How Will an Elevator Help Jerusalem’s Ministry?

“This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” The words of Psalm 118:24 echo in your head as you pull out of your driveway to go to church. Your current health has not caused you much rejoicing lately. Getting around is much harder due to a) aging b) injury c) recovering from surgery (you pick the one that applies), but God is always good, and you are going to church to hear His word.

You pull into the church parking lot and park in the designated handicapped spot. You would park in the handicap spot in front of the parsonage. However, getting out in the street is not safe and getting up the curb is too difficult. So, you choose the parking lot. You get out of your car and proceed to walk about 70 feet down Capulina, turn on Fernald, walk another 30 feet to get to the beginning of the ramp, and up the 30 foot ramp with incline as you meander your way to church. Good thing it’s not raining or snowing. You open the door, hoping that you do not disturb Bible Class or Worship, and find your seat. After church, you find out there is a meeting and fellowship downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. Since the only way to get to the Fellowship Hall is walking down a flight of stairs, you pick up your items and head to the door in order to make the long trek back to your vehicle. Then you head home.

This is the current set-up for members or visitors with physical disabilities and/or limitations to enter our church. The above scenario describes someone “walking”, but what if that person has crutches, cane, a walker, or wheelchair? Is this the best arrangement we can have to welcome people, or does it discourage or prevent people from coming to church? Some may argue that the church service is live streamed so people can watch it at home. That is a blessing, but Hebrews 10:25 tells us we should “not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Our current building is problematic for meeting the needs of those with physical limitations and certainly not welcoming.

The Jerusalem Expansion Plan will solve that problem. The new entryway right off the parking lot facing Georgiana Ave. will have handicap accessible spots right by the doorway. Once a person walks a few steps to enter the building, there is a ramp that directly leads to the church. In addition to that, individuals will have access to an elevator on the main level that will go down to the Fellowship Hall. All who attend church will have access to the church and Fellowship Hall without having to navigate any stairs or use a ramp exposed to the elements.

What a blessing! The Jerusalem Expansion Plan not only increases the building capacity to share the gospel with more people, but it also creates a welcoming environment to members and visitors with physical challenges.

If you are still not sure what this would look like, please go to the next page, and check out the new layout proposed for Jerusalem Expansion.

Having a building with an elevator and an entryway that is safe and inviting for all people, regardless of their physical limitations, is an amazing blessing of the Jerusalem Expansion Plan! Praise the Lord that we have this opportunity to use our resources to reach out to our current members and the people in the community.

Finally, did you know the new entryway provides additional office space, a nurse's station, storage, and a

large reception area promoting fellowship? How will that help Jerusalem’s ministry? Check out next week’s article to find out.

The next Building Expansion Committee meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 2nd at 7:00 pm. Please join us!

Also, Jerusalem Members and School Families will be invited to attend a special meeting on Sunday,

July 13th, after church. This will be an informational meeting where the Jerusalem Expansion Committee

will give a detailed presentation on the Jerusalem Expansion Plan. Mark it on your calendar and plan to

attend. See you there!