150 Days Update: Zoning, Phase I, etc

Just some quick updates on the 150 DAY CHALLENGE...

• We've raised just over $6,000 since we started. We will be asking for pledges this Sunday. Our hope is to get to 80-90% of our goal by the end of next week (in terms of pledges). So we have a long way to go... let's be praying!

• After the pledging process, we will be going to parents (of college students) and alumni to try and "close the gap" of the last 10-20%. Having the full amount pledged early will give us a lot of leverage as we work with some big outside funding sources.

• Remember our goal (in terms of the finances) is three things: (1) Raise $150,000 in 150 Days; (2) have 100% participation from people for whom St. Paul's is their home church (or home-away-from-home church for students); and (3) that every participant would make a sacrificial gift. Will you help us achieve these goals?

• You can give online right now at stpaulswired.org/give.

• Earlier today I met with the engineers working the Phase I process on the Coventry process. They had some preliminary site plans for me to look at. So far things look very promising. We will now proceed with some soil testing and pass along the early surveys to the architects. We are trying to collect as much information as possible during the Phase I Due Diligence period. I am encouraged by what is happening.

• Tonight the Mansfield Planning & Zoning Board gave us formal approval on our application for Special Permit to expand our current facility to a 240 seat worship space. This comes after Wetlands approval two weeks ago. This is great news and means that we can move forward exploring the idea of purchasing our current building as well.

Tonight after the I got out the P&Z Meeting I gave our board chair a call to fill him in. As Tom and I were talking, we reflected on how amazing God is. God continues to open doors for us. These are exciting times for us as a church and faith community. I hope and pray you get a sense of how exciting it really is --- I also hope and pray that you will become increasingly filled with joy and vision as we move forward together, willing to sacrifice and work hard together for the sake of the Kingdom!

I count it as such an incredible privilege to be on this journey with such amazing followers of Jesus!