St.
Chad's Episcopal Church
The Little Church With a Big Heart
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The Little Church With a Big Heart |
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St.
Chad’s Building Committee Town Hall Meeting Notes 07/10/2007 Approximately 30 people were present, including members of the Building Committee. Bob Gough gave a brief introduction. The objective of the Town Hall meetings is to gather information relevant to the current and future ministries of St. Chad’s; the information gleaned from the Town Hall meetings would be used in determining what type of facilities are needed to support our ministries. Bob Kingsbury reviewed the items on the survey and asked those present to fill out their surveys, indicating level of importance for the ministries listed, and adding comments with specific suggestions and ideas. #2 – Father Brian clarified that nontraditional worship settings referred primarily to the liturgical service, rather than the location of the service. The components of the service (for example, music) might relate to a building facility need. #8 – A comment was made on the greatly increased need for audio and acoustic capabilities if the facility were to be used for concerts and performances. #9 – It was noted that true emergency shelters require very specific building components, and so might be wise to avoid. The group discussed the geography and demographics of St. Chad’s and the impact on its outreach ministries. For example, the use of the facility to house homeless families would involve transportation. If certain outreach ministries are clearly important to the congregation at St. Chad’s, further review will be necessary in terms of our demographics and location. #11 – Note that St. Chad’s already has 10-15 “cremains” within the current grounds. The capability to provide accommodations for interment of remains of the deceased would be limited to cremated remains, and not a traditional cemetery (too much space and too many zoning requirements!) #12 – Much discussion ensued about the potential for expanding the current preschool (Family Cooperative) and/or establishing a preschool owned by St. Chad’s. Several members present had experience with other Christian preschools, and indicated that there was need within the community for these facilities, as well as before and after school care (day care). Bob asked those present to add an additional item, #16, to the survey, as to whether St. Chad’s should open its own preschool. The group discussed running a preschool for profit vs for community outreach. The question was raised as to whether the Family Cooperative wanted to expand at this time; it was noted that they have a waiting list and are limited by space, restroom facilities, etc. #13 – It was noted that an Episcopal primary school has been discussed at the diocesan level, with no success. #14 – There was some discussion about a gym within the facilities, and whether it would be expensive to maintain and install, and its capability for being a multi-use facility. It was noted that gyms could be constructed with all types of materials, affecting the cost and maintenance greatly, and that other facilities used gyms for all types of gatherings. Other notes: At St. Michaels, the baptismal font, which is located at the side of the church, was not included in the original construction phase but was added later. It has become a significant feature of the church; and would have been much less expensive if included in the original plans. Another feature to consider in the plans is a bell facility, for ringing bells during the service. |
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