Faced with escalating costs, Southland Christian Church has filed an amended development plan for the site of the former Lexington Mall on Richmond Road.

The new plan would create a second commercial parcel fronting Richmond Road that could be leased or sold, and it would reduce substantially the size of the pond in front of the former mall.

The church, based in north Jessamine County, bought the 31-acre site in 2010 for a satellite campus.

Cost of construction, initially estimated at $19.3 million, grew to $24 million before two rounds of cost-cutting and scaling back, Chris Hahn, Southland's lead executive pastor, said Monday.

Neighbors who met Monday night at Perkins Restaurant in front of the mall said they were particularly concerned about how a smaller pond might affect water runoff.

Jim Capeley, president of Idle Hour Neighbors Alliance, said the area already has serious problems with runoff.

After just an inch of rain, a nearby creek "flows like a whitewater rafting, and it all goes down into this pond," he said. "Where's all that water going to go?"

Councilman Bill Farmer Jr., who represents the neighborhood, agreed to work with the group to help draft a petition and try to arrange a meeting with representatives of the church. He said he also would ask planning officials to look into the runoff issues and how the church's plan might affect the situation.

"I get a little angry when I'm duped, and this is a process of 'dupation,' as far as I am concerned," said area resident Carole Youngblood.

The original design showed one parcel and major reconfiguration of the pond to create a water feature. But Hahn said Monday that increased costs had forced the church to make changes.

Removing and disposing of contaminated sludge from the pond and beautifying the surrounding area would have cost about $750,000.

Filling in much of the pond and eliminating the water feature will save money, Hahn said.

Heavy equipment brought in to raze much of the long-vacant mall and construction equipment chewed up the 27-acre parking lot to the point it will have to be resurfaced at "a pretty significant cost," Hahn said.

Reconditioning the sprawling parking area and adding landscaping "to make it where it is nice, but not what we'd love to do" will cost about $1.2 million, he said.

Also, structural engineers found "a lot more to do when they got into re-enforcing the old Dillard's department store building than they, originally, estimated," Hahn said. The additional steel raised costs.

By selling or leasing the two parcels, the church will have more money to spend on landscaping two entrances off Richmond Road, Farmer said in his constituent newsletter last week.

The councilman said church officials had told him that without the extra money generated by the parcels, the pond would remain exactly as it is, with no additional improvements and no cleanup.

Overall, Hahn said, "We've made cuts of about $5 million to stay within budget. Because of that we had to re-think the design of the property."

Southland announced in July 2010 that it would buy Lexington Mall from Maryland-based Saul Centers, which had owned the mall since 1974.

The enclosed mall had been dormant for several years. The property includes the land on which Perkins and Applebee's restaurants sit. It does not include the property owned by Central Bank or Home Depot or the site of a former BP gas station.

Hahn said the former Dillard's building is being converted to youth and children's classroom spaces on the first floor, with church offices on the second. Most of the second floor will remain unfinished. "We want to see as we grow what to use the space for," he said. An adjoining new building — on the site of the former enclosed mall — will be the worship center.

Southland launched a three-year capital fund drive in December 2010. Members have pledged $18 million. The church has received about $8 million of those pledges, said Kurt Braun, executive director of finance and administration.

"It is pretty common in the church world for people to spread their pledges out over three years," Braun said, adding, "We are tracking pretty well at this point."

The church's amended development plan is scheduled to be reviewed by the Planning Commission's technical committee Feb. 22 and by the subdivision committee March 1.

It will go before the full Planning Commission at 1:30 p.m. March 8 in council chambers of the Government Center.

Herald-Leader staff writer Karla Ward contributed to this report. Beverly Fortune: (859) 231-3251. Twitter: @BFortune2010

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Church's revised development plan for former mall has neighbors concerned

SMITHFIELD — The hand-printed sign taped on the door of Lisa's Sweet Shoppe, shuttered and dark near the hustling Smithfield Station, is crystal clear: "Out of business. We did not relocate."

Just down the wooden boardwalk of gift shops, Ham Town Books owner Becky Veverka is negotiating a cash-only deal with a customer who wants to buy the colorful shelf that holds the store's children's book inventory. After a dismal Christmas season, Veverka is giving up on the cozy shop she opened 18 months ago by remortgaging her home and dipping into her retirement fund.

"One of the reasons I can't make it — not the only one, but a big one — was that I could not get locals into the store this year," said Veverka, pointing outside toward South Church Street. On an overcast winter's day, flagmen were routing alternating lanes of traffic through the potholed artery that runs to downtown Smithfield.

Rather than driving around the frequently clogged South Church Street, people turned to the Internet or grabbed what they wanted while shopping in other cities, Veverka said.

Traffic headaches are just one of the concerns that have cropped up with the lengthy final phase of the $4.4 million Church Street Beautification Project, said Town Manager Peter Stephenson. After years of planning and fundraising by residents, the Norfolk-based Excel Paving broke ground in January 2011 for the 18-month overhaul of one of the town's most historic — and most heavily traveled — roads.

The project is on time and budget for a May 2012 completion, Stephenson said.

For the past 14 months, residents, business owners and motorists have waited patiently — for the most part, anyway — through ripped up sidewalks, stopped traffic lines, unpaved streets filled with holes and dips so large that motorists have to drive at half the legal speed limit. They have gotten used to waking up to jackhammers, having strangers — usually tourists — walk across their yards or work crews digging holes in their lawns to bury utility lines, said South Church Street resident Florine Moore.

"It can be frustrating at times, but you have to remember the outcome," Moore said. As part of the project, which is being funded with $1.9 million in private donations, South Church Street will have brick sidewalks, new lights that look historic, storm-water drainage, public parking and buried utility lines, with the exception of one electric line running between the Cypress Creek Bridge and Thomas Street.

Dominion Virginia Power's estimate to bury its main cable was in the millions, said Stephenson. Through state and federal grants, the town is able to absorb the cost of undergrounding the wires running from the main power line to each house, Stephenson said.

In an effort to speed up progress, the town has allowed Excel to shut down two block of South Church, between Cedar Street and the intersection of Luter and Thomas streets, until April. Although the closure also shuts down one of the historic district's main intersections, Main and South Church streets, it allows work crews to work six days a week.

Most traffic heading downtown seems to take the bypass, a route that misses Smithfield Station and its adjacent shops, said Veverka. It's a stark contrast to Smithfield Station next door, where manager Randy Pack says business at his family-owned restaurant, marina and motel is up 21 percent this year, mostly because of three promotional efforts through Groupon.

Groupon is an online coupon site that offers deep discounts to subscribers.

Pack estimates that his Groupon sales brought about 50 visitors and families to Smithfield, with most coming from Richmond, Washington, D.C.and New York City, Pack said.

"Most of my shops (at Smithfield Station) are doing well, " said Pack, adding that he is close to sealing a deal to bring a similar business into the waterfront store that was once Lisa's Sweet Shoppe.

Over in downtown, several businesses reported seeing minor — if any — declines in business related to the Church Street Beautification Project. "Maybe a 10 percent reduction," said Rita Greiner, owner of Smithfield Flower Shop.

Margaret Carroll, owner of the Smithfield Confectionary, said business at her eatery has grown, simply because people who use to lunch at Smithfield Station are staying in town to avoid the road work.

Although road construction probably did negatively impact the book store and bakery, the floundering economy probably played the largest role, said Jim Carroll, executive director of the Small Business Development Center of Hampton Roads.

"The economy is the 800 pound gorilla in the room," said Carroll. "There is a lot of uncertainty in the markets and when that happens, people tend to hang onto their money longer. Although some businesses are thriving, others are withering on the vine because the business is just not what they expected."

Generally speaking, road construction — particularly long-range projects such as the one in Smithfield — can cramp the style of struggling businesses, Carroll added.

"It becomes a problem when it gets to the point you are constantly at the mercy of the construction," Carroll said.

Meanwhile, Veverka plans to empty her shop over the next few weeks.

"Books, shelves, even the rugs. Just about everything is for sale except my stuffed pigs," Veverka said.""It's been a tough year. If nothing else, I hope my closing will make people aware of the need to shop local."

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Smithfield's Church Street beautification project on final stretch

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Church mission: Reconstruction

Church members travel to Alabama to help repair damaged homes

SUSSEX ? Eight local churches sponsored a team of 24 people to Henagar, Ala., in January. The team’s mission: to help reconstruct homes that were destroyed during the F5 tornadoes which hit the area in April 2011. Thirty-four people were killed in the Jackson and Dekalb counties during the destructive tornadoes. The local nuclear power plant was shut down causing many to be without electricity and therefore notification of the deadly tornado’s path.

The mission trip was coordinated by the Goshen and Sussex Christian Reformed Churches. Members of the Beemerville Presbyterian, Byzantine Catholic of Little Falls, First Reformed Church of Little Falls, Goshen Christian Reformed, Methodist of Little Falls, Pompton Plains United Reformed, Sparta Baptist and Sussex Christian Reformed Churches caravanned to Alabama. The trip was organized under the auspices of the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, which takes on the job of coming in after state and federal issues are done, to finish the work, making the houses livable.

“It was amazing. We had eight churches and seven different denominations represented. This was truly God at work,” said Bill Garris, a mission member from the Sussex Christian Reformed Church.

“Plans changed two days before we left, but we all accomplished what we set out to do.”

The Henagar Baptist Church served as a temporary dormitory for the traveling tradesmen. The church has a gymnasium and a full kitchen. Cots were supplied to those who did not bring air mattresses. Sleeping bags decorated the makeshift dormitory. Andy Wilks was the mission construction manager and a member of the Henagar Baptist Church. Upon arrival, Wilks had divided the group into skill teams; carpentry, electrical, plumbing and finish work. Each team was given a list of projects needed to be accomplished. The experienced tradesmen worked side by side with less experienced volunteers. The group’s diverse skill sets assisted those in need and taught the less experienced team members. Long hard days were followed by dinner, devotionals and board games.

Pastor David, minister of the Henagar church, took volunteers to his home to watch the Giants game while other volunteers toured the area. Evening meals were prepared by Chef Mark Hrehovcik, who was assisted by Paul Billig and Bill Garris after their hard days work on the reconstruction team.

Women were also involved in the mission trip. Alice VanDeWeert was the "mother hen," helping out with laundry, food preparation for the chefs and organization. Younger women helped by preparing bagged lunches for the reconstruction teams, often including notes of encouragement inside. The young women also helped with the finishing work on site.

“It was nice to see the fathers, with their sons or daughters on this mission trip,” said VanDeWeert, from the Goshen Christian Reformed Church. “They were building family memories.”

Through rain, fog and snow, the volunteers labored on. At the end of the week spent in Henagar, the 24 mission volunteers had completed their tasks on six different homes.

“Our guys did not want to leave until they knew the houses were done, and people could move in,” said VanDeWeert. “When we left, they just needed to move the refrigerators stored at the Baptist Church.”

“It was an example of tremendous teamwork from the mission volunteers and the local community as a whole, so people could get back into their homes,” said Buzz Sargent, head of the electrical team, from Beemerville Presbyterian Church.

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Church mission: Reconstruction

Pleasant View AME Zion Church, Old Columbia Road, Chester: Black History Gospel Fest, 2 p.m. Feb. 26.

ARP

First ARP Church, East White Street, Rock Hill: Youth discipleship groups, 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Beth Moore study on James, 10 a.m. Tuesday and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Foundations for the Family, 5:45 p.m. Wednesday with a meal and activities for all ages. Members will serve lunch Thursday at Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen.

BAPTIST

Sandy River Baptist Association, Upper Division: Usher Ministry quarterly meeting, 10 a.m. today at Mount Prospect Baptist Church, 339 W. Black St., Rock Hill.

Boyd Hill Baptist Church, Glenn Street, Rock Hill: Black History Month Memorial program, after worship Sunday.

First Baptist Church, Lowrys: Men's breakfast, 8 a.m. Sunday. Cost is $3. SYAH and Young at Heart, 11 a.m. Feb. 21.

Great Joy Baptist Church, McConnells: Ash Wednesday service, 7 p.m. Feb. 22.

New Vision Freewill Baptist Church, Mount Holly Road, Rock Hill: Community soup supper, 6-8 tonight. All-you-can-eat soup and salad is $6.

Oakland Baptist Church, Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill: Churchwide brunch, 9:30-10:45 a.m. Sunday. No Sunday school. Daniel Vestal, executive coordinator of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, will speak at 9 and 11 a.m. Ministry Center clothing distribution, 9 a.m. Monday and Feb. 18, and benevolence, 9 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, Dunlap Roddey Road, Rock Hill: Valentine's pageant, 6 p.m. Feb. 25.

Rawlinson Road Baptist Church, Rawlinson Road, Rock Hill: "Messiah in the Passover," presented by Sam Nadler, 9 and 10 a.m. Sunday. Nadler, a Jewish believer in Jesus, is founder of Word of Messiah Ministries.

Second Wilson Baptist Church, Ashford Street, Chester: Count Your Blessings program, 3 p.m. Feb. 19 with music by the Rock Hill Singers.

Weeping Mary Baptist Church, Rock Hill: The Rev. and Mrs. E.L. Floyd's first pastoral anniversary service, 2:30 p.m. Feb. 19. Lunch served at 1 p.m.

Woodhaven Baptist Church, Marett Boulevard, Rock Hill: Valentine's Banquet, 7 tonight. New members class, 9:45 a.m. Sunday. Hearts of Gold to First Baptist in Rock Hill for revival and lunch, 10:30 a.m. Monday and spaghetti lunch at noon Tuesday.

Zion Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, Pinckney Road, Chester: Encouragement program, 2 p.m. Feb. 19.

CHURCH OF GOD

Gateway Church of God, Shelley Mullis Road, Indian Land: Revival, 6:30 tonight and 11 a.m. Sunday with the Rev. Pamela Willhite.

LUTHERAN

Epiphany Lutheran Church, West Main Street, Rock Hill: Epiphany 101 to learn more about the church begins Sunday. Indoor Craft Blast, after 10:30 a.m. worship Sunday for children age 3 through fifth grade. Lunch provided.

Grace Lutheran Church, Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill: New member class, 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Seniors trip to Newberry Opera House, Tuesday. Bible Study, 7 p.m. Tuesday at Old Town Bistro. Potluck supper, 6 p.m. Wednesday. Church directory photos taken Tuesday through Saturday. Campus Ministry retreat, Friday through Feb. 19.

METHODIST

Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Youth-sponsored chili cook-off, 6-7 tonight. Entry fee is $10. Cost for unlimited sampling and a ballot to vote is $5. Prize for the hottest chili and the crowd favorite. Kids Club, after 10:30 a.m. worship Sunday. Lone Star lunch bunch, lunch after worship Sunday at Bob Evans. United Methodist Women Sunday is Feb. 19.

Bethel United Methodist Church, Curtis Street, Rock Hill: Bethel Soup Kitchen, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays through March. Donations are accepted and proceeds go to the Bethel missions. Open to the community. Valentine Candy Walk, sponsored by the mission team, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. today in the gym. Boxes are $5 and $10. Gift wrap available. Shrove Tuesday pancake supper, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 21. Ash Wednesday service, noon Feb. 22.

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Church news: Black history, chili cook-offs, Valentines

The city has stripped a notorious Greene Avenue church of its tax-exempt status — a bureaucratic move could lead to the building’s seizure after six years of complaints about the rat-infested, apparently abandoned property.

Officials at the Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, a decrepit wreck near the corner of Fulton Street, failed to reapply for the no-tax benefit this fall — and if the inactive church fails behind on its new $14,355 annual tax payments, the city can foreclose.

Frustrated neighbors hope that this signals the beginning of the end.

“This has been going on for more than five years and it’s ruined my business,” said Kay Lee, who owns One Greene, the 11-year-old sushi restaurant next door to the Zion church.

Ms. Lee estimated that she spent $20,000 to renovate her basement to block rats and other vermin that can be heard scratching at the walls of her restaurant.

The history of 5 Greene Avenue is filled with mystery, frustration and city ineptitude.

According to city records, the church took possession of the building in 2005 and almost immediately planned a major renovation. But those repairs did not happen. Instead, a construction scaffolding went up — and the rats took over the property.

“It’s just so irresponsible,” said Phillip Kellogg, manager of the Fulton Area Business Alliance. “From a spiritual standpoint, the congregation should realize how irresponsible it’s being.”

Tyler Kord, the chef and owner of No. 7, a stylish restaurant and bar next door to the abandoned church, added that he offered to do a fundraiser for the congregation and has helped find a buyer for the building.

“But they had no interest,” said Mr. Kord. “We did not wish them any ill, but they’re just not the greatest neighbors.”

Indeed, the building was hit with four violations for hazardous conditions last year alone, and the church owes $58,233 for 13 outstanding violations dating back to the middle of the last decade.

But the city did not act. A spokesman for the Department of Finance admitted that the agency did not review tax-exempt status for various institutions between 2007 and last summer, when it finally required non-profit groups and houses of worship to reapply for their exemptions.

A lawyer for the Zion church told The Local that the congregation was not aware that it had missed the deadline, and that the church would refile.

“The building is incorporated as a church, so there is no issue about whether it is a church,” said the lawyer, Warren Bennia. “So now the city is talking about imposing a tax on a church for allegedly failing to respond to a piece of paper. The city should not be in the business of stripping churches of their tax-exempt status if they are providing a place of worship.”

The city agrees with the first part, but not necessarily the second. A spokesman for the Department of Finance said that an inspector would likely visit the church building to determine if Zion is truly providing a “place of worship,” as Mr. Bennia called it.

“We are not in the business of stripping any property of its tax-exempt status,” said Owen Stone, the agency spokesman. “But our job is to make sure properties are in compliance with the rules” and verify that “the building is being used as a church.”

Even the pastor of Zion AME suggested that the building would not meet that standard.

“I have been the pastor for five years, and I’ve never even been in the building,” said the Rev. Patricia Phillips. “How do you think I feel, being a pastor and not having a church building?”

Gersh Kuntzman joined The Local in January, 2012 after stints as a reporter at The New York Post and editor of The Brooklyn Paper. Follow him on Twitter @gershkuntzman.

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City Strips ‘Rat-Infested’ Greene Avenue Church of its Tax Exemption

SOMERS ——

There are not many physical remnants of the Somers Congregational Church after a fire on New Year's day destroyed the 170-year-old building and damaged a nearby memorial garden and addition.

Since the fire, the church has been holding Sunday services in Johnson Memorial Medical Center and using a trailer in the parking lot for offices. But the congregation is working to rebuild, and when it does, it will have the help of one of the rare items to escape destruction — the original building plans from 1842.

The plans — a folder full of drawings and construction specifications — were housed in the Connecticut State Library in Hartford, which came as a surprise to church historian Ailene Henry.

"We knew the State Library had some of our record books," said Henry. "But we did not know they had documents relating to the building of the 1842 meeting house."

Reference librarian Carol Ganz said that after hearing about the fire in the news, she went to see what documents the library had on Somers Congregational Church.

Although there are stacks of church records in the state library — there was a big push for churches to bring their records in for safekeeping during the 1930s, 40s and 50s (the library would copy the documents, bind them and return the bound copies to the churches) — Ganz said that building plans are rather uncommon.

"I saw a separate box that said, 'Meeting House Building,' and I thought, 'Oh my gosh, that's the building," said Ganz.

Ganz contacted the church after making the discovery. "We were really very happy to be able to be a small part of helping to rebuild," she said. "That's one of the really nice things about having records in more than one place."

The plans are somewhat vague, giving a rough outline of what the 19th-century congregation had in mind for construction. One document titled "Somers Meeting House to be built in the following manner [way]" — hand-written, of course, in pretty black penmanship — includes some exact measurements for the size of the posts, beams and rafters, but also many general directives, like building "a suitable plinth around the entire house."

Henry admitted that the documents were historically interesting, although less practically helpful. "It's not something that we would call a blueprint today," she said. "Although it did have some information on there."

The Rev. Barry Cass said that the plan is for the exterior of the building, whose steeple was a Main Street landmark, to look basically identical to the old church. Code updates and some minor lighting and electrical improvements will alter the interior slightly.

The building was insured at the time of the fire, he said, and the building committee is already meeting with architects to discuss rebuilding. The organ committee has also been traveling around to hear different organs, and the remains of the structure were just released by investigators, clearing the way for demolition and rebuilding. Ideally, it would be nice to have the church finished for Easter 2013, Cass said, but it's premature to set any dates.

Although it could feel slow-going at times, the pastor said that "things are going as well as expected, maybe a little better."

With a congregation dating back to 1727, the church has played a significant role in the community over the years. In addition to hosting a food pantry and providing other social services, the church was home to Somers' town meetings until the current town hall was built in 1950. The fire that destroyed the church is still being investigated by state and local officials.

"People have been very helpful," said historian Henry. "We will rebuild and the church will carry on."

The rest is here:
Somers Congregational Church: Rebuilding, With Original Plans

NORTH ANDOVER — Members of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley have a lot to celebrate tomorrow.

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church in America, will preside over the consecration and blessing of the church's new altar and baptismal font and the church is celebrating the 42nd anniversary of its founding. Divine liturgy begins at 10 a.m. and the church is located at 158 Main St.

"It's going to be a historic event," said the Rev. Karekin Bedourian, pastor. "This is a very exciting. We can't wait to enter our newly renovated church to restart our faith journey."

For the past nine months, Bedourian has led divine liturgy in Jaffarian Hall while the construction was taking place.

In addition to the altar and baptismal font, St. Gregory had a complete overhaul of the sanctuary from rebuilding the walls and ceiling, refinishing the hardwood floor, updating the electrical system and installing new chandeliers.

Plans for renovations started in 2005 with a capital campaign, said Richard Shahtanian, chairman of the 16-member building committee.

Work on Jaffarian Hall was done in 2007, followed by fixing the exterior granite stairs in front of the main entrance and side office door, siding the cupola and capping the chimney.

Next on the repair list will be installing a lift/elevator, the steeple and renovating the Sunday school classrooms and church offices.

This is the first time in more than 40 years that members have done major repairs to the church. Repairs will total $1 million.

St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic has more than 100 members who come from Andover, North Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, Salem and Manchester. An average of 70 people attend divine liturgy on Sundays, and there are 50 children in the Sunday school. Bedourian said 95 percent of its members contributed to the campaign, with the largest donation being $50,000.

"For a church of our size, it took a lot of sacrifice for our people who put church above personal interest, but that's how important their faith is and how much they want to preserve it," Shahtanian said.

The downturn in the economy affected members and almost stalled renovations because they needed to fill a $75,000 gap. But after explaining the situation to parishioners at a meeting and asking families to contribute $2,000 each, all the money was raised.

"They had a vision to see the future of our church for our children," Bedourian said. "For us, the church is not only a place to go and enrich your spirit, but also where we gather to keep our Armenian heritage alive and get a sense of belonging."

Shahtanian agrees.

"This work is going to create a platform for years to come and preserve the church for generations to practice our Christian faith," he said.

In addition, Shahtanian said members put their faith to work by helping out the needy, including the House of Hope in Lowell and orphan children in Armenia.

"This is a very exciting time for our community because our Christian faith is so strong," Shahtanian said.

Lithuanians celebrate independence day at Mass

LAWRENCE — Father Joseph of the Primitive Franciscans celebrates Mass in honor of Lithuania's 94th Independence Day tomorrow at 11 a.m. at Corpus Christi, 35 Essex St.

The liturgy will be in Lithuanian and English. Dinner follows. A slide show on Lithuanian Wayside crosses will be shown.

Tickets are $10. For information, contact Lithuanian Council president Jonas Stundzia at 978-685-4478.

Registration for Lenten program

HAMPSTEAD, N.H. — Registration will be taken this weekend for "Living the Eucharist" Lenten program schedule for Feb. 20 to April 1 at St. Anne Church, 26 Emerson Ave. People can sign up today after the 4 p.m. Mass or tomorrow after the 8, 9:30 or 11 a.m. services.

There will be adult discussion group held at the church or in home settings; a family program, and a teen group.

Religion listings

All Saints, 120 Bellevue Ave., Haverhill: The parish is starting a writer's group Feb. 15 at 3:30 p.m. It will begin with a reflection by a catholic writer followed by sharing memories on different topics. The theme for the first meeting is, "I realized I loved saint... when...." A movie on the apparitions of our Holy Mother in Garabandal, Spain to four girls during 1961-1965 will be shown Feb. 25 at 6 p.m., sponsored by the Knight of Columbus.

Christ Church, 25 Central St., Andover: Rachel Williams shows her film, "Afghanistan: View from a Grain of Sand" about thee women and war, Monday at 7 p.m. Williams, from "Help Women Heal" will show photographs taken while making the film and leads a discussion. Epiphany Learning Series ends Wednesday, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Choral evensong service is Feb. 26 at 5 p.m.

DeColores Bookstore, 34 N. Broadway, Salem, N.H.: Father Andrew of the Primitive Order of Franciscans in Lawrence offers a teaching on the book of Genesis, Feb. 18 at 9:30 a.m.

Faith Lutheran, 360 South Main St., Andover: The movie, "Random Harvest" will be shown Feb. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Newcomers dinner for people interested in joining the church is tomorrow at 5:30 p.m.

Free Christian, 31 Elm St., Andover: The Alpha course continues Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., until Dec. 5.

Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St. North Andover: The school's newspaper, The Beacon, hosts a forum on "Faith in the Press," Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. A panel of political journalists discuss religion and faith as an issue in the upcoming presidential election.

Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation, 439 S. Union St., second floor, Lawrence: Hebrew Ulpan class, a full-language program that teaches grammar, reading comprehension and conversational skills begins Feb. 26 through May 20 at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The class is for high school to adults and is being offered by Hebrew College.

New England Bible, 60 Chandler Road, Andover: "Clear Answers to Hard Questions" adult class Sundays through April 1 at 9 a.m.

North Parish, 190 Academy Road, North Andover: Lunch with Rev. Lee Bluemel is Feb. 21, noon to 1 p.m. and every third Tuesday of the month. Bring a brown bag lunch, opinions, politics, questions and observations. Newcomer night for teens and young adults at Great Pond Sangha, Feb. 29, 7:30 to 9 p.m.. Old Center Hall, 3 Great Pond Road with guided meditation and discussion. Free. For details, contact Laura at greatpondsangha@verizon.net.

St. Andrew Episcopal, 90 Broadway, Methuen: Bishop Gayle Harris leads service tomorrow at 2 p.m., followed by meetings with parishioners until 6 p.m. The church's book club reads "Same Kind of Different as Me," Feb. 29.

St. Anne, 26 Emerson Ave., Hampstead, N.H.: "Living the Eucharist" learn about and discuss the meaning of Mass, the Eucharist, scripture readings, and enjoy and connect more deeply with your faith community, Feb. 20 through April 1. for adults, teens, and families. Sign up at February 11/12 or call the office at 603-329-5886.

St. Augustine of Our Lady of Good Counsel, 128 Ames St., Lawrence: Confirmation students lead Holy Hour tomorrow at noon to pray for people dealing with an illness.

St. David Episcopal, 231 Main St., Salem, N.H.: The adult education series is studying, "Breaking Free," by Mark William Olson, Sundays at 11:30 a.m.

St. James, Winter Street, Haverhill: Youngsters from St. James and St. John serve as altar servers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, cantor and choir members at the first youth Mass Feb. 19 at 5 p.m.

St. James Episcopal Church, 119 Washington St., Groveland: Kid's Day of Art and Prayer during School Vacation for second through sixth-graders, Feb. 22 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children's workshop lead by Ingrid Sanborn and the Rev. Marya Decarlen. Participants will create charcoal drawings for a quilt which will be displayed in the church during Lent. Cost is $7 per child and includes a pizza lunch.

St. Joseph of Sts. Mary and Joseph parish, 40 Main St., Salem, N.H.: Catholics who have been away from the church are invited to a series of meetings to talk about their faith journey, Feb. 27, March 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 7 p.m.

St. Mark the Evangelist, 1 South Road, Londonderry, N.H.: Scripture study on the Passion and Resurrection Narratives of Jesus Christ will be held Mondays Feb. 27 to April 2 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $15.

St. Monica, 212 Lawrence St., Methuen: On the third Sunday of the month, the 5:30 p.m. Mass will be signed by a volunteer using American sign language.

St. Robert Bellarmine, 198 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover: World Day of Prayer for the Sick is celebrated with the anointing of the sick tomorrow at the 11 a.m. Mass.

St. Theresa of Our Lady of Good Counsel, 22 Plymouth St., Methuen: Joyce Wholey of the San Damiano House of Prayer speaks about the house and spiritual direction, Feb. 20 at noon. This is part of the monthly luncheon speakers series. Free but donations accepted. Register by calling the parish office at 686-3984 by Feb. 18.

St. Thomas Aquinas, 26 Crystal Ave., Derry, N.H.: Donald H. Nohs, one of the world's leading authorities on the Shroud of Turin speaks on the image Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. He will have on display one of the few church-sanctioned authentic full body replicas of the shroud.

South Church, 41 Central St., Andover: The Rev. Ned Martin leads a four-week session titled, "Love your Enemies? What does that mean and why should I" tomorrow at 9:15 a.m. The Rev. John Zehring leads a study on "The Sermon on the Mount" Sundays through March 4 at 10:30 a.m.

Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover: Family sabbath dinner is March 2 at 6 p.m., prior to the service for kindergartners, first-graders and their families. Reservations must be made by Feb. 24 by calling 978-470-1356.

Temple Emanu-El, 514 Main St., Haverhill: Bible study class on issues concerning Israel and the Middle East is Feb. 18 at noon.

Trinitarian Congregational, 72 Elm St., North Andover: Singers Lara Sablich, Janet Swatski, Mike and Laura Green, Rich and Alisa Knight perform in "An Evening of Love Songs" tonight at 7 p.m. Cost is $5 and proceeds benefit the youth mission trip. The Rev. Rich Knight continues his sermon series titled, "Love, Sweet, Love," exploring the great love passages in the Bible tomorrow at 10 am. Joani Geltman, author of "I Get It — The Three Magic Words for Parents of Teens" kicks off "Parenting Potluck Series" March 5 with supper at 6 p.m. followed by workshop 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The series continues March 12 and 26.

Trinity Episcopal, 26 White St., Haverhill: Bishop Gayle Harris visits tomorrow beginning with the 10 a.m. worship service followed by meetings with parishioners.

Universalist Unitarian, Kenoza Ave., Haverhill: The book groups discusses "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Color blindness," by Michelle Alexander, tomorrow at 9 a.m. Salma Kazmi speaks on, "Islamic faith from the Perspective of a Believer," Feb. 18, 1 to 4 p.m. Kazmi developed and teaches "Theology and History of Jewish, Christian Muslim Relations" at Merrimack College.

West Congregational, 767 Broadway, Haverhill: Alpha course exploring key issues of the Christian faith continues Tuesdays at 6 p.m. until Dec. 5. A 12-week women's Bible study looks at the prophet Daniel, Mondays, 6:45 to 9 p.m. After School Bible Club, Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m., Feb. 29 to April 4 for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Program teaches about the Christian faith through music, memorization, study, games and videos. Each session includes pizza. To register, log on to westchurch.org.

West Parish, 129 Reservation Road, Andover: "Living the Questions 2.0," Lenten series begins Feb. 16, featuring leading mainline and progressive Christianity through such topics as "Taking the Bible Seriously" "Stories of Creation," "Thinking Theologically and "Out into the World: challenges Facing Progressive Christians." Silent meditation is Feb. 19 at 5:30 p.m.

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Church celebrates renovations, anniversary

Building God's Way founder and church architect, Dan Cook, along with partner Don Mahoney and a team of experts in the areas of church building, church growth, church fundraising, church finance and leadership will address key strategies for facility expansion and renovation to meet the needs of a new generation. The spring seminars are expected to draw up to 1,000 church and school leaders.

Yuba City, CA (PRWEB) February 09, 2012

Building God’s Way today announced its 2012 spring seminar schedule, which will include dates in 12 cities across the country between March 20 - May 17. Following the successful 2011 campaign theme of "Not Your Parent's Church", which drew more than 1,100 people from 550 churches and Christian schools, the seminars will focus on key trends and strategies in church design, church building and renovation and more.

Two speaker panels have been established that will include experts in the areas of church architecture, church construction, fundraising, finance, leadership and church growth. Each of the speakers have worked with hundreds of ministry-based organizations across the country and will share vital information about how successful and vibrant ministries are responding to the largest generational shift in U.S. history.

Not Your Parent’s Church will shed light on how the new generation is impacting the way ministry space is being designed, utilized and funded. Dan Cook and Don Mahoney, architects that have designed more than 500 facilities for churches and Christian schools, will discuss new perspectives on master planning and design that are key in reaching the Millennial generation. Recent research indicates that a paradigm shift is bringing about new economic realities for ministries. As giving declines, churches must prayerfully seek out new and creative ways to fund ministries and outreach. In one seminar session, entitled, “The Church Facility...it’s not just for Sunday’s anymore,” the architects will share about how facilities that are planned and designed properly can play a key role in financial sustainability for churches.

The architects and local BGW church building partner, Hilbers, Inc. will also share about a unique construction delivery model that is changing the way churches and Christian schools are being built. With a foundation based on relationships, stewardship and outreach, this proven process is delivering a consistent 20-30% savings compared to standard design and building methods - without lowering quality. The program focuses not only on lowering up-front construction costs, but also has a huge impact on long-term operation and maintenance costs. The construction session will provide detail about the key elements that lower costs, including a unique pre-construction process and an exclusive network of suppliers for building materials, products and furnishings.    

Terry Bates and Michael Goldsmith will headline the fundraising and growth tracks of the seminars. Terry and Michael have personally led multiple congregations through growth barriers and have helped ministries across the country to inspire and motivate their congregations to successfully fund their God-given vision. Terry Bates is currently the pastor of OKC Faith Church in Oklahoma City and is the author of “Positioning Your Church”. Terry previously worked with Dr. John Maxwell’s Million Leader Mandate, in which he was involved in training more than 250,000 in Asia and Africa. Michael Goldsmith played an integral role in tripling the weekly attendance at The Assembly at Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Michael trains pastors across the country in his role as a consultant for BGW Forward in Faith.

Pastor Bates and Goldsmith will share some keys to developing momentum in any economic environment, momentum that can lead to increased attendance, greater member involvement and increased giving capacity. In another session, the pastors will provide an overview of a radically different concept in capital fundraising called “Hearing from God.” This refreshing approach is having dynamic results with ministries around the country without the high pressure and manipulation tactics common with most capital fundraising campaigns. Attendees will learn how their ministries can cultivate spiritual sensitivity as their congregation joins together to pray, fast and respond to the individual vision that God has for them.

For more information about registration and a schedule of dates and locations for the BGW “Not Your Parent’s Church” seminars, visit the BGW Events web page.

About Building God’s Way - With a portfolio of nearly 400 churches and 120 Christian schools and colleges nationwide, Building God's Way (“BGW”) has become a recognized leader in ministry design and construction. BGW has also developed an unparalleled network of kingdom building services that extend beyond just architecture and building and includes growth coaching, vision casting, capital fundraising, financing, leadership development and more. The mission of Building God’s Way is to build God’s Kingdom by translating the God-given ministry vision of Christian organizations through high-quality, cost-effective buildings and by demonstrating the love of Christ on the job site through the BGW Ministry of Construction program.

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Derek Johnson
BGW Services
801.409.1045 1045
Email Information

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"Not Your Parent's Church" Seminar Highlighting New Strategies for Church Design and Church Building for the 21st ...

NORWICH, Conn.—Safety goggles and stacks of scaffolding may not be the most sacred items ever to occupy space in the sanctuary of his Norwich church, but the Rev. John Lancz is happy to have them.

"We are really looking ahead with excitement at putting in possibilities that were only dreams before. We are really pleased," said Lancz, pastor of United Congregational Church at 87 Broadway.

Work recently began on a $290,000 structural upgrade that caretakers say is among the most significant construction projects ever at the 155-year-old building.

Crews will dismantle what's left of two internal chimneys and remove rubble they've left behind that has been pressing against the church, threatening its organ apse and buckling the walls.

They'll also shore up a failing truss, which has caused the ceiling to separate from its supports. The venture is being paid for in part by a $125,000 state Commission on Culture & Tourism grant. The church's long relationships with other local faith organizations have also helped bring in dollars.

Lancz said officials remain about $90,000 short but are confident they'll find a way to pay for the renovations -- simply because the alternative is too steep a price to bear, he said.

"If this work were not done, the building would collapse," Lancz said.

The church is planning a May celebration to mark the project's completion.

Pleasant Valley-based Gesco Construction was awarded the contract and has been on site for the past month preparing the sanctuary for its facelift. It's a delicate process, with many original parts of the church still intact and in need of protection.

That includes more than a dozen stained-glass windows designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany that feature his characteristic use of opalescent glass and color patterns -- a feature that helped get the church listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tiffany, who was married at the church in 1872, redesigned it in 1891 with an elaborate stencil pattern on the walls next to the top of the organ and on its crowning. The artwork was rediscovered last week by Dave Gavrillen, one of the project's general managers.

The happy surprise leaves church leaders with a decision about whether to restore the images. They're expected to solicit bids for the work shortly.

Despite the major undertaking, Sunday services remain uninterrupted as the congregation meets in the church's Fellowship Hall on the lower level. The church is structurally sound and used daily by groups like the Norwich chapter of the NAACP and Bully Busters, which have offices there.

"All church activities are rolling," Lancz said. "And those who use this building are excited the work is being done and look forward to expanding what we already do here."

Gail DeCoteau, of Groton, has been a member of the church for nearly a year and is thrilled that construction has started.

"I'm very happy. This building is just too valuable a resource for the community to let disintegrate," she said. "Once the upstairs is done and the organ is rocking, they're going to know this building is alive."

Information from: Norwich Bulletin, http://www.norwichbulletin.com

© Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Work saves crumbling Norwich church

This Sunday, Our Lady of Peace Church opens its brand-new doors in Silverthorne to those interested in taking a look inside.

The church, under construction at the north end of Silverthorne, was recently enclosed with the completion of the roof.

Now, church officials want to take the opportunity to showcase the new building. The church is moving from its current location in Dillon Valley to its new spot below the Gore Range in Silverthorne.

From 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, the church and rectory buildings will be open for public to walk-through. Officials expect construction to be completed (they're currently working on the interior) by late summer.

The church is also showcasing its commitment to employing local skilled labor, contractors and purchasing building materials from within the county.

According to Deacon Chuck Lamar, an extensive process of pre-qualifying and prioritizing local subcontractors resulting in the ability to hire two-thirds of the subcontractors in Summit County, and spend 77 percent of the dollars (more than $3 million) with the local businesses.

“Since 1881, we have been part of Summit County and are committed to local people here,” Lamar said. “We have $4 to $5 million to spend, and we'd really like to support our local community with people looking for work. ... If they were qualified and competitive in price, we opted to hire them as we could.”

To his knowledge, the only workers who came from outside of Summit County were those whose skills couldn't be found within Summit's borders.

Our Lady of Peace is an extension of Breckenridge's St. Mary Catholic parish, founded in 1881. The original church still sits at 109 S. French Street, which received an addition in 1985 to accommodate continuing growth. In December, a major interior renovation was finished, adding more seating and social space at the site.

As the community grew, a new mission, called Infant of Prague, was established in 1958 and met in old Dillon until the town was flooded for the new reservoir. In 1975, Our Lady of Peace church was constructed on its current site in Dillon Valley. With little room to expand, church officials sought a new site and landed on the Silverthorne property.

The construction budget for the project exceeds $4 million, which is being funded by pledges and donations from the local Catholic community (full and part time residents) as well as visiting families.

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New Catholic church under construction north of Silverthorne holds open house Sunday