Jerusalem Expansion Presentation Re-cap

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, the Jerusalem Expansion Committee presented information regarding

the proposed upcoming expansion project. Questions asked and answered included:

• Why do we need to expand?

• What is happening in the church as a result of school growth?

• How are the current “classrooms” impeding growth?

• What does the expansion plan offer to both the church and the school?

• How will we pay for this, and what is the plan moving forward?

To see answers to these questions and more, you can view the JEL Expansion Presentation here.

The 9:30 church service had a number of nonmember school families that worshipped alongside

church members before attending the presentation. Prior to the meeting, fellowship food was

provided in the narthex and gave opportunities for nonmember school families to meet and interact

with members of the church. Additionally, more school families came right at the beginning of the

meeting and had opportunities to meet church members. About 35 people attended the meeting

including members, member school families, and nonmember school families. Also, nonmember

school families brought their children. During the meeting, those children went to Sunday School

and heard the Word of God. Isn’t it amazing how God works? This Jerusalem Expansion Meeting,

which was intended to be an informational meeting, additionally became a fellowship and outreach

event. God’s plans are so much greater than ours!

Jerusalem’s mission of “serving a diverse community with the unique message of Christ’s love” was constantly referenced during this meeting. One person expressed apprehension and concern if this

is the right time to build, but then others’ responses came back to Jerusalem’s mission that our goal

as a congregation is to reach as many people with the gospel, whether that be through church

services or the school. A member school family pointed out that they would not be members of the

church if it had not been for the school. By their children attending this school, their family was

brought into the church. Another school family member pointed out that she tried enrolling her older

son in the preschool, but he was turned away due to lack of space. Later, her younger son was able

to enroll in Jerusalem. As a result of her younger son being in the school, her older son (now an

adult) is starting to come to church at Jerusalem. Praise the Lord that the Holy Spirit is doing His

work in the hearts of believers!

The cost of the project and the “Million by May (2026)” goal was also discussed. An attendee

pointed out that the goal was “ambitious, but doable”. Another individual plainly stated that “we need

to work together to make this happen.” Many school families said they attended the meeting

because they wanted to know what they could do to help. Finally, people supported Excel

Engineering’s design and saw how it would benefit the congregation and school.

As with any big project, there were some important questions that were raised. Check out next

week’s article for that information.

At the July 27th Congregational meeting, the members will vote to begin a capital fundraising

campaign. The congregation will also have an opportunity to enjoy fellowship with a cookout picnic.

Hope to see you there!