Following the Lord’s Lead on the Path to Expansion

Jerusalem Expansion Committee Update - The New Jerusalem

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6. The Expansion Committee has been working steadily to achieve the goal of raising $1M by May of 2026. Meeting the goal will enable our congregation to break ground for the expansion project, but the path leading to the goal is a challenging one. As the committee takes steps moving forward on the path to expansion, we are constantly reminded that God is in charge and leading every step of the way. Praise the Lord for that! Here is a summary of the different subcommittees and the tasks they are working to complete.

1. Project Management - This committee will be reviewing the design for the expansion, communicating with Morton Grove Village officials, and working with Excel and building contractors. 

2. Fundraising - The fundraising committee is dedicated to meeting with all the church members for the One-by-One visits. They will be reaching out to members in the upcoming weeks to schedule visits as they are developing commitment/pledge cards. This committee is also working on planning church and school events with fundraising opportunities connected to the events. Finally, members of this committee will be reaching out to church and school families asking for information regarding businesses that may provide company matching donations for this project.

3. Financing - The financing committee is in the final stages of creating a business plan for Jerusalem. This important document will enable Jerusalem to get preapproval for an approximate $3M loan for this project. Efforts are currently underway to secure preapproval for our loan. A policy has also been drafted for the money raised for this expansion plan.

4. Marketing and Enrollment - This committee is working to develop a school marketing strategy and revisit the Harvest Strategy for Jerusalem church and school. One of the main goals of this group is to work to create ways for the church and school to be more connected so that unchurched school families seek membership at Jerusalem church.

5. Tuition - This committee has already met and continues to meet to determine that Jerusalem school tuition is set fairly, is comparable with other private schools in the area, and whether or not it should be adjusted based on this data.

As you can see, the path to Jerusalem Expansion is not an easy one, but that is ok. God is in charge and has led us, leads us now, and will continue to lead us as we go forward with this plan “serving a diverse community with the unique message of Christ’s love.” Please keep the Expansion Committee in your prayers. God’s guidance and direction is essential in this process. If you are interested in participating in the fundraising or project management sub-committees, please attend the Expansion Committee meeting Wednesday, August 27th, at 7 pm in the back of church. With God’s help, and yours, we work together to successfully navigate the path to Jerusalem expansion.