Many people may not realize that this multisite project is not just about beginning a new site of ministry in North Andover. The recommendations approved by the congregation through our discernment process also included maximizing the ministries at our Andover campus. We have developed plans to do just that. Some highlights include:
Bell House Redesign: Our vision is to create a first class environment for educational and activity spaces for youth in grades 5-12. This facility would house Sunday, weekday, and evening programs. One of the most exciting opportunities for a facility like this is being able to provide more outreach to youth in our community through after school programs and ‘drop-in’ time.
Our current Bell House space is inadequate and the new large group spaces will have multiple uses including worship space, large class, or other special programs. The space will be designed to house many of our existing programs that do not have adequate space like First Fridays, Family Night, Spur, Club 365 and others
Children’s Ministry Rear Entrance Redesign: This redesign will help eliminate the dangerous blind corner at the rear of our church. It will vastly improve protection for drop-off and pick-up. This new configuration will help us minister to families by creating a central registration and welcome area for Sunday School and allow for easier guidance to the classrooms for new families. Our lower level will be easier to negotiate. The redesign also provides another level of security for the Children’s Ministry and makes the area more energy efficient.
Kitchen Renovation: The kitchen is sort of the “heart” of many of our ministries as do life together. Our current kitchen is severely outdated, challenging to keep sanitary, and inefficient. The existing floor is unsound and lighting and HVAC upgrades are necessary. Storage is difficult and confusing. Needless to say, an update is long overdue. Many ministry areas use the kitchen and many are excited to see these improvements: Men’s Breakfasts, Alpha, Beta, Marriage Course, New Life Luncheon, Bread and Roses, Helping Hands, Sr. Link, Soup Truck, and Family Night and others will all benefit from a more suitable kitchen facility.
