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Rick Thiemke on the new land at Galena, Kennedy, and Mill.
Click here to view this concept plan.
1. What is happening with the land currently?
We closed on 50 acres on the corners of Galena, Kennedy, and Mill in June 2006. We have completed the annexation to the city of Yorkville and zoning of the property for a church as well as commercial parcels. We have listed 20+ acres with a commercial broker and are waiting for a developer or land investor to see its great potential. The sale of commercial will significantly reduce our mortgage on the property. Currently there is a farm lease on the property that insures low agricultural taxes and the amount collected covers the tax liability. In addition, the home on the property is leased and provides income.
2. How are we handling the land mortgage?
The loan, approved unanimously by the congregation, is a short term process to finance the property until the commercial property has been sold. We have been able to service our obligation from Share The Vision contributions given by the congregation.
3. How many acres will we keep?
We plan to retain approximately 27 acres for our future church site.
4. When will we begin building?
Our business plan for the construction of a new facility is based upon a number of components. The sale of commercial parcels and reducing land indebtedness are the next major steps. We will then set our plans for an appropriate amount needed for cash on hand, some short-term borrowing, and additional long-term borrowing. These will help us to set a more concrete date in the future.
5. What will be the size of the new facility?
The facility will be built in multiple phases. We estimate the first phase will be in the range of 30,000 - 55,000 square feet. (Our current facility is 18,500 square feet). Our business plan will set the size of the building.
6. What will the building look like?
We are currently working with a design-build company and have been working on the needs of our ministries and community for over a year. They are assisting us with a master plan as well as a plan for our first phase. We expect to have visuals to present to the congregation by late summer or early fall of 2008.
7. What kinds of things (rooms/ areas) will the new facility have?
Since one of our four core values is, “We invest in kids and youth because they matter to God”, we have decided that our facility plans should reflect this. Accordingly, we are planning to first build the student (youth) auditorium that we will use for Sunday worship until another phase is constructed later. We also would like to include a large atrium lobby for developing relationships (another core value) and a kid’s area that enhances our programs both mid-week as well as weekends.
8. Will we keep our current facility?
With land as a premium commodity in this growing area, we would love to be able to keep every acre and every facility possible. However, we know that reality will probably dictate that we sell our current location in order to attain our goals at the new location.
9. How are we connecting and relating to our community in this process?
We have creatively worked for many years to communicate to our community that churches are givers and not takers. Therefore we have had our
designers and architect meet with city officials, school leaders, and the park and recreation department. They have given us valuable insight into the needs of the community and how NLC might be able to facilitate those needs at our new location.
10. What is expected of me?
Each of us should:
• Pray
• Listen for God’s direction
• Obey God
• Participate in any way possible
This vision will have impact on our church, community, and world.
11. How are we doing financially in general at NLC?
Our outside auditors confirmed that our general giving increased 13% in 2007 over 2006. Missions giving towards U.S. and foreign projects was over $169,000 during the same period. As of June 30 of 2008, $781,000 has been given toward the 1.4 million committed in 2005 towards the Share The Vision capital campaign and 339 individuals and families have participated. This campaign wraps up in October of 2008 and we are beginning plans to launch another two year campaign as our next step in the project.