With an amazing contribution of $43,186.65 last Sunday, our goal of contributing
$250,000.00 to the Capital Campaign by October 9, 2022 was more than met! Announcing the
contribution at the end of services, John Everson, our deacon finance, stated that the balance in
the Capital Campaign now stands at $283,084.45. This is in addition to the matching funds, which
will bring this total to $783,084.45! This milestone represents an outpouring of effort and
generosity on the part of our members, and amazing blessings on this Campaign from the Lord.
Our thanks to all who have been faithfully giving and working toward this important goal.
So, what is next for us? Our next step is for our engineering firm to complete their preliminary
work, and then we need to formally engage an architect. Our recent focus has been to obtain the
city and state permits to complete the land clearing and HVAC replacements. The engineering
firm may also suggest that we proceed to install the parking area south of the classroom hallway.
As you know, parking has become quite an issue for us, and many of our members have been
parking on the grass. The new parking area can be built as soon as we stabilize the land that was
just cleared, and this is being done at the present time. Take a walk back behind the building
when you have opportunity, and notice the large amount of clearing which is occurring. This is
exciting.
The elders have been developing a “punch list” of requirements to be shared with our architect.
They have requested input from any members who have suggestions to be included. We are
eventually envisioning a larger and improved auditorium, making it possible to convert existing
space into improved fellowship area and other purposes. The addition will include improved
classroom and administrative spaces, as well as improved restroom facilities – all of which are
greatly needed. The architect will be able to give us a clear drawing or picture of what we are
working toward.
But the real question is, what is next for the Central church of Christ spiritually? At a time
when many congregations are declining, some even closing their doors, this is no time to ease up
on our efforts, or coast. This is no time to lose focus or become apathetic.
We have just completed an exciting Personal Evangelism Seminar, designed to equip and
motivate each member to reach out to the lost around us. The timing could not have been better.
Did you participate fully? Are you ready to grow? Although growth is occurring, your elders and
I believe that much greater growth is in our future as we faithfully trust in God. There is really
no limit to the possibilities in our area – an area truly “white unto harvest.”
God has richly blessed us in our Capital Campaign. He has exceeded our expectations, and
given us a great financial base from which to move forward. He has laid the opportunities before
us, and in essence said, “Go ahead!” Will we take up the challenge? Will we be faithful to the
crucial mission before us? Let’s all “seek first the kingdom of God” as we move confidently into
the next stage of growth here at Central!
– by Robert C. Veil, Jr.
