Over the next few months you will be receiving several communications related to our congregation-wide effort to raise the funds needed to pay for 1710 Spruce. It seemed prudent that at the beginning of the process we should remind ourselves of the faithful steps we have already taken regarding 1710 property acquisition and to be praying for the steps planned for the coming year.
Looking back
Tenth began to experience space issues in the 1960’s and 70’s. That’s when many Tenth members, some of whom have gone on to Glory, began praying that we could acquire 1710 Spruce. They knew its immediate proximity would make 1710 the ideal addition to Tenth Church. Our large sanctuary is not architecturally balanced with support spaces—meeting rooms, fellowship and work spaces, etc. Over the years, the main building has been extensively remodeled and properties have been acquired to meet these needs, but none is adjacent or as well suited as 1710.
In 2014, unexpectedly, and in the middle of a very hard period in the life of our church, 1710 Spruce went on the market. In a tremendous, forward-looking expression of our congregation’s faith and confidence that the Lord would protect and preserve his life-changing and saving work in our church, the congregation voted to borrow the money and acquire the building. That purchase happened just about one year ago. Shortly following the closing, members of the Session and staff gathered in the building to offer prayers of thanks to the Lord for his provision.
Since fall 2015
We took possession of the facility this past fall and began to take advantage of both the proximity and the new kinds of spaces that were made available. The first event on our new property was a cookout for young adults in the parking lot. The space was being used even before the envisioned terrace was constructed. The first use of the building was for a class of 20 new members; the first fellowship meal was served in that space later in the day, on October 4, 2015.
More recently, a remodeling project was undertaken to make a “hole in the wall” that had separated the church from 1710 for generations. This passage now makes it very easy to move within our campus and portends the internal passageway that will one day be created between the Reception Hall nurseries and the carriage house, which has now been legally joined to the primary church property.
What is next?
We will steward the building to support the worship and work of our Lord in this place, taking full advantage of the proximate spaces provided. While that is the work of each generation, our generation has a unique responsibility as the “initial stewards” of what the Lord has given us. In this context, this past Tuesday the officers of the church began a process of thinking and praying through a new set of strategies designed to fulfill our Great Commission responsibilities to make and mature disciples of Jesus Christ in this generation.
The Session plans to continue to work to configure the building to suit our ministry needs. Likely projects for 2016 will include handicapped access to 1710 and preparation of the carriage house for initial service. The facility is in good condition; very little of the work will be remedial.
Finally, the time to raise the money to pay for the building is soon upon us. Planning is now well underway to establish a capital campaign with a formal kickoff later this year. The debt we need to retire is approximately $5 million. Please pray for wisdom for the Session as there are a number of options for accomplishing that task, which involve a number of complex and difficult tradeoffs.
Let us be encouraged by the following scripture about how our heart attitudes should relate to our financial stewardship. Let us pray that we will be cheerful givers.
2 Corinthians 9:6–7: The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.