Vision of Hope

It’s a Go
Sunday, July 26th, 2009 marked another milestone in EFree history, as the membership gave approval at the quarterly business meeting to break ground and begin with the new addition in early August. The official ground breaking ceremonies were held Sunday, August 2nd with work started shortly after. Here are some pictures of this historic day in our history.

Vision of Hope
Several years ago, Pastor Barr began to share his vision for the church, looking at growing the congregation to 600-700 from our then attendance of ~300. As this vision unfolded, God began to open doors of opportunity, with one house, then another, then another becoming available until we had been able to purchase enough properties contingent to ours that would enable the construction of a new sanctuary and children’s area capable of meeting this vision.
God continued to bless us with finances and growth to the point that in the fall of 2007, with the growing need for Sunday school space, we broke ground on Phase II of our expansion, a new Sunday School / Children’s Ministry Center directly behind the Outreach Center. Long term this will meet the growing needs of our Jr and Sr High Youth ministries , as well as expanded space for larger gatherings in the Outreach Center with addition seating for 100-150. Construction began fall 2007 and, thanks be to God, we dedicated this facility October 5th, 2008, with children moving to the new addition Sunday, October 12th. Pictures of the area during and post construction can be seen by going to our Vision 2008 page or stop by the church for a personal tour.
Thursday evening, May 15, 2008, the leadership of the church met to discuss the future expansion of the building to the west, known as Phase One, including the new sanctuary and classrooms. An alternative plan, Concept A-102 was presented for consideration. Total square footage of this facility was to be 21,309, with pre-school space growing from our existing 1,100 sq ft to 2,980 sq ft, an almost 3 fold expansion in this greatly needed ministry. Additional adult classroom space would be 991 sq ft in this new plan. An added bonus of Concept A-102 was an easier to build layout, construction wise, with overall costs projected to be reduced by ~27% while still meeting all of our future needs. After much discussion and prayer, it was the consensus of this group that Concept A-102 be recommended to the congregation for consideration and that a special membership meeting be scheduled for a vote in accordance with the By-Laws. This vote was held Sunday, June 8, 2008 and by vote it was agreed to proceed with the architectural working drawings on the Concept A-102.
To view the two concept drawings (A-102 and B-1) and compare the changes, click Phase 2 Addition Concepts.pdf (Adobe Acrobat Reader required). Copies are also available through the church office.
Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible”.
Phase 2 will include the following: -A 21,000 sq. ft. sanctuary and building that will seat 530 of us at the same time, but also serve multiple purposes including small concerts, recreational activities, and even stage productions. -An expanded nursery and preschool area for children from birth to 4 years of age. -New adult classrooms for Sunday School and small group gatherings. -An expanded lobby, including a larger Visitors’ welcome area. -A platform in the sanctuary that is almost 60% larger than our current platform and is handicapped accessible. -Four baptismal dressing rooms located directly behind the platform. -Improved parking accessibility with parking lots on both sides of the new worship center and 200 parking spaces.
“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV
“. . .and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. . .” Hebrews 12:1-2 Stewardship Campaign update: Sunday, May 17, 2009 during the Celebration Sunday service, it was announced by the Building Finance committee that over $620,000 had been donated or pledged to date towards the 3 year period. If you haven’t received a packet or would like to receive one, contact Eric Rude or stop by the office. Here are some pictures from the Sunday, April 19th presentation.

GROUND BREAKING LETTER

Evangelical Free Church – Canton, Illinois

August 2, 2009

Letter from Pastor Barr, read to the congregation at the official groundbreaking for Phase One on Sunday, August 2, 2009.

Today, someone here might be surprised with the magnitude of our plans – though I believe God’s plans far exceed our own. Someone might be surprised with the rashness of our work and decision. But this is no rash decision. What we do today is another step in the way that God has directed us.

Listen to a grand story and hope you are not bored:

- On May 22, 2002 the membership of the church agreed to purchase this property we stand on today for $79,000. 69 voted yes. 3 voted no.

In the Annual Report of 2002, I wrote, “Some significant material blessings have been granted to our church this past year. Our Sanctuary remodeling has been completed and the work is superb. We paid off our building loan and celebrated this incredible blessing with Pastor Curt Foss. This was a 20-year loan that was eliminated in four years. We took a breath of relief from removed debt and then we were approached about purchasing additional property. Two and a half years ago I walked around this block and prayed that God would give us this property. This is a marvelous blessing and if God is continuing to enlarge this church we should be prepared for more such blessings.”

- On March 16, 2003 the membership agreed to purchase the property at 1254 E. Chestnut St. for $38,000.00. 71 voted yes. 1 voted no.

- On November 2, 2003 we met with Brad Hoffman to consider options for a 5-10 year Building plan.

- At the Annual Business Meeting on January 25, 2004 the membership agreed to purchase the property at 1269 E. Chestnut St. for $40,500. 72 voted yes. 13 voted no.

That Annual Business meeting states, “Charlie Burd gave an informational presentation regarding site options for possible construction. Discussion followed. Pastor shared his vision. Charlie Burd gave prayer.”

- On April 25, 2004 the membership agreed to purchase the property at 1255 E. Elm St. The minutes do not record the vote count. We paid $50,000. This was 3 months after the purchase of the last property.

Folks, before I go on, let’s recognize the magnitude of what has been happening and this was 5 years ago.

- At the Annual Business Meeting on January 30, 2005 we agreed to spend $1500 for construction plans.

- At the Business meeting on April 24, 2005 Brad Hoffman presented to us concept drawings for a new sanctuary. At that meeting the membership voted to approve $7,500 in development drawings.

- On September 18, 2005 at a Special Business meeting the membership agreed to purchase the property at 1257 E. Elm St for $42,000. As a matter of note, this is the house that our church put a new roof on. Vote count was not recorded in the church minutes. NOTE – At that same meeting, discussion was held regarding the McCoy property at 1238 E. Chestnut for $130,000. The minutes read, “Prayer was offered to God concerning the purchase. We will continue the process of pursuing the purchase of the property. We will ask God for a clear vision of what he wants us to do.”

- On October 30, 2005 the membership agreed to purchase the property at 1238 E. Chestnut St. for $130,000. 70 voted yes, 15 voted no.

- On April 30, 2006, the membership agreed to purchase the property at the corner of thirteenth and Elm St. The vote count is not recorded in the minutes. We purchased this property for $72,500.

Cutting through to today.

All properties are paid off except the house on the corner. We owe about $27,000.

We also purchased a lot across the street on Chestnut and it is paid in full.

Last Sunday night the membership and three nonmembers voted to approve the building of the addition that we have stared at for years and through many hours of prayers.

In summation, I believe we stand here today exactly as God wants us to do. We have followed a path that God has marked out for us. It may seem intimidating and we have had opponents all along the trip. But do we believe God would allow all these things to happen as they have – for no reason? I believe we stand exactly where God wants us to stand.

The Psalmist wrote

- Psalm 119:35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.

Today is a day to experience great delight.