What Happened at the July 13 Jerusalem Expansion Presentation Meeting?

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, the Jerusalem Expansion Committee presented information regarding the proposed upcoming expansion project. Questions asked and answered included: Why do we need to expand? What is happening in the church as a result of school growth? How are the current “classrooms” impeding growth? What does the expansion plan offer to both the church and the school? How will we pay for this, and what is the plan moving forward? To see answers to these questions and more, click on JEL Expansion Pres. for July 13.

The 9:30 church service had a number of non-member school families that worshipped alongside church members  before attending the presentation. Prior to the meeting, food and drinks were provided in the entryway which gave opportunities for non-member school families to meet and interact with members of the church. Additionally, more school families came right at the beginning of the meeting and had opportunities to meet church members. About 35 people attended the meeting including members, member school families, and non-member school families. Children, who were from member and non-member families, were able to go to Sunday School during the meeting and hear the Word of God. Isn’t it amazing how God works? This Jerusalem Expansion Meeting, which was intended to be an informational meeting, additionally became a fellowship and outreach event. God’s plans are so much greater than ours!

Jerusalem’s mission of “serving a diverse community with the unique message of Christ’s love” was constantly referenced during this meeting. One person expressed apprehension and concern about the right time to build.  Several others responded with Jerusalem’s mission that our goal as a congregation is to reach as many people with the gospel, whether that be through church services or the school.  A member school family pointed out that they would not be members of the church if it had not been for the school (with several others in agreement). By their children attending this school, their family was brought into the church. Another school family member pointed out that she tried enrolling her older son in the preschool, but he was turned away due to lack of space. Later, her younger son was able to enroll in Jerusalem. As a result of her younger son being in the school, her older son (now an adult) is starting to come to church at Jerusalem. Praise the Lord that the Holy Spirit is doing His work in peoples’ hearts!

The cost of the project and the “Million by May (2026)” goal was also discussed. An attendee pointed out that the goal was “ambitious, but doable.” Another individual emphatically stated that “we need to work together to make this happen.” Many school families said they attended the meeting because they wanted to know what they could do to help. Finally, people supported Excel Engineering’s design and agreed that it would benefit the congregation and school. 

As with any big project, there were some questions about timing and details that were raised. Check out next week’s article for additional topics of discussion.

At the July 27th Congregational meeting, the members will have the opportunity to vote to begin a capital fundraising campaign. The congregation will also have time to enjoy fellowship, culminating with a cookout picnic in the parking lot after the meeting. Hope to see you there!