New Sanctuary Update

January 21, 2010

This is a great time in the life of Snowmass Chapel. We have successfully gone through a transition of leadership. There is a new Spirit-filled energy. And we are in the process of preparing to plan for the future, one that will reach and touch more people.

Although many things in our culture are in a state of disarray, one thing is crystal clear at the Chapel. The number one priority of Snowmass Chapel is to be effective with our programs and ministries. Reaching people with the life changing Gospel message of Jesus Christ is why we are here.

Over the months ahead, Robert will be connecting with you and as many people as possible through a variety of means to find out what you think is most important to all of us who call Snowmass Chapel home. This process will help us establish goals and objectives for the future.

As many of you know, more than ten years ago, the Board of Trustees developed a long-term plan called “Vision 10”, part of which included the creation of a magnificent new worship space for the Chapel. The goal was to build a space that would draw people to worship, honor, and glorify God. We planned a very special New Sanctuary that was designed to meet the needs for decades to come.

Our plan included many benefits for the local community. Needless to say, the process has been long, difficult, and expensive. Many great people committed their time and sacrificed significant resources to try and do something wonderful for the Chapel and our community.

After many years, we recently received approval from the Town Council to proceed. However, the approval arrived at a time in which we are only beginning to recover from a deep, painful, and difficult recession that has affected everyone in some way, depleted resources, and shifted priorities for many people. As a result, we do not currently have the available funds to begin construction.

In fact, due to restrictions placed upon us by the Village, no construction can begin until 90% of the total dollars needed are available. Currently, we are far below that benchmark. Facing the current economic realities, believing that ministries and programs are our first priority, and being committed to fiscally prudent policies, we will not begin construction of a New Sanctuary in the immediate future.

Despite this, we believe that economic conditions will change, that the Chapel will grow, and that new people will join us. Most importantly, we trust our Lord to lead us.

We recognize that our current space inhibits growth and the room necessary to create new programs and ministries for people of all ages. We want to have the room for incredible adult learning opportunities, compelling programs for children and young adults, and diverse music experiences, just to name a few.

We also understand that one of our strengths is the diversity of the people of the Chapel who have differing views and perspectives as to what shape and form a new sanctuary/added space should take. For over a decade, some have sacrificed tremendously to accomplish the construction of the current design. Others have held to divergent perspectives.

It is important for all of us to engage in continuing prayer, to listen to each other, and together to discern God’s will. While building projects are always difficult and there is never unanimity of opinion, such a project can only proceed if there is a spirit of unity and shared purpose and commitment.

It may be that over time the current design, which so many have worked hard toward, is what we want as a community and that such a design can be done in a significantly more cost effective, affordable manner. It may also be, however, that other opportunities will emerge.

We are not scrapping the plans that have been developed, nor are we starting over. What we need to do together now as a community is to take stock of where we are and discern where Jesus is leading us. Now is the time to listen, to pray, and to build up our programs and ministries together. Now is the time to be financially prudent and to invest in our day-in and day-out operations.

We would not be where we are with the opportunities that are before us without all of you, along with the dedicated and self-sacrificing leaders of the past. We would not be where we are if it were not for the countless volunteers who have worked so many hours. We would not be where we are if not for the incredibly gracious and generous support of so many people.

This is not a time of failure. It is a time of incredible possibility.

No program, no ministry, no building project, no church is perfect. The challenges associated with building new space serves as a reminder to those of us on the journey of faith that there is only One who is perfect and that is Jesus Christ our Lord.

Gifts made thus far have not been misspent, they have enabled us to be where we are right now which is at the launching point of an adventurous and faith-filled future.

Funds given for the New Sanctuary have been invested, are growing, and being managed by our New Sanctuary Council as well as the Board for future construction. For those who have given and for those who are considering giving in the future, we want to talk with you, hear your dreams for the Chapel, and understand your concerns. We also want to assure you that the New Sanctuary assets on hand are secure and being overseen with conservative diligence.

The earlier “Vision 10”, part of which was to construct a new sanctuary, also included plans for the creation of endowments and to address housing for the senior pastor.

The goal of such endowments is to help fund ministries and programs, our first priority. Over time these will establish relative economic stability for the Chapel even during tough economic times. These plans are on-going and we anticipate that some will want to provide for the Chapel as part of their long-term financial planning.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. Thank you especially for being a special part of Snowmass Chapel. We ask that you join us in building up our programs and ministries, in praying, in listening, in forgiving, and in loving.

All three of us look forward to talking with you and to what our Lord has in mind for our future together.

With blessings, gratitude and prayers,

Jim Light, Chairman, Board of Trustees

Paul Schorr, Chairman, New Sanctuary Council

Robert de Wetter, Senior Pastor