Welcome to the first edition of Building Bytes
This newsletter is designed to keep the Faith family informed about exciting changes to our church facility, and the importance of these changes--and the planned expansion--for meeting our goal of equipping God’s people to do God’s work.

Why the changes?
Several reasons!

The old “barn on the hill” is showing wear and tear from 15 years of use. 

The Faith family has grown from approximately 300 in the late 90s to nearly 1,000. As with any community or organization, population increases bring the need for more space. 

The dynamics ofgrowth results in an increased diversity of needs that cannot adequately be met by the existing facility. Faith Bible is no longer a small church; God is directing us to respond accordingly!

What has changed?

New walls constructed and old walls demolished to create a dedicated space for worship services and space for more active fellowship and better circulation. 

A new sanctuary platform provides much needed space for vocal and instrumental music participants to lead and encourage the body in worship. 

A new sound booth, enhanced sound system, and new lighting options (referred to collectively as “Troy’s Toys”!) provide the AV team more control and flexibility for the sanctuary environment. 

A new projection and screen system greatly improves the quality of video and other types of visual presentation. 

A state-of-the-art hearing loop system will enhance the worship and teaching experience for hearing-impaired family members.

The “coffee” colored carpet is making way for unstained carpet tiles chosen to complement the new design scheme. 

You say we’ve grown, but isn’t the sanctuary now smaller?! 

The newly-enclosed sanctuary comfortably seats over 540. In addition, the worship experience will be enhanced by better supporting environments and less distraction.

Who decided on these changes?
Well, everybody!

Facility Team members, led by Steve Petersen, spent countless hours over the past several years meeting with ministry leaders, flock groups, and other individuals to gather input on the facility needs of each ministry area at Faith Bible Church.

In November 2012, the Strategic Financial Oversight Team reached a united conviction that the Lord was directing the Faith fellowship to take a step of obedience. As a result, the CalledtoGo facility project was launched. It was, without question, abold step of faith. By December 31, 2012 CalledtoGo was graced with over $250,000 in cash plus another $250,000 in commitments!

CalledToGo for a building project? I don’t get it!
Think of it this way: Our family home is a place of retreat where we find comfort and security, instruction and discipline, fellowship and refreshment. These experiences prepare and strengthen us to go out into the world on a daily basis. It is also a place where we extend hospitality to others. If we are honest, very few of us completely ignore the physical aspects of our surroundings (especially when visitors come to call!) Our physical surroundings can enhance or hinder our preparation for life’s challenges and our willingness and ability to extend hospitality.

Likewise, this facility is home to the Faith family. It is, therefore, a place where believers in Christ should find the comfort and security, instruction and discipline, fellowship and refreshment necessary to prepare us to go out on a daily basis—equipped with God’s Word, to do God’s work, in God’s world. It is also a place where we should be able to confidently extend hospitality, particularly to unbelievers who need to hear the lifesaving message of the Gospel.

Whether we are called to go to the ends of the earth, to the office building downtown, or to the school around the corner, we all are called to go. Our Family home plays a key role in that preparation.

Coming up next in Building Bytes: More on Troy’s Toys

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