Where do I stand on repairing the Sanctuary organ?

Last year when our church embarked on the Follow the Vision campaign, we had three goals. First, was to fund the mortgage payments for three years. Secondly, we wanted to replace the caretaker's home at our Teter Retreat Center. And finally, we were to do a major renovation to the sanctuary organ. These projects were to be taken in order as the resources were pledges. The goal was $870,000.00. We had pledges just under that amount. With that support, we felt secure in knowing the debt payments were covered. We also felt confident enough from the pledges to approve the construction of the Teter caretaker home replacement. However, because we fell just short of the full goal, the organ renovation may well wait until later in the three year campaign period. We may received un-pledged giving which may accelerate the plans for the organ. The costs of the Teter build may come in under the amount set aside so that more funds would be available for the organ.

Some have suggested that we take the organ renovation off the table. The thought is, without being certain of traditional, more formal worship should the organ be considered. However, I have no doubt that formal worship will continue in the sanctuary. And, since there has been significant funds pledged toward the organ (upwards of $50K), if we drop that project we would have to think through how to respond to those folk who have already given to the campaign expecting the organ repair. Would we have to offer refunds?

Yet, I suspect any final commitments to the organ renovation would be well into 2012 after the Teter project is completed and we see how giving is tracking against the pledges.

How important is a Sanctuary service?

As we look at alternatives, one possibility has been to move to two services, both in Celebration Hall. However, I seriously doubt that possibility. One of the primary church niche areas we fill is that of a mainline protestant congregation offering traditional worship in a traditional setting. It does not seem wise to abandon one of the things we can do better and offer more effectively than most churches. I think that our commitment to offering a variety of worship  services mandates we use the sanctuary on Sunday morning.