Redeemer Family,
I’m writing to you today with two things in mind: 1) An update on the due diligence process for 1801 Park Ave. and 2) A call to fasting and prayer for all of us.
First, an update:
The due diligence process on 1801 Park Ave. has gone very well thus far. Our team has worked with a variety of specialists to ascertain the structural soundness of the building and potential environmental issues. Additionally, we have selected an architecture firm and contractor to pull together estimates for the scope of renovation. To the best of our knowledge, the building is structurally sound, but requires what is colloquially known as “a full gut job.”
While this may initially feel overwhelming, it actually makes the project simpler than it might be otherwise and easier to predict the overall cost. Since we know ahead of time that we need new electrical, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, floors, walls, ceilings, etc., we can plan ahead and budget appropriately.
Another upside to the deteriorated condition of the building is that it allows for some very exciting dreaming about how this historic space could be restored to something truly beautiful.
As we near the end of the due diligence phase, your Vestry has targeted Wednesday morning, September 24, as the day and time that they will meet to pray and make a final yes/no decision about whether or not to close on 1801 Park Ave. So we have a little less than one month left at this discernment stage.
Second, a call:
For that reason, I believe the timing is appropriate to call all of us to fast and pray on behalf of the Vestry for this decision.
When? I am asking you to set aside 24 hours sometime between September 17-24.
What to Do? Fast from solid food and spend an hour or two intentionally, consciously praying.
What to pray for? That our Heavenly Father, through the Holy Spirit, would give wisdom and discernment to our Vestry so that they can make a decision that 1) Honors the Lord and 2) Serves the telos of our parish - Gospel Formation/Missional Presence.
We are seeking a property where our parish can be more deeply formed by the good news of the Gospel of Jesus so that we can participate in the mission of God to our neighbors here in the city of Richmond.
How to share? If, in the course of your prayers, you sense the leading of the Holy Spirit in some way regarding this process, we would love to hear from you! You are welcome to share with me and I will bring it to the Vestry.
Church Family,
From time to time we face key points of decision, forks in the road, where we must slow down and seek God’s guidance.
We have done nearly all we can do to discern, using our finite wisdom, if 1801 Park Ave. would be a good home for our parish.
Now it is time to open ourselves to the Lord and allow him to speak to us, if he chooses to.
Let’s seek the Lord together.
In the Father’s love,
