ROYAL STREET PROJECT
We are thrilled to announce that the renovations on 150 Royal Street are well under way, and we hope to be able to start using the building early in the new year!
Above are some conceptual drawings, and some pictures taken recently to show how the renovations are progressing. We feel incredibly blessed and encouraged that God has opened this door for us, and we clearly see God's hand in this as He reminds us that He will continue to be faithful to us, if we remain faithful to Him and His word.
BACKGROUND
Pastor Benjamin felt strongly that God had a different path for him and his family and one of the reasons was this: despite an immense amount of time, work and effort that was put into procuring a new space that could serve as office space for our staff, every single door was shut.
Yet not long after Pastor Ben informed the congregation of his family’s decision to explore what God has next for them, God simultaneously affirmed their decision as a family and also sent a strong message to Calvary, through the opportunity of purchasing this building, that He will continue to provide for us far more abundantly than we could ask or think, and that is exactly what this building does.
SHORT TERM uses
In the short term, this building provides us not only with the opportunity for a clean, efficient and professional working space for our staff and those they are ministering to, but it also gives us the opportunity to add a large flex space and a kitchen down the road. During the week, this large flex space could be used for a plethora of ministries including bible studies, prayer groups, Go Deep classes, meeting spaces for deacons and elders, opportunities for youth and also outreaches for our community such as Christianity Explored, Celebrate Recovery, meal programs and more.
But the opportunities don't end there. Normally on Sunday morning we need to shut down the children's ministry if we need to run something else, but not anymore. This flex space will give us the ability on Sundays to run things such as Plan To Protect, Newcomers Lunches, Membership classes and volunteer training on a Sunday morning. We can also use the space for ministry meetings. So you can come to church, then attend your ministry meeting and not need to take another night out of your calendar for a meeting. The possibilities are endless and truly exciting.
LONG TERM POTENTIAL
But this building also has excellent long term potential. As we continue to search for a new building, our most likely option will be to build on land outside the downtown core. But this building gives us the opportunity to stay connected and missional in our community. One of the drawbacks to building out of town is not everyone has access to a vehicle to get there. This gives our church a chance to maintain a presence right in the middle of town where we can run programs like Christianity Explored and Celebrate Recovery with access for everyone. We also get the opportunity to be even more creative and pray big prayers regarding how God would use us at Calvary to reach Muskoka and fulfill the great commission.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Would you consider partnering with us as we work on this space? First and foremost we need your prayers. Pray for wisdom and provision and that we would steward well the resources God has given us. Pray over the space itself and the thousands of gospel conversations and ministry that will take place in this space. Pray that we would be humble and obedient to use the space for God's glory and for the good of our church and community.
Would you also consider lending us your skills? If you have licensed construction skills or are willing to do general labour and are willing to donate your time towards making this a reality that would be a tremendous blessing. Please fill out the form below to let us know you are interested in helping. It will ask you for contact info, your skills and your schedule and we'll do our best to line up our schedules so we can use your gifts and generosity.
Finally, would you consider giving with your finances?
The amount needed to cover the mortgage and the initial renovations is $225,000.
Click HERE to see a summary of the presentation that was made at the special meeting on September 10, 2023, giving a bit more detail about the financial aspect of this project.
Our budget has the ability to support this project, but taking on these expenses will stress our budget and remove our flexibility to potentially acquire land for building a new building and/or add a 3rd staff until these expenses are paid off. Would you consider giving so that we can maintain our financial ability to be ready to move on what God has for us next as he brings it our way? To make a financial donation, please go to the “Giving” page. And if you would like your donation to go toward paying down the mortgage, please indicate that when you make your donation.
We believe God is moving in a powerful way in Muskoka and we are so grateful for your generosity in helping us stay ready to move!
Sincerely,
Your Elders & Deacons