When we decided to purchase buildings B and C in 2005, we entered into a mortgage at a reasonable interest rate.  As we've said before, "It was the right thing at that time". We went from renting to owning and improved our cash flow by $10,000 a month.  We saw it as a "God thing".  A huge blessing! The debt was a tool to improve our position for ministry.

But now, the right thing to do is to get rid of that debt.  Currently, we're paying approximately $405 per day in interest charges alone.  That amounts to about $150,000 a year! Think of what we could do to serve God more completely with any portion of those dollars if we were able to direct them to our ministries instead.

So, this coming March we're going to attempt to restructure our mortgage arrangement.  We believe that if we can raise $175,000 over our normal tithes and offerings by March 1st, we will improve our chances with the lending institutions to earn a lower interest rate and secure better financial terms. I should add that we have an excellent track record, never having missed a payment in our church's history.

If you feel that you may be able to help, please prayerfully consider where you might fit in this effort. You can earmark a gift to the campaign by selecting "Building Fund" each week on your offering envelope or by simply writing "Building Fund" in the memo line of your check, by using our online service here, or by stopping by the table in the atrium. For every contribution made, we will place an apple on the atrium mural in which you may write a favorite Bible verse, make the contribution in someone's honor or memory, or just leave it anonymous. It's up to you. Thanks for helping us "Grow the Grove –Shrink the Debt."

Pastor Chris Cramer

To learn more about the Grow the Grove Campaign watch this video: 








For questions regarding this campaign please contact Dick Zemmin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.