After almost two years of careful planning and countless hours of conversation, we are very pleased to be moving forward with the Lower Level Remodel Project! This project will be a wonderful opportunity for Portland Mennonite Church to seek the peace of the city and engage with our community in new ways.
THE VISION
COMMUNITY
Every congregation needs a place to gather outside of worship. In its current state our lower level comes up short as a kitchen facility, as a space for Sunday School, and as an open area for gatherings like weddings, memorials, youth events, and adult workshops.
INCLUSION
PMC has shown our dedication to being open and accepting
MINISTRY
In addition to providing a better space for SMMS, the lower level remodel will allow us to provide a welcoming place for large groups in our community. Our staff is approached by groups looking for a space like ours almost weekly who we are currently not able to accommodate.
Hear the needs from fellow PMC’ers
“We want to create a welcoming space where we can host our Muslim neighbors. We want the kind of space where on a Friday night the MYF could bring friends and make pizzas
Rod Stafford
Pastor
“Marylin and I got married 47 years ago and this kitchen is basically the same with the exception of some new stoves and refrigerators. As long as I can remember people have talked about how inadequate it is and the need to make changes.”
Lin Rush
Member Since 1970
“Create an attractive, warm, inviting, and welcoming space that will be enjoyed and used for many different reasons and functions. Not only used by ‘we’ PMC members and attendees but for others such
Jessie Hostetler
Member Since 1971
The Project Timeline
2018
JANUARY
Formal architectural drawings are finalized and congregational fundraising pledge process begins.
FEBRUARY
Fundraising pledge process continues as individual contractor bids (electrical, plumbing, carpentry) come in.
MARCH
Fundraising pledge process ends at the end of the month and quotes from contractors for 2018 build-out are finalized. The first round of pledge payments
APRIL & MAY
Contractors prepare for construction and make sure permitting is in order.
JUNE-AUGUST
Phase 1 construction begins as soon as SMMS and the PMC Sunday School year have finished. This will primarily consist of the kitchen portion of the project. Quarterly and semi-annual pledge payments are due in June for those who selected that method.
SEPTEMBER
Phase 1 construction is completed to align with the new SMMS and PMC Sunday School year. Quarterly pledge payments are due for those who selected that method.
OCTOBER-DECEMBER
Service, Sunday School, and SMMS as usual but with a vastly improved kitchen space and facility that opens up new hosting possibilities and community events. Semi-annual and quarterly pledge payments are due in December for those who selected that method.
2019
JANUARY-FEBRUARY
Service, Sunday School, and SMMS as usual but with a vastly improved kitchen space and facility that opens up new hosting possibilities and community events.
MARCH
Annual pledge payments are due for those who selected that method.
APRIL & MAY
Contractors prepare for phase 2 construction and make sure additional permitting is in order.
JUNE-AUGUST
Phase 2 construction begins as soon as SMMS and the PMC Sunday School year have finished. Quarterly and semi-annual pledge payments are due in June for those who selected that method.
SEPTEMBER
Phase 2 construction, and thereby total project construction, is completed to align with the new SMMS and PMC Sunday School year. This phase will capture the ADA bathroom, Sunday School space and common areas in the lower level. Quarterly pledge payments are due for those who selected that method.
OCTOBER-DECEMBER
We have a new welcoming space were SMMS can thrive, Sunday School can be held without constraint, people who need an ADA restrooms feel comfortable, and neighbors/community members can use as a gathering space. Semi-annual and quarterly pledge payments are due in December for those who selected that method.
2020
MARCH
Annual pledge payments are due for those who selected that method.
2021
MARCH
Final annual pledge payments are due.
The Cost Breakdown
COST
Kitchen……………………….……$145,000
Remaining Lower Level……$280,000
Asbestos Abatement……….$8,000
Construction Plans……..……$10,000
Additional ADA Bathroom…$40,000
TOTAL $483,000
FUNDRAISING
Budget Surplus..…………..…..$62,000
15yr Loan………………..………. $96,000
Congregational Pledges…..$325,000
TOTAL $483,000
Make Your Pledge
To reach our goal, we need every member to pledge to give 25% of their annual giving amount for the next three years (example: $1,000 annual giving x 25% x 3 = $750 pledge). Some members will be able to exceed 25% while others will not be able to stretch at all. Additionally, this project will require 2-3 cornerstone gifts ($25,000+). If you are able, please consider making a significant contribution. We are encouraging everyone to make a pledge that respects your financial capacity but stretches your commitment to the PMC vision, mission, and values. This pledge should be in addition to your ongoing support of the operational budget.
There are two ways to make your pledge to the Lower Level Remodel Project 1) A paper pledge form and donations via check 2) Online pledge with automatic recurring payment functionality.
- 98%
$473,431 of the $483,000 goal has been secured!
(Includes budget surplus, loan, auction total and pledges received as of 5/10/2018)
%
Over 220 of the regular attendees have pledged their support!
The April 22nd Auction Was a Huge Success!
We had a great turnout on 4/22 and together, we were able to raise $11,248 for the Lower Level Remodel Project! Thanks to everyone who came out and supported the event.
Phase 1 Construction
Phase 1 of the Lower Level Remodel Project will take place in the summer of 2018 to align with the SMMS summer break and Sunday School. Due to time window and permitting requirements, this phase will be focused on the kitchen portion of the project. By the end of August
Phase 2 Construction
Phase 2 of the Lower Level Remodel Project will take place in the summer of 2019 to align with the SMMS summer break and Sunday School. Phase 2 will focus on the ADA bathroom, Sunday School space and common spaces
Lower Level Planning Committee
The Lower Level Planning Committee is made up of PMCers who have spent countless hours in the current lower level and understand the needs well. They are and have been in close communication with PMC staff, long-term members, SMMS staff and many other lower level users. Their dedication to creating a functional, long-lasting and yet modest space for our community has been incredible.
Sarah Coffman
Sarah and her husband Dave have been at PMC for 15 years. Sarah has been on the PMC kitchen committee for several years and if you ever attend a potluck or get coffee between Sunday School and service, you can often see her working hard in the kitchen area.
Bob Burton
Bob and his wife Melissa have been attending PMC for over 20 years. Their daughters have grown up at PMC and Bob has spent many years as the facilities and maintenance chair. No one understands the inner workings of the PMC building as well as Bob.
Bruce Harder
Bruce and his wife Kathy have been attending PMC for over 40 years. Both of their children grew up at PMC and still attend with their families. Bruce has served on The Table and was chair of the fundraising committee for the sanctuary remodel.
Lori Nussbaum
Lori and her husband Jonathan have been attending PMC for over 10 years. Their two young daughters actively use the PMC childcare and Sunday School programs. Lori has a keen eye for details and is a professional interior designer.
Claudia Fransen
Claudia and her husband Tim have been attending PMC for over 10 years and are happy to have a wonderful church community for their two young daughters. Claudia has been actively involved with the children’s education committee at PMC and often organizes special events like the Advent Workshop.
Lin Rush
Lin and his wife Marylin have been attending PMC for over 45 years. Their boys all grew up attending PMC and Lin has been closely involved as the PMC treasurer as well as on the board of SMMS.
FAQs
HOW WILL THIS IMPACT SMMS?
Serving the children and parents who are part of SMMS is important to our congregation and community. This project and the construction timeline have been carefully created to accommodate and benefit SMMS.
CAN WE AFFORD THIS?
Yes! Early in the process, we created a Financial Feasibility Committee to look at the overall financial health of the congregation, which determined this project was well within our capabilities. Our debt is targeted to be 5% of our annual budget which is very healthy and fiscally conservative for a congregation of our size and history. Additionally, we have spoken to several other congregations who successfully took on larger projects with smaller congregations.
WHY ARE WE BREAKING CONSTRUCTION UP OVER TWO SUMMERS?
In order to best accommodate SMMS and our own Sunday School needs, we have opted to spread the construction over two summers. The contractor will determine which parts of the build fit best into each summer.
CAN I SEE THE OFFICIAL PLANS
Yes! Official plans are currently in the works and should be available by the end of February. We want to provide everyone with as much visibility as possible into this project but not overwhelm you with details. If you are a details person and want to hear more about the build, please connect with a member of the Lower Level Planning Committee (Sarah Coffman, Bob Burton, Bruce Harder, and Claudia Fransen).
WHAT IF I CAN’T GIVE 25% MORE FOR 3 YEARS?
That’s okay – some will be able to give more, some may not be able to give at all. We are encouraging everyone to make a pledge that respects your financial capacity but stretches your commitment to the PMC vision, mission, and values. Everyone’s contributions, whatever the size, are important!
I DON’T MAKE AN ANNUAL FINANCIAL COMMITMENT TO PMC. CAN I STILL SUPPORT THE PROJECT?
Yes! You can make a one-time gift online or via a paper check delivered to the church office.
WILL EVERYONE KNOW HOW MUCH I PLEDGE?
No. We understand that your privacy and how much you pledge is private information. As such, Bill Conwell the PMC treasurer, and Garrett Bishop the LLRP Fundraising Chair are working closely to provide high-level cumulative updates but keeping the specific pledge amounts private.
CAN I ADD MY LOWER LEVEL SUPPORT TO MY ANNUAL BUDGET CHECK?
Yes, but in the memo line on the check or in an attached note, you will need to explain how much is for the LLRP and how much is for the Annual Budget. Additionally, we’d like you to complete the pledge form so we know how much money to expect and when.
CAN I GET MORE SPECIFICS ABOUT _____?
You bet! Garrett Bishop, Sarah Coffman, Paul Kruger or Rod Stafford are happy to help.