Return to Trinity Home Page

Background

Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5

Click here for photos of work on the Annex from February through July 2006! 

The online photo album includes a selection from the album created by Denise Core. You can find the complete album in the Fellowship Room. She will continue to add photos to it so you'll need to check back!

(Click on the thumbnails on the left side to see a larger image.)

For several years the leadership of this church has been aware that we are sitting on the edge of significant growth. Mission, Worship, Christian Education and other ministries of this church are poised to move into new and exciting areas. One of the things that has been holding us back is our own facility.

• The need for a modern kitchen and accessible fellowship/dining room
• More efficient and modern Christian Education facility
• Coordinated office space

The Property Ministry Team has worked hard to keep our current facility safe and functional. But, with the increased cost of maintenance and repair on the Christian Education wing and the Old Manse concerns have been raised about whether this is the best stewardship of the church’s money. After much prayer and discussion, Session contracted with an architect to make a set of plans that incorporates our visions and hopes for the future.

During this process the congregation also went through a time of reflection about its past and future. From this came a vision statement of where we would like to see ourselves in the years to come.
Over the months, it was decided that there were nine essential items that any structure must incorporate. These items were:


1. A fellowship/multipurpose room on the ground level.
2. A well-equipped kitchen next to the fellowship room.
3. A façade that is aesthetically pleasing and complements the current structure.
4. An elevator and other handicap accessible features.
5. A narthex that provides a welcoming and spacious entry to the facility.
6. Classrooms to accommodate an expanding Christian Education and music program.
7. A nursery.
8. Centralized office and staff rooms.
9. Extra room to grow in the basement.

Then, in the fall of 2004 an exciting development took place. A piece of property, just southeast of our current facility became available for purchase. With the approval of the congregation and the Presbytery of Des Moines, we purchased the Christian Opportunity Center for a cost of $190,000. When renovated, this building will provide us with an additional 12,000 square feet plus some additional parking.

Ministry & Mission

How will this building project enhance and further the work and ministry of Trinity?

1. Having an easily accessible fellowship room will enhance a growing sense of community and fellowship among our own members and friends.
2. A growing and expanding Christian Education program for children and adults will be helped through more efficient and modern classrooms.
3. With a large fellowship hall, the opportunities to minister to the community will be greatly enhanced. We will be in a great position to host receptions, luncheons and other community gatherings.

Together, program and building, combined with the prayerful commitments of Trinity’s members and friends will allow this church to continue its role as a leading voice in this community.


Process

Through a combination of significant donors, the congregation at large and loans we are hoping to finance this project. Once this combination becomes a reality there are several steps that need to take place.

1. Session needs to formally approve the design and financing.
2. A congregational meeting will be held for the congregation to vote on the design and financing.
3. Presbytery must also approve the design and financing.

When these steps are completed then the architect will prepare a more detailed set of plans and further discussions will be held regarding the particulars of each room. Eventually, contractors will bid for the job and when a sufficient amount of funds are collected, then, weather permitting, work will begin!

What Can You Do?

As friends and members of this church there are several things that you can do to help.

1. Pray! For the church, its leaders and members that we may discern God’s will and timing throughout this adventure!

2. Ask questions! Be informed of what is happening.

3. Consider! How might you be able to support this project with your finances?

a. As a key donor
b. Pledge commitment
c. Estate planning

4. Work! In an effort to save costs there will be an opportunity for many members to participate with “sweat equity”. This will begin as early as this summer with the renovation of the Christian Opportunity Center. We will need demolition crews, painters, builders and a host of others! If you feel unable to work, these teams will also need to be fed! There is something for everyone to do! We will need your help!

Who is Involved?

Everyone! All members and friends of Trinity who are interested in knowing and helping the church fulfill God’s call on our lives in the years to come.

If you have any questions about the project or the process, please talk to one of the Elders serving on Session:
 

Kris Gaulke, Clerk	Jordyn Archibald-Youth	Kathie Farris
Jack Bishop	Dave Grissom	Cindy Baldwin
Blair Lawson	Steph Yazell-Youth	Louis Nady
Clisty Porter	John Hansen	Aaron Tinder
Rev. David Endriss	Larry Lepper	Laurie Bowers
Todd Little	Rebecca Swainey	Joe Weinman

Task Force

Architects: SPVA Architects, Inc.