Q2.      How will the project be funded?
A – The financial plan calls for $920,000 to be spent from existing funds. The balance of the $500,000 is to be funded through a capital campaign seeking pledges from Grove’s congregation over a three-year period.  A bank loan will be secured in order to bridge the timing of the project to the availability of the funds. 

Q3.      What happens if the capital campaign doesn’t meet its goal?
A – If absolutely necessary we will revise the financial plan by converting the bridge loan to a long-term loan (say over 10 or 15 years), spend an additional amount from Grove Church’s existing funds, or some mix of the two depending on financial conditions later in 2009.

Q4.      Are we obtaining competitive bids for the construction?
A – Yes.  We obtained 3 competitive bids.  Caldwell, Heckles, and Egan, Inc (CH&E) of Lancaster, PA was unanimously chosen by the building committee based on a thorough vetting process based on price, qualifications, references, and use of local labor.

Q5.      Does Grove Church currently have a mortgage loan or outstanding debt?
A – Grove Church has been debt free for nearly 10 years.  We will likely obtain a loan from a bank in order to bridge the timing between construction payments and the availability of the funds.

Q6.      What inconveniences will we face during construction?
A – The construction phase from late May to early September for the elevator component was chosen to minimize disruption of the Grove Pre-School (summer vacation).  We will not have the use of Asbury Hall or the second floor during this period, and the hall ways and east stairways adjacent to the construction will not be usable.  Renovations will be complete in the late fall (by Thanksgiving).  There will be periods of time when you may have to enter Grove through doorways you may have seldom used.  In addition, the kitchen area will probably be unavailable for a significant part of the construction phase.  Safety will be the number one concern during the construction, so your understanding and patience will be appreciated.  

Q7.      Who can I speak to about questions?
A – You may ask any member of the active committees described below, Glenn Brooks who is chairing the Building Committee, or ask one of the Pastors.  An email address has been set up:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   Please remember to provide your name and email address so that we can communicate effectively.  Also, check the Grove website for periodic project updates.

Q8.      I’m new to Grove - how are capital building projects approved?
A – According to the Discipline (the book that governs how a United Methodist Church operates), all building projects must be overseen by an official Building Committee and the project must be approved by a majority vote taken of its church members at a meeting called a “Church Conference”.  This meeting was held Tuesday February 17, 2009 at 7:30 pm and resulted in a majority vote of 156 ‘For’ and 4 ‘Against’, thus approving the project
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Q9.  What is the history of Asbury Hall?
A – Asbury Hall was constructed in 1959, and renovated /expanded to its current condition in the mid-eighties.  While the hall is structurally sound, the HVAC systems are dated and ineffective during extreme weather conditions.  Through the renovation of Asbury Hall, this system will be replaced and greatly improve the comfort, energy efficiency and usefulness of the hall.

Q10.  Who is responsible for the project?
A – The Board of Trustees has formed a Building Committee through authorization by the Charge Conference.  The Building Committee is the primary oversight committee responsible for planning, managing and completing the Building Project.  The Finance Committee has designated a working group called the Building Finance Committee to prepare a financial plan to meet the mid-term and long-term needs of the building project in all aspects such as managing a capital campaign, securing a loan, and managing the disbursement of project funds.  Ministry Council formed the Communications and Public Relations Committee specifically for the Building Project and its objective is to generate enthusiastic support, communicate and to develop materials to help the congregation understand the process and the project.

Q11.  With the volatile economy and unemployment – should we build at this time?
A – A member recently said:  “By doing this project now, we’re providing a boost to the local economy in difficult times.  Isn’t that a good thing for Christians that are able to do?”  Also, we will find contractors’ pricing more favorable to us during a softer building market.  In addition, a capital campaign is an excellent means of allowing “ownership” or involvement, and despite the economy, some Grove members will still want to respond positively.

Q12.  How much will the elevator cost to maintain annually once in operation?
A – We estimate the annual maintenance and repairs to cost approximately $4,000. 

Q13.  What can I do to support the project?
A – Pray that the Lord will prepare and guide us through a successful building project.  Pray for the congregation as they learn about the project and commit the necessary funds.  Pray for the members serving on the committees to make the right decisions for Grove Church, and pray for our contractors and architect so that they may be effective and efficient in all that they do.    

Q14.     Where can I find more information?
A –Go to www.Grovechurch.org and select on the page titled “Building Project” to see a number of documents, including a video of the October 7, 2008 presentation by the Building Committee Chairperson on the initial feasibility study. 

Q15.  Who are the members of the committees directly involved in the project?
A – Building Committee:  Chairperson Glenn Brooks, John Barcalow, Marlene Crites, Steve Estberg, Joe Roscioli, Anastasia Sheffler-Wood, Denise Shelton, Carolyn Southall, Steve Vincent, and Doug Gianforte.  Building Finance Committee:  Chairperson Barry Boose, Bob Rubin, Glenn Brooks.  Communication and Public Relations Committee:  Chairperson Pastor Jack Wright, Glenn Brooks, Julie Choi, Karen Elrod, Bob Rubin, Bill Seybold, Linda Seybold. 

Q16.  What is the difference between a capital campaign and the annual pledge drive?
A –The annual pledge drive (such as the 2009 stewardship campaign “A Response to Grace”) seeks to fund Grove’s operations on a year-to-year basis, covering expenses such as salaries, program funding, utilities, postage and supplies.  A capital campaign will seek money earmarked for a long-term investment such as the building project, and are separate from the annual pledge drive.