Covenant Church

Covenant Church is located in one of the most strategic geographic areas of Charlottesville. Eventually a parkway from Interstate 64 will end at Covenant Church. On our east side is a road to a development designed for several hundred homes. We have 7 acres of commercial office zoned property with more than 50,000 square feet of excellent buildings.

“Honoring God’s House” is a project we launched to provide a prayer room and youth area. The speed of the project, economics, and obvious advantage for ministry sparked interest in thinking about further plans to make our buildings more USER FRIENDLY. Ideas presently under consideration:

1. Install an elevator in both buildings to serve physically challenged and elderly.

2. Enclose classrooms on mezzanine in the New Testament building.

This would:

A. Provide additional sound barrier for nursery.
B. Allow for Bible classes/meetings during worship.
C. Allow for outside group (rental) to have restricted access.
D. Remove distraction of people on mezzanine during worship.
E. Allow access to restrooms on mezzanine during worship.
F. Greatly increase efficiency of HVAC.

3. Enlarge lobby. The current building for worship was intended to be a first phase. However, with the economy it is imprudent to launch a $4,000,000 construction campaign. We can enclose the front walk under canopy and HVAC, which would more than double the size of the current lobby. Of course, the primary intent is to encourage fellowship and developing of relationships. In addition, by using a lot of glass it would show people flow and activity.

4. A portico: A roof of about 24 x 30 square feet in front of the main entrance would provide a protective area for persons to get in/out of vehicles. This would be especially nice in inclement weather.

5. Connecting the two buildings: There are two possible connections.

A. The two main lobbies would be joined by a passageway allowing persons to go between buildings without having to use umbrellas, coats, etc. This enclosed area would also be helpful economically by containing conditioned air in confined area (doors would not be direct to outside).

B. A second passageway can be constructed between the new youth area NT and the OT stairwell on North side. This would allow for youth to move directly from one building to the other without having to exit to the outside.

6. Additional considerations study of the canopies on East and North of the NT building. Can they partially or completely be enclosed and HVAC conditioned? Both are handicapped accessible.

The above will complement the projects already part of HONORING GOD’S HOUSE, e.g., replacing carpet in NT worship area, completing kitchen in NT, new phone system, etc. With these projects completed we could have worship and Bible classes at the same time.

We could have multiple worship services at the same time. We could easily add additional worship services.

We will work with Building Inspectors to make sure our plans are acceptable. Elders will develop a proposal to be presented to the congregation. Here is what we know. Building prices and labor are very low at this time. We are fortunate to have numerous friendly contractors, e.g., plumber $25 per hour, commercial electrician $15 per hour, labor for metal studding, etc., $13 per hour. Drywall, etc., is at the lowest price in years.

We also know that in 2009 we received $52,000 for usage of our buildings by outside groups. We believe the need for rental space is increasing. By making our buildings more attractive and USER FRIENDLY there will be increased requests.

Here is how you can help and be a part of the plan:

1. Pray for the Body to move with wisdom and unity.
2. Be faithful in stewardship of tithing and giving.
3. Share ideas for design and improvements and process.
4. Consider the benefits of investing in the work of the Lord. Begin with thinking, praying, working to share special offerings for HONORING GOD’S HOUSE.
5. Pray for wisdom for those who will do design and construction work.

As soon as possible we will call a congregational meeting and present plans. This is our future. Let us move with visionary courage.

Imagine a year from now the above projects completed! Imagine the impact for Kingdom work! Imagine souls saved and discipled! Imagine!

Let us rise up and build…(Nehemiah 2:18)

Pastor Bare

P.S. An additional blessing is that we are able to purchase all materials at a discount!
Please understand that the plan outlined above is a dream. We will work with the dream to see what is possible and feasible at this time. To God be the glory!