Ten years ago, Karen and I could only imagine what Rocky River Church would become and the impact it would have in Harrisburg, Concord and all over Cabarrus County and the surrounding area. From a handful of people in a temporary classroom building at Pitts Baptist Church, God has grown us into a church of hundreds. And we believe the best days for Rocky River are still to come with the potential to reach thousands!
During the past ten years there have been a number of “defining moments”. For example, when our church voted to buy land for a future ministry campus or when we kicked off the “Imagine A Place That Matters” campaign three years ago along with so many more “moments”. We are winding up our “Imagine A Place That Matters” campaign, which has been a HUGE success. We have given more than $280,000 during that campaign to make land payments, hire an architect and engineer, and purchase building plans for our church building. During those years we have worked tirelessly taking “next steps” – some small and some big – so when it was God’s time we would be ready to build.
Here’s where we’re at right now. We’ve revised the engineering drawings and changed some of the plans. We’re expecting approval by the City of Concord and Cabarrus County within the next 60 days. At that point, we will give the plans to contractors for bids to determine what the construction costs will be. Let me say here that our plan is to hire a contractor who is willing to work with our subcontractors and volunteers to ensure that we use our own people to maximize our money. Folks, potentially we could be ready to start moving dirt on our land by October!
The one obstacle that stands in our way of securing financing for this project is the fact that we still owe approximately $280,000.00 on the land. Until the land is paid for, we cannot begin building. Reasoning - we cannot borrow against the land without holding the title. This brings us to another “defining moment.”
Last week our staff – after prayer and prompting from God – has decided to lead our congregation into a campaign for pay the land of by September 1, 2009. Because we believe that we serve a mighty God, we believe God will help us pay off the land and help us raise an additional $120,000.00. We currently have $136,000 in our land and building fund. We are in prayer to collect $400,000. This would allow us to pay off the land, as well as enable us to borrow money to build OUR church.
Here’s what we’re asking for. First, we are asking for you to pray about this. Ask God what He would have you give. Search for areas in your family’s budget where you could make sacrifices over the next few months to help us reach this goal and begin construction. We are NOT asking for pledges. We are simply asking for sacrifices. Currently, we have approximately 500 regular attainders at Rocky River Church, including children. That breaks down to $800 per person. If you are single, could you make sacrifices in your personal budget to give $800 to this campaign over four months? If you are a couple without children, you make sacrifices to give $1600 over the next four months? For a family of four, that would be $3200, and so on.
We will be doing several fundraisers at the church, which we’ll be announcing soon. Specifically, we are planning an auction and a golf tournament. But what we’re really hoping is that families can come up with ideas to raise money together and make meaningful sacrifices to give to this campaign.
Karen, the kids and me are already working to make necessary sacrifices and fundraisers we can do with our neighbors, family and friends to make an offering. I can’t tell you how much it means to us to serve, work, give and live along side of you. What a joyous day it will be when we reach this goal!
Taking Next Steps!
Jimmy Britt, Lead Pastor