Covenant Family,

In our efforts to keep everyone in the loop, we want to share some significant updates and things upcoming with you. We are excited for what is on the horizon!

Accessibility/Facility

  • Once we received three bids, a subgroup from the board reviewed the bids and began conversations with the bidder that was both the least expensive and the most detailed. This conversation led to an agreed upon change to include oversight of the accessibility project, dealing with water issues, and repairing the basement. This resulted in the recommendation of a project management proposal.
  • On Tuesday, August 4 the board met, received a full report of the process and ultimately approved the project management proposal. The Lafrance Group (Paul and Janna Lafrance) have been engaged to serve as the project manager. In this role they will work with Covenant, Ouellet & Associates Design (Sean Ouellet) and John White General Contracting to finalize the details on the accessibility design, necessary work to mitigate water flow, and repairing the basement.
  • On Thursday, August 13 Jon Limmer, Paul Lafrance, Sean Ouellet, and John White met at the church to move the process forward. This included assessing the current situation and discussing best ways to proceed with the accessibility project. Their next steps are finalizing details for our project proposal (including what lift we want to include in the drawing), updating the construction quote accordingly, and planning the work to deal with spring water flow.
  • The next steps major step for the Covenant Family will be a business meeting in which we will review and have a membership vote on the final proposal. This will be done before permits are prepared and submitted. We will let you know a date for this as soon as we are able!! (Note that our focus right now is on the new entrance and interior lift and enclosing our current porch to add office/meeting space. We will proceed with removing the current front stairs and filling it in for a main office when we know we have the finances to do so.)

Giving Update

  • Building Fund (Accessibility Project)
    • $319,578 - the amount received as of July 31, 2026
    • Based on current quotes we anticipate this being enough (or very) close to enough for the new entrance and enclosing our current porch for more office space.
    • Contributions to this can still be made through our Building Fund
  • Capital Fund (Exterior and Interior Work Related to Water and Water Damage)
    • $50,777 - the amount as of July 31, 2026 (We received a recent $35,000 donation to this fund in addition to the $15,777 which we have carried over in this fund for several years.)
    • PENDING INSURANCE COMPANY APPROVAL we will also receive a little over $5,000 from insurance to help with basement repairs. Ultimately, the cost for repairs are being estimated far cheaper than the original estimate and came in at a little over $30,000. With our deductible of $25,000, that leaves us with the estimated amount we'll be receiving.
    • At this point we don't know what the estimated costs for these repairs will be. Contributions to this work (and other capital needs that may arise) can still be made through our Capital Fund.
  • General/Regular Fund (Our dad to day/week to week operational budget)
    • $124,650 - Our total regular income as of July 31, 2026 (including $121,677 in offerings)
    • $149,982 - Our total expenses as of July 31, 2026
    • -$25,332 - our deficit as of July 31, 2026. This is slightly higher than normal, but a deficit in the summer is not unusual for churches. Our highest income months are normally October to December. Please be praying for God to provide all we need and for wisdom in our spending! Our cash flow is in good shape, but will change as building fund expenses come.

Strategic Discernment Process

  • In the spring (before our water issues!), the board engaged with Eric Versluis to help lead us through a strategic discernment process during fall of 2026. This will help us discern, plan, and prioritize where we believe God is leading us to spend our time and attention over the next few years.
    • September 2026 - Eric will connect with the board (virtually) to help begin preparing a contregational survey which will play a key role in this process.
    • October 4, 2026 Coffee & Conversation - We will introduce a church wide survey asking for your prayerful input. Surveys will be able to be submitted on your own, but if you would rather meet with a pastor or leader to share your input, this will be welcome!
    • November 6-7 - The board will gather in person with Eric to listen to and discern how God is speaking through the responses to the survey and conversations we've had with people during October.
    • November 2026 - The board will, at their regular board meeting, review a report and draft plan created by Eric through all that has been shared and discussed. Our feedback will go back to Eric.
    • December 13, 2026 Coffee & Conversation - We will present and discuss the strategic direction that has emerged through this process and begin looking forward to how to implement it together.

Upcoming & Serving Opportunities

  • Accessibility Project Approval - We will schedule a business meeting this fall with this agenda item. It will be scheduled as soon as we know we will be ready to present something!
  • September 6 - Regular Sunday Format resumes. Brent will be preaching on this day and we will be receiving communion together to kick off our fall.
  • Serving Opportunities as we get into the fall (message Brent or Jon for more info or to volunteer):
    • Coffee Ministry - Help welcome people through hospitality!! (2-3 people/teams needed)
    • Children's Ministry Teachers & Helpers - Create spaces where kids can grow in Jesus' love
    • Tech Ministry (Audio-Visual & Camera Operators) - We're down some key personnel in this area due to moves and going away to university. Hands on training is available for those with interest. This ministry is vital for serving both our in-house and at-home congregants on Sunday morning!!
  • September 13 - We will be back in Genesis for a second year working through the Narrative Lectionary texts for 2026/27. A full list of the texts will be shared for those who enjoy reading ahead!
  • Youth will resume in mid-September (date TBD)
  • Mens's Connection and Women's Bible Study will resume in September (dates TBD)