Pave the Way
We're paving the way for the next generation to connect to Jesus! Kids ages birth to 5th grade will soon have a central space to belong on Sundays, to worship and learn more about Jesus and His love for them, and to use their gifts to build God's kingdom.
The new kids area will provide a streamlined check-in process for families of young kids. In addition, secured entry points will be added for both kids and student spaces.
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this project:
What areas will be affected?
Construction will affect our current elementary space (the Eddy), office space (including the Chapel and surrounding offices), youth special needs classrooms (Rooms 21 & 22), hallways classrooms leading to the offices (Rooms 15, 16, 18, 19 & 20) and the north section of our worship center lobby (where the coffee area is currently located).
What is the timeline for construction?
The estimated timeline is January-August 2024.
How will this impact my preschool (birth-K) kids?
Kids birth-K will continue to meet in the current preschool hallway and will not be impacted during construction. When construction is complete, preschool programming will move to the new kids area.
How will this impact my elementary (grades 1-5) kids?
Kids in grades 1-5 will meet in the Point on Sunday mornings (enter door 2) beginning January 7, 2024. Check-in will be just outside the point the Point where kids are currently checking in on Sundays. When construction is complete, elementary programming will move to the new kids area.
How will this impact my middle school (grades 6-8) students?
Because elementary programming is moving to the Point during construction, middle school students will be invited to attend services in the worship center on Sunday mornings. There will be a designated area for students so they may sit together as a group. There will also be age-specific programming Sundays, 4:30-6 pm, in the Point.
How will this impact my high school (grades 9-12) students?
Because elementary programming is moving to the Point during construction, middle school students will be invited to attend services in the worship center on Sunday mornings. There will be a designated area for students so they may sit together as a group. There will also be age-specific programming Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm, in the Point.
How will this impact the special needs ministry?
We understand the difficulty of making changes for our friends with special needs, which is why we are working with contractors to phase construction in a way that minimizes disruptions to our special needs students.
How much will the building project cost?
The final bids and costs are still being calculated.
Will the church have debt because of this project?
The agreement of our elder team is that no debt is planned as a result of this renovation. We are starting this project with $1.3 million, generously donated by many of you through a previous building initiative. If we are able to raise the difference by the end of 2024, no additional debt will be incurred, freeing up funds to focus on the ministries designed to connect every life to Jesus. It’s important to note that how God works in the lives of White River people is the determining part of really answering this question. Specific measures are in place during construction to protect WRCC from financial difficulty as a result of this project.
Who makes decisions about what is done to the facility?
An elder designated team of staff and elder representatives leads this process. This team collaborates with True Path Solutions, an organization that represents White River to find solutions to the key issues we’re facing.
Are there ways for people to give with hands-on help?
When construction begins, there will be some aspects of the project that will allow volunteers to roll up sleeves and participate in demolition and renovation. We plan to have opportunities for all levels of experience. Be on the lookout for communication about how and when you can join in!
What are you asking me to do?
First and foremost, pray for God’s leading for what He is asking of you. Prepare your heart to hear Him, and then listen to what He says. Spend time in prayer and personal reflection with God. We are asking every person at White River to take his or her next step in generosity – whatever it is that God leads you to do. He is moving in huge ways, and we anticipate an unprecedented impact in the mission of connecting every life to Jesus!