A building extension featuring a 500-seat auditorium is the new mission base for Calvin Community Church in Gore.
Explaining the purpose of the $1.2 million building extension at the official opening, senior pastor the Rev Peter Cheyne said: “It would be so easy to fall in love with the building, as if the church exists for the sake of the building. In fact, of course, we know that the building exists for the church. The building is merely a tool”.
The upgraded building is almost unrecognisable from the original, because it is bigger, taller and has more facilities than the old structure, which was built in 1959. Among the new features are an auditorium that seats up to 500 people and is kitted out with multimedia gear, a large and welcoming foyer, new office space, a lounge and resource room.
“It feels very much as if we’re entering a new era in the life of the church. Life is going to be different from now on,” says Peter.
The project has been 12 years in the pipeline. The idea for an enhanced building came from a “Future Options” team, which was tasked with investigating prospects and opportunities.
In an overview of the project to the congregation, convener of the Future Options team Eric Roy described the group’s vision for the new building as solving the shortcomings of the existing one in light of the parish’s expanding programmes and increasing numbers.
The new facility was used for the first time in April this year, with its opening marked by two special gatherings – firstly a “thank you” function for all the building contractors, neighbours and volunteers who helped out on the project, and secondly an official opening and special service.
Over 500 people attended the opening service, which was led by Calvin’s youth ministry team. The guest speaker was one of last year’s NZ Idol finalists, Steve Broad.
In a move that helped the congregation connect with the new facility, each person was asked to write the names of those they wanted to see saved on stairs in the auditorium and the carpet was laid on top. During the dedication service, the congregation prayed for those people.
Peter explains that the congregation quite deliberately did not go to the community for funds, believing instead that “we support the community, they don’t support us”.
Peter explains that the congregation was asked to pray and hear God’s call. Through this prayerful deliberation, the congregation contributed a significant amount of the total project cost. Peter describes as the process “faith-raising rather than fundraising”. The
funds from the congregation were supplemented by a $200,000 grant from the Synod of Otago and Southland and income from other sources.
Already the vision as a base for mission that can also be used by the community is starting to be realised. In recent months, a school held its junior concert in the auditorium and the local polytechnic is regularly using the kitchen facility to hold its barista training courses.
Gilbert Reid of Win-Win Projects was responsible for project management, and brought a framework to the project that he had previously used and continues to use on other church projects with which he is involved.
Explaining the framework, he advises that the Church was the purchaser of materials, services and sub-contractors, which helped keep costs down by minimising the “in-between margins” that are charged by groups at various parts of the supply chain.