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"A
church's future should not be determined simply by its
buildings. As the people of Christ we do not want to be
prisoners of our architecture. Our future should be shaped
primarily by the mission that Jesus has called us to as
His disciples. We have been blessed with a wonderful location
and facility, and the key to our continued effectiveness
as a church will be how we use our property and our buildings
to accomplish our mission."
-Pastor Jeff Ebert |
Click
here to see the Grand Opening of the new Ministry Center>>
Click
here to see how you can be involved in this exciting venture>>
Click
on the images below to see the process
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Projects
Completed
Project
1. The addition of
a new two story education wing which includes four additional
classrooms and a large multipurpose room is being used
to further our goals.
3.
A new main entrance was built to increase our hospitality
and security. The addition of an elevator to all three
floors makes our church accessible to the handicapped
and elderly.
4.
Finally, part of this phase of our plan included increased
parking which helps satisfy the needs not only for Sunday
morning but for the times when multiple events are occurring
at the church.
5.
The addition was completed
and officially opened.
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Completion Dates
Construction
began on our new education wing the week of February
17th.
The
Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on Sunday, February
16.
Click
here to see photographs of the historical event>>
On
April 25, the three Sunday worship services were held
in the new Ministry Center. Click
here to see photographs of the event>>
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History
of the campaign...
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In
1999, the Spirit of Unity
Campaign was launched after much prayer and discussion
to begin building for the future of PCNP both spiritually
and physically. The campaign formalized the process
and goals of PCNP. The congregation came together to
support the leadership of the church and to take an
active role in the campaign. Those who God had gifted
with talents related to administration, organization,
engineering, architecture, design and construction came
forward to contribute their abilities. The whole congregation
prayed and sought God's will for their personal commitment
to this project financially. There were meetings of
explanation with question and answer periods. People
were challenged to give sacrificially.
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Why
start a Building Campaign?
The building campaign was implemented to accomplish
our goals and see God's work come to fruition. Our Seven
Goals (click
to read the goals>>) attempt to get
specific, in a measurable way, about what we think God
is calling us to do. Our desire is to build on our strengths
and expand into some new arenas. The goals don't say
everything! In some ways they are like stones tossed
into a pond- there will be ripples created that affect
many areas of the life and ministry of the church. The
goals are a starting point to get us moving forward.
The
Presbyterian Church at New Providence has been energized
to tackle a number of important projects that we believe
will help us meet our future goals as a ministry center
for Jesus Christ in New Jersey.
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| Architectural
Renderings of the plans for the future building. |
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Existing
Facility
Accomplishments |
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At
a glance...COMPLETED PROJECTS to existing building
- Replaced
rotted roof supports and top plate by extensive work
in the sanctuary attic.
- Completed
major electrical upgrades and added new 800 amp service.
- Installed
a new special purpose electric panel to service special
events (e.g. Fire Escape.)
- Roofed
the sanctuary and Parish Hall.
- Replaced
all rotted wood on dormers.
- Repaired
the exterior rubble stone foundation wall.
- Raised
sanctuary with jacks and provided new sill plate.
Installed steel angles to anchor the main posts and
studs to the new sill plate.
- Air
conditioned the sanctuary
- Installed
a steel arch behind the chancel trim to stabilize
the sanctuary.
- Provided
new audio/video equipment to Sanctuary.
- Replaced
retaining wall adjacent to front graveyard.
- Provided
new screen and additional lighting in sanctuary and
Parish Hall.
- Sided
exterior of the education and office building and
sanctuary
- Renovated
and painted the nursery rooms
- Updated
the bathroom facilities
- Painted
hallways and area behind sanctuary
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Painted the sanctuary and Parish Hall
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Photographs
and comments regarding completed projects:
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steel arch was installed behind the chancel trim to stabilize
the sanctuary.
Although the results of the work are virtually invisible,
this stage restored the church to a safe secure structure.
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The addition of air conditioning in the sanctuary
provides a comfortable environment for year round worship.
"PCNP is the COOL place to
be in the summer."
--PCNP member
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A
new 800 amp service was installed outside the building
and fed from a new GPU pole erected exclusively for
use by PCNP. This was necessary to upgrade an overloaded
panel and prevent possible fire hazards from corroded
terminal lugs.
"The
Lord is certainly looking after us because had we not
addressed the electrical situation when we did, we would
have had a severe electrical fire."
--Steering Committee member
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To further our goal of providing diverse styles
of Christ centered worship, a new audio visual system
was added to the sanctuary.
"Worship is such a total
experience. The music and power point presentations contribute
to my understanding of the message. It is all to the glory
of God."
--PCNP Regular Visitor
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General repairs were accomplished during the
initial phase which included a new roof, exterior and
interior painting, and exterior siding.
"The big white church on
the corner symbolizes New Providence. It represents God's
presence to all who pass by."
--New Providence resident
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Much needed renovations were completed to
the bathrooms and some existing classrooms including
the nursery.
"I have never seen a nursery
that is not only bright and cheery but also so secure
and kid friendly. My child is happy and I have peace
of mind."
--PCNP parent
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What
were the costs and commitments of the campaign?
The financial goal we set for these projects in 1999
was 2.5 million dollars. Praise God the congregation
exceeded that goal by pledging, $2,503,802 over a three
year period!
Originally,
we had planned on leaving the second floor of the new
education wing unfinished because we did not feel we
had the resources to complete the job. If we did not
finish that second floor, it would not be possible to
obtain occupancy permits for the whole building. The
Elders decided we must push forward even though it came
with an additional $700,000 price tag. The congregation
rallied again and many people agreed to extend their
original pledge one more year so that we can do the
job right. For questions please contact Ron Anderson
or call the church office at 908-665-0050.
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You
can still be involved in this exciting venture...
Prayer
Please join us in prayer for the Lord's wisdom,
guidance and blessing utilizing this new space
and planning for future additions and improvements.
It says in Psalm 127:1, "unless the Lord
builds the house, its builders labor in vain."
Financial
Needs
William Carey, a famous 19th century missionary
to India, once said: "Expect great things
from God; attempt great things for God."
We want to do both!! This is an exciting time
to be a part of this congregation.
If
you would like to make a financial gift to the
capital campaign please contact Ron Anderson .
If
you would like to make a gift of securities, please
contact Claudine Pinho at Wachovia Securities
at 800-332-6864.
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| Gordon
Collins worked untold hours on the building project
before moving out of the area. |
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Our
steering committee for this important project have worked
tirelessly seeking the will of God and managing this important
venture. The committee included Bob Lesnewich, Lori Crotty,
Alan Lesnewich, Gordon Collins, Rob Dinerman, Tony Orlando
and Jeff Ebert. |
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Two
committee members studying plans
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May
the God who gives endurance and encouragement give
you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow
Christ Jesus.
Romans 15:5
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