Tour Day - Moving Ahead!!

Tour Day was a great success! Your Building Committee wants to thank all who took advantage of this opportunity to view the progress. We estimate that over 300 folks went on the tour! Wow!

Audio-Visual Specialist Russ Poston


There is so much going on “behind the scenes.” Robin McMahan is working with a small committee on such things as paint colors, carpeting and furnishings for the new areas. Russ Poston and a group of volunteers have chosen a company to provide and install audio-visual equipment in the Youth Center and Commons Room, to upgrade equipment in the Saint Mark Center and to move and upgrade the sound booth in the Sanctuary. The SMURFS have been available for projects that we do not need to pay our contractor for! These and many other volunteers are doing such important work!
On the Tour and among the Building Committee there has been a lot of discussion about how best to utilize the new Saint Mark Meadow area. After the ditch was covered, the entire area has taken on a new feeling of openness and opportunity! The Building Committee has voted to install two additional doors in the Commons Room that will be at the ends of the two large windows. This will make access to the Meadow area much easier. We will be seeking a plan for the best utilization of this area as a landscaped “green space” with some tastefully located parking (including handicapped parking).


To view a "highlights video" of the tour, click on the link below (you might see yourself on the Internet!!)

http://kingofclemson.com/stmarktour.wmv

Everyone is wondering when the project will be completed. Construction is on schedule and we will see progress every week. The completion of the Music Suite will be within a month! It is projected that we will be moving back into the Sanctuary in early August.

Thanks to everyone who asked "blue card questions" on the tour. There were also many positive comments! Here are some of the questions or suggestions and answers...

Q. How about showers in the Youth Center? A. The showers in the gym are rarely used. We do not see a need for this.

Q. Are there enough electrical circuits in the Commons Room? A. Richard says "Yes!" (apparently this is an issue in the Saint Mark Center!)

Q. What are we doing to enhance the Celebration Service area? A. We are working on this. Stay tuned!

Q. Can we add bicycle parking racks? A. Good idea! We will explore this possibility!

More in the next Navigator!!

Next time: Ribbon Cutting in the Music Suite! (we hope)

April excitement! Moving ahead...

Commentary...

Once in a while, an idea comes along that is so compelling, so logical, so “just right” that it is instantly recognized as a great fit. Such an idea came along on Easter Sunday. Were you there? When Steve asked people in the services, “If I gave you $10 in free money, would you tithe back 10% to the church?” Everyone’s answer was, of course, “Sure, I’d do that.”

Hence, the now famous “Spiritual” Stimulus Gift cards!! The response was overwhelming – Steve told me that over 225 cards have been turned in – and that includes many couples. Wow! I looked today at my IRS notice – seeing that I too will in fact get some “free” money – apparently a pretty substantial amount.

But I was thinking…What difference will this really make for our Capital Campaign? It is hard to calculate just how much money these “tithes” will actually generate, but I made a very rough estimate of about $10,000. I asked Bob Dobson about the benefit for the church when it goes toward the Building Fund (or Debt Retirement).

Very interesting! Bob said that over the term of the mortgage, this $10,000 that we don’t have to borrow will save us almost $8,000 in interest! Amazing!! That’s almost like a matching gift, isn’t it? But it is very illustrative of why the Capital Campaign folks envisioned needing a much greater pledging response than we have gotten. If every $1 that is given (or pledged) now will save us $.80 in interest – well, one great idea leads to another, don’t you think?

Larry Waterman - Building Committee

Keep reading for an interesting interview with Billy Boggs - Chairman of the Capital Campaign

(Look for Donna's video tour of the new Youth Center after the interview with Billy)

Larry: Your Committee poured your hearts into this effort. It must be wonderfully gratifying to see the great progress on the project! Give me a history of your committee’s work.
Billy: It is exciting to see the project underway. After the Facilities Review Team completed its work about five years ago, we began exploring ways to raise the capital needed to take on a building project. Out of this effort, grew what was to become the Capital Campaign Committee.
Larry: How did you know how much was needed for the project, or did you know?
Billy: No, we did not know, at the time. We certainly had the idea that the cost would be several million dollars. A building committee needed to be formed to make concrete plans in order for us to know. We felt, however, that we needed to move quickly to form the Capital Campaign Committee and begin fund raising as soon as possible.
Larry: I remember going to a Campaign event at the DuBose home several years ago. You were there, I think. It was nicely done, but the attendance seemed to be disappointing.. Do you remember that?
Billy: Sure, Larry, I remember. Actually, we had three of those meetings in different parts of the county. The purpose of these meetings was to inform the leadership of our congregation, help them to understand the project, and to ask them to make a lead commitment to the campaign. We did not raise as much pledge money during these events as we had hoped we would. Following these meetings, the congregation was asked to make their three year commitment to the campaign. Considering the affluence of our congregation, we felt that we would easily meet our goal of raising $3 million over the course of the campaign. This did not prove to be the case. We have raised a little over $1 million so far for the building project and debt retirement.
Larry: Would you do some things differently if you had the chance?
Billy: If given the chance, the main thing I would consider doing differently would be to have the Building Committee complete their design concepts and give the congregation time to digest the ideas before asking the congregation for their monetary contributions. Larry, this was considered and discussed at great length during the planning process. After much thought, we felt that time was of the essence and that we should proceed with the capital campaign.
Larry: Clearly, there are some Saint Mark folks who are not yet financially supporting our project. Give it your best shot – why should they join in?
Billy: What we are doing now in our building program is not so much for the here and now as it is for the future of our church and our congregation. We have needs related to choir space, youth areas, and sanctuary modernization. Oconee County is a growing community. We must be ready to receive new members and provide the services needed to address the spiritual needs of, not only those of us here now, but those who are to come. I feel that God is leading us to expand our ministry to the community. Please don’t turn a blind eye to what the future can bring. As a wise man once said, one should put as much time, effort, and money into the maintenance and improvement of his spiritual home as he puts into his personal home.
Larry: Can people still choose to give either to pay down debt or to give to the building fund?
Billy: Sure !! Folks are invited and encouraged to begin or increase their contributions toward either of these important causes. We take cash, check, bonds, CD’s, and might be able to work something out with a credit card.
Larry: Billy, you and others on the Capitol Campaign worked so hard!! If I can speak for Saint Mark folks, we are so thankful for what you have made possible. This is so exciting for the choir, the youth and all who worship here! Any last comments?
Billy: Larry, folks have been so kind and supportive during this exciting time in our church. I want to thank all those who have helped and who have worked so tirelessly to make this project as successful as it has been. I also am aware that there are folks who are not yet in favor of the direction we are taking. I want these people to know that we are working for the future to make Saint Mark a place of hospitality and warmth and to continue our mission of Celebrating God’s Grace and Witnessing for Jesus Christ.
Larry: Thank you Billy!

Last week, Donna showed Karissa around the new Youth Center. Click here to see the interview!

http://kingofclemson.com/youthcenter.wmv

Some of the members of the Saint Mark Building Committee are checking out the Chancel after all of the organ pipes have been removed and safely stored. Did you know that there are almost 1000 delicate pipes in our organ? Click on the picture to enlarge...

The Building Committee is sponsoring "Tour Day" on Sunday, April 20th. Read the Navigator and listen to the details abouth this exciting day during announcements at church. Everyone will have an opportunity to see the construction, make suggestions and ask questions! The members of your Building Committee thank everyone for their support. These are great days at Saint Mark!

Larry Waterman - Building Committee

Construction is moving forward - Sanctuary is next!!

Have you seen the progress? Our new Annex has a roof and walls so you can see the shape and useability of this great new building. Some of the members of our Building Committee are checking out the work. They are standing next to an opening that will be a giant window on the second level - the new Youth Lounge and office. The first level will be a large meeting area.

Sanctuary renovations begin the day after Easter !!

On March 24th, the fragile and irreplaceable organ pipes will be removed and stored by a volunteer team coordinated by David Wilcox, Lee Gallaher and an organ consultant. Renovations will begin immediately after! For a video of Richard Cottingham describing all of the Chancel changes, click on this link:

http://kingofclemson.com/chancel.wmv

This architectural rendering shows a configuration of the chancel that will seat about 50 choir members. Notice, as Richard descibes in the video, the piano on the left and the organ on the right.

Here is a view that shows an expanded seating configuration - about 70 seats. Notice that the organ has been moved and a sliding riser provides another level. The flexibility of the new chancel is a great feature. We will have a larger chancel because the walls on each side will be removed.

Commentary....

A few years ago (probably about five) a Facilities Review Team, chaired by Richarad Cottingham, did a survey that examined our use of the buildings at Saint Mark Church. They targeted facility issues that needed to be addressed. Parking was a priority, as well as upgrading our heating system (badly in need of repairs), renovation and expansion of the "music suite" and Chancel renovations.

Linny Ledbetter remembers that the Team had presentations from five different architectural firms on one long Sunday afternoon after which they chose our present architect. They were impressed with him because it was his idea, during that initial presentation, to absorb the music suite into the hallway - a scheme that made great sense to everyone and has been adopted. He also suggested that the Saint Mark needed a large gathering area - an idea that led to the new Annex.

I am not sure about who else was on that Facilities Review Team. But I do know that that Team and the Building Committee that followed was populated with people you sit with and see every Sunday! What a great process! It allowed for endless debates (yuk!) about every facet of our plan and ultimately a thrilling end product that hopefully everyone can support!

Misc. Details - Did you know that....

....The Building Committee recently voted to cover up the ugly and dangerous ditch between the Scout Cabin and the parking area and create the "Saint Mark Meadow" for picnicing, special events and receptions? This will be a lovely addition! The famous "Jim Sevic Bridge" will not be necessary to get to the Cabin any more.

....The new expanded Narthex will include a rest room and prayer chapel!?

....That all of the stained glass windows will continue to abide in our Sanctuary and new Narthex? The only glass to be removed is that which is in the wall that currently separates the Sanctuary and the old Narthex. That wall is being removed for the expansion.

....That you can download and print a Capitol Campaign pledge card? Just click here: http://famview.com/capitalcampaign.jpg

....That you can see past posts by continuing to scroll down (in case you missed them) which are filled with interesting details, interviews, pictures and videos?!

Stay tuned!

Larry Waterman, Building Committee

Interview, Pictures, Videos, Commentary - Feb 5

An Interview With David Wilcox
David is Saint Mark’s Music Director and Organist. Besides serving Saint Mark he is the Musical Director for the Boychoir Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium, and has been an adjunct instructor at Anderson University and Erskine College where he has taught various courses in Worship Leadership, Church Music, Theory, History and Music Appreciation.
David is a graduate of Brevard College and Queens College with a degree in organ performance. Queens College awarded him a full music scholarship. He also has a Master of Church Music (with an emphasis in choral conducting) degree from Bob Jones University.

Larry: I’m not trying to be overly flattering, but I think the music program at Saint Mark has reached a point of greatness I’ve not seen in 20 years here. I love what you are doing. It is obvious that you have a passion for excellence. Please share your vision for music at Saint Mark.
David: A primary task of a Christian Leader is to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body (church) of Christ (Ephesians 4:11ff). I especially want to equip the choir to be skillful musicians (Psalm 33:3). Unfortunately many churches present mediocre and sloppy musical offerings. We serve a God of excellence and that is why I am committed to excellence.

Larry: Talk about your Chancel Choir. How have they grown?
David: To love great music, to believe in and appreciate my fellow musicians, and to serve Jesus Christ with sincere devotion are three principles that have helped our choir to grow. There is a great deal of enthusiasm for what we are doing. It has been contagious – people want to participate in something that is significant and worthwhile.

Larry: How will the renovation of the music area enhance the music program at Saint Mark?
David: The renovation will give us adequate rehearsal and performance space. Singers are often on top of one another trying to robe and gather music. The enhancement will give us much needed space with room to grow.

Larry: We have had some fantastic and wonderful “special events” from the choir – last Maundy Thursday and The Messiah at Christmas. What’s planned for the future?
David: Thank you! Maundy Thursday we will present a Tenebrae Service of Reader’s Theatre and anthems. This is a very meaningful service of reflection of the suffering and death of Christ. It will take very much the tone of The Seven Last Words of Christ that we presented last year. I’d like to present Messiah annually – it is a timeless work – one I’ve never grown weary of hearing. It would be wonderful to introduce a Concert Series at Saint Mark – I could envision Summer Concerts on the lawn and a more formal indoor venue.

Larry: Wow, that would be great! The Building Committee might have an exciting announcement soon that could help make that happen! Next question: Music in a worship service is a given. But there is more, right? Can music “stir” worship – connect us to the Spirit in different ways - how does emotion and passion fit in?
David: I believe in the power of great music. Sometimes music can do much towards working a vital transformation in our lives. It has the power to touch every emotion and evoke a response. As a musician I must use my talent: mind, voice and emotion to give this music a careful, devout, thoughtful interpretation. And I accept the fact that this takes rehearsal. Too often music is used as a device which is supposed to send our congregation away from church “feeling good,” our Sunday services become sacrificial in character; rather they should become the means by which we praise the Creator – our sacred music, with thoughtful preparation, can render an artistic and lasting contribution to effective corporate worship.

Larry: Last question. Richard Cottingham sang with the Choir last Sunday and did great!! Would you consider letting people try the choir for one week to see if they liked it and it felt right to them and you? Could this perhaps a model for others’ experiences?
David: Absolutely. We would welcome that!
For an informative and entertaining video about Richard's experience with the Choir, click this link:

http://www.kingofclemson.com/choirvideo.wmv

Concrete has been poured for the new Narthex! Framing will begin in mid-February! It's great to see the progress!

To read the latest actions of the Building Committee, click here:

http://famview.com/bcupdate.htm

There's a rumor going around that the concrete for the new Narthex was provided by Steve's identical twin brother Rickyjack Morgan - pictured in his shiny green concrete truck! Well, what do you know!!!

Commentary
It was a wonderful experience to watch Richard and the choir last week. There obviously is something very special going on there! Although not really a singer, I was really interested to watch as the beautiful musical number was worked over line by line, sopranos here, tenors there until after 45 minutes of intense rehearsal, it had a balance and dynamic quality that was ready for Sunday morning. If you watch the video (link above) it cannot possibly illustrate the wonderful refining process that David and the choir members must go through each week. It is an artistry that is worth observing and certianly joining if you are a singer. What the video does illustrate (briefly) is how excited these musicians are to hear of the plans for renovation of the music suite. I hope everyone can find a way to join in on the excitement Richard and I found there! Blessings!

Larry Waterman, Building committee

To view the 11:15 choir singing last sunday, use this link: http://www.kingofclemson.com/choir1115.wmv
To view the 8:15 choir singing last Sunday, use this link: http://www.kingofclemson.com/choir815.wmv

It's not too late to support David and the Choir in our building project. To download a Capital Campaign commitment card, click on this link: http://famview.com/capitalcampaign.jpg

If you have a question about the Saint Mark project, use this email address: questions@famview.com

Interview, Pictures and Commentary - Jan 17, 2008

An interview with our Building Committee Chairman

Richard Cottingham is a civil engineer and still consults for the Raleigh/Charlotte firm that he founded and recently sold. Richard is therefore uniquely qualified to be the chair of the Building Committee. He also is the teacher for the very popular and growing Genesis Sunday School Class.

Larry: Maybe if the Genesis Class keeps growing, it will be the first users of the new annex when it is completed!! The class is obviously bursting at the seams. Is that a possible use for that part of the new annex?
Richard: The first floor of the new annex is a multi-purpose room that will look like a nice hotel meeting room. It will seat up to 225 people in a classroom arrangement and about 85 with tables for dining. I think that the primary use will be social functions and meetings like the Council of Stewards, but I’m sure that our class would be excited to have the opportunity to use it.

Larry: When you spoke to Zoning Board of Appeals, you described St Mark’s project as more of a “renovation” than an expansion. I understand that in terms of the Sanctuary, but what drove the other parts of the project? What’s the vision there, and from where did it come? Richard: As you know, the Facilities Review Task Force completed a master plan for the church in early 2005. With help from our architect, we interviewed all constituency groups to identify needs for space. The result was a mixed bag, but it included upgrades to the music suite, a youth suite, sanctuary enhancements, and the multi-purpose room. Most of these things will make our worship experience and other church activities more meaningful, and will provide some room to grow.

Larry: It is probably not widely known that, due to your background, you found cheaper alternate solutions to several expensive engineering problems that were encountered. Without going into the details, the savings to St Mark are very significant. Was your participation on the BC fortuitous or what?
Richard: Pastor Steve has a unique ability to get people to say “yes” when they’re leaning toward “no.” I was one of those. I’m just glad to have the chance to help and to work with some others on the Building Committee who are very capable and motivated to make it happen.

Larry: There are other BC members who are very involved with the actual construction supervision – known as “owner representatives”. Who are they and what will they be doing?
Richard: The entire committee is very committed to the project. Two especially important Building Committee members are Lee Gallaher and Mike Parker. Lee’s dedication to Saint Mark is remarkable. He is there every day and really knows everything about the existing facilities. Mike manages construction projects at Clemson and his help (especially with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) has been invaluable. Numerous others like Bob Dobson and Greg Stephenson have helped make financing fall into place. Every person on the Committee has contributed, and several will work in “rotation” as owner’s reps as construction gets underway. By sharing the construction inspection, nobody will be overworked, and we’ll have a better end product with multiple eyes on the work.

Larry: We will be publicizing the construction schedule elsewhere, but I am sure a lot of people are wondering how long the Sanctuary will be unavailable. What’s your best guess?
Richard: We’ll work to minimize the unavailability of the Sanctuary. The front doors are now blocked as work on the new Narthex proceeds. We’ll close the Sanctuary shortly after Easter (late March) for the interior work, and the work should take about four months. So, all worship services will have to be in the Saint Mark Center from April until late summer.

Larry: Last question. I heard that you will become an "honorary Chancel Choir member" for one week and actually sing with them? What's that all about?

Richard: Well, ummm, read the next edition of the Navigator about that. I don't know who is the most excited - me or the Choir. It will be great fun!!

To view a video description by Richard of the removal of the front of the church, click this link:

http://kingofclemson.com/narthexdemo1.wmv

Construction of the Annex is moving quickly! Masons are building a fire wall between the new Annex and the St Mark Center. Framing will begin shortly.

Commentary

Not too long ago, I went to bed in one year, and got up in another. So we ask, “Where did 2007 go?”

It’s like that with ideas. Ideas propel us forward! We may ask, “Where did the old St Mark go?”

Ask our St Mark Building Committee. How many thousand ideas did they examine, discard, factor in or modify? Is it diesel or ideas that fuel the bulldozers?

“Did you consider…?” we asked them over and over. Usually the answer was “Yes, we thought of that, but we decided this instead. Here’s why.”

Debbie Dubose recalls the committee’s long and at times passionate discussion about “flipping” the Sanctuary! (Really!) Our architect suggested that this might be a more efficient use of our worship space. After hours and hours of analysis by individuals and the committee, they decided it would be just too costly. This is just one example of the great work done by our Building Committee!

Our Building Committee’s ideas are now a St Mark Plan. It’s coming out of the ground and taking shape. It’s going to be fun, exciting and a little daring. Don’t you think?

If you have questions about our project, feel free to ask! Send your questions to questions@famview.com

We'll do our best to give you an answer!

Larry Waterman, Building Committee