovations Project. By October 5, we ask that covenant pledge cards be turned in to one of the offering boxes at the back of the sanctuary. These covenant pledges will be completely private. No one on the church leadership team will know what you write down. The only persons who will see your pledge amount are: You, the Lord, and Randy Mass, the church’s financial secretary.
When does the Home Renovations Project begin?
- Giving toward the Home Renovations Project can begin today! We are asking that pledge cards be prayed over and turned in by October 5.
- No one will ever be forced to give to this or any other church related campaign. LCOC has always been 100% dependent upon voluntary gifts. Once you submit a financial pledge to the church only the financial secretary (Randy Maas) will know that amount. Neither the staff nor any of the elders or deacons will know what your actual pledge is. That amount will always be between you and the Lord. We want to be transparent in saying that the success of this campaign is dependent upon the Lord’s blessing everyone doing their level best to help in any way he or she can.
Can I help non-financially?
- Of course! The most important help anyone can give is to be supportive of the project in prayer. Let’s not forget where our greatest source of help comes from…God. A commitment to praying for this project is the greatest contribution each of us can make. At some point in the home improvements, there may also be projects that will involve volunteer help to complete.
When will we complete the projects?
- The projects will be accomplished primarily according to the urgency of the need and as campaign funds come in.
- You can give specifically toward the Home Renovations Project in person using specially designed envelopes or you can give online to the special "Home Renovations" fund using the "Give Now" link below.
