Re-purposing Burton Hall
I am not sure where we stand since the council voted on our sustainable vision and mission plan 5 years ago. One thing I know is that our eyes are both on the eternal Prize and ministering to the Hopewell community.
We continue to bring hope whenever and wherever needed. For this reason, I give thanks to Pastors Kate and Laura for laying the foundation for us to build. Thanks as well to many of you who relentlessly give of your time, money, skills, and talents to run this church. I am so grateful.
What I want us to focus on in 2023, however, is to build up a strong children and Adult Christian formation program. Already pastor Taylor and the “gang” of parents and volunteers are putting in place a curriculum that will be attractive to young parents in the community. Ellie is leading classes on women and the Bible.
We will also continue to provide during TGIW educative and informative classes that meet our needs.
To maximize this, we plan to repurpose Burton Hall and make it more appropriate to respond to this vision.
Pending the final approval of the Trustees, we intend to divide Burton Hall into three wings: Administrative, education, and Mission.
The pastor’s office, the secretary, and the equipment room (the current secretary's office), for example, will be moved to the northwest corner of the building.
The current pastor’s office could be reverted to a prayer or counseling room that will remain open to anyone who wants to have a private time of prayer. The sunroom will be transformed into a living room area with couches, love seats, and side tables. Many other changes will occur as well.
I am aware of the challenges to undertake such an adventure. I am, however, convinced that we are up to the task.
As I think of this, I am reminded of an old African American spiritual song that says “We have come this far by faith and leaning on the Lord. Trusting in his holy word. He never fails me yet. There is no turning around.”
I Thank you for your commitment to advancing God’s mission here at Hopewell.
May God bless.