Quick Recap
Over the past several years, continued growth at Manheim BIC has made apparent a number of facility constraints. A significant number of our children’s classes are outgrowing their current classroom space, and we have an expanded need for handicap accessibility. Thus, our Manheim BIC Leadership Board commissioned a Facility Assessment Team in early 2017 to research and study these constraints. At our January 2018 Congregational Council meeting, this team presented the following goals based on their findings:
I. To expand and improve: 1) Nursery 2) Handicap Parking & Accessibility 3) Children’s Wing hallways 4) Faith Formation / Adult Meeting rooms.
II. To create: 1) Five large classrooms (K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th grade) 2) A Children’s Large Worship / Multi-Purpose Room. 3) A new South Entrance & Check-in Lobby.
What’s the Update?
A new Facility Expansion Team was assembled in late 2017 to work with a local construction firm to complete drawings in order to determine the realistic financial costs and time line for an expansion and renovation project that would meet the above listed goals.
As of today, the drawings are almost 100% complete. The plan expands our current Children’s Wing by 12,600 sq ft, while adding a new South Entrance that includes 4,935 sq ft of Accessibility and Adult Faith Formation Space. Additionally, we are planning to renovate several older rooms in our Children’s Wing to accommodate our strong current growth.
How can I get involved?
1. In mid-Summer you will receive a key communication piece that describes the vision, history and scope of the project, including an expansion map.
2. Our Facility Expansion Team will hold a special information session with more accurate plans and pricing on Sunday, August 19 at 9am in the Manheim BIC Chapel.
3. Our church will gather together at 6pm on August 26 for a Congregational Council meeting to vote on beginning construction this fall.
What else can I do?
Pray! Pray for wisdom as we continue to seek God’s leading on how to best address our current growth and future ministry opportunities.
Blessings as we live out our mission together,
Brian Thomas, Lead Pastor
Dustin Sauder, Executive Pastor
Lisa McCoy, Leadership Board Chair
Curt Umble, Leadership Board Vice Chair