Q & A - Opening New Doors
Q & A - Opening New Doors
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Q : What makes the timing of this appeal so critical ? A : In the fall of 2015 in Minneapolis and the spring of 2016 in Minnetonka , comprehensive assessments of both facilities by the forensic architectural firm , Built Environments , identified ongoing moisture-related damages in the buildings at both church locations . Left unresolved , these issues will continue to degrade the structures and proliferate contamination on both the visible and hidden facets of the structures . As time passes , the damages will also become more costly to mitigate .
Q : What is the amount of the loan Bethlehem has secured to pay for these repairs and remediation ?
A : In October 2016 , the congregation voted to approve the church council ’ s recommendation to borrow $ 6.3 million . The cost to remediate the Minneapolis facility is projected to be $ 3.76 million ; the cost to remediate the Minnetonka building is projected to be $ 1.49 million . When we received our financing , we included an additional $ 1 million to help pay for the first phase of a Masterplan renovation for the Minnetonka facility . Subsequent phases of that Masterplan to further enhance the space are projected to be in the $ 4 million range . Due to the steep cost of that plan , we wisely accepted the counsel of leaders in the congregation who advocated we retain the services of an owner ’ s representative ( Watershed Partners ), a best-practices component of any large renovation / building process .
Q : In light of those costs , has any consideration been given to other options for the Minnetonka facility ?
A : Yes . On March 28 , the Church Council , upon the advice of our owner ’ s rep , decided that we would be well-advised to engage an architect to develop a site plan for the Minnetonka property to consider the full gamut of options on the site . That plan is projected to be completed by mid-June .
Q : What follows the completion of the site plan ? A : Bethlehem leadership , including staff , the Church Council , and the Finance Committee will need to carefully evaluate the study ’ s findings and recommendations . Without knowing precisely what options the site plan will generate , it is impossible to know at this moment what future action ( s ) will be taken . That said , we will continue the tradition of the congregation to steward all the resources entrusted to us faithfully and responsibly .
Q : Will there be additional leadership from the congregation at large to help move a plan forward ?
A : Yes , we are currently in the process of inviting members from both the Minneapolis and Minnetonka campuses to serve on a Facilities Task Force who will be charged to provide due diligence and oversight of the building and / or renovating process .
Q : Knowing that we will not proceed immediately on the full remediation plan for Minnetonka , what physical improvements will take place in the near future ?
A : The “ must do ” priorities include sanctuary roof patching , replacement of carpeting on the main floor , sanctuary air-conditioning , miscellaneous painting , and mold abatement on the lower level . Bethlehem ’ s owner ’ s rep will coordinate this work .
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Q : While this process unfolds regarding the Minnetonka campus , when will the remediation work begin on the Minneapolis campus ?
A : Final architectural drawings are anticipated by mid-May with work to begin shortly afterward .
Q : Without knowing fully which avenue we will take regarding the Minnetonka facility , we ’ re still being asked to make a financial commitment at this time ?
A : Yes , because we know that regardless of which facility needs the most attention at any point in time , we will always ask all members in both locations to support the work at both locations with generous giving . While we know most members stay connected and are emotionally tied to one or the other facility , our strength is that we are one church with two sites , and in order for our one church to continue to thrive , sacrifices and generous commitments from all members at both sites will be essential .
Q : What are the other components of the appeal ?
A : This appeal will provide funding for Bethlehem ’ s newest pastor , Meta Carlson , whose primary duties will be at the Minnetonka campus . Resources to invite and engage our neighbors to connect to the Minnetonka ministries will also be allocated . Additionally , we will earmark 15 % of gifts received to fund three primary outreach partners : Beacon Interfaith , whose Families Moving Forward program has a long tradition of support from Minnetonka campus members , Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry , a ministry born out of the Minneapolis campus in 1995 , and Global Health Ministries , which has had active engagement from members of both campuses over the years . More information on these partners can be found on our website at bethlehem-church . org / appeal .