When will we begin building the sanctuary?

We began building from the day we signed the contract with the design team. Even though it may not have looked like much was happening, here is a breakdown of the construction phases to give you a general idea of all the work already in motion. The Construction of the cathedral is divided into 3 distinct phases:

*Phase 1: Architectural and design phase of the construction and consists of Design Rendering/Modeling, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents and Permitting (engineering, construction permits). (2017-2021) PHASE 1 IS COMPLETED!!! 

Phase 2: SITE DEVELOPMENT phase of the construction and consists of Clearing, Grading, and Underground Utilities. Without delay, hindrance, or unforeseen circumstances this phase will last 12 months. Site Development starts in August 2021 and will run through August 2022. 

Phase 3: Construction phase of the construction and we believe it would last about 2 years. This information/projection would be updated as more information becomes available. 


Why don't we build a facility to hold more people? What if we run out of space?

Again it’s a matter of money, if what we are currently building is going to cost us $7.5M-$10M then to build more would mean we need to raise more and the question is do we have that ability right now? In the natural we do not, unless God moves and somebody give a lot of money, we have to look at our giving levels, the people we have, what we can believe that if we as a group works together we can make something happen. 

Part of the reason the sanctuary is the size it is because you have to have funds, which is why we chose an amount that is challenging but that we believe is doable.  The facility will hold 1300 people possibly for one service, we are building it in such a way that we can easily add to it.  As our congregation continues to grow and we feel we need to double the capacity then we can easily do that.  We can keep adding services if need be until our rate of growth justifies a new addition.


WAS MEMBER INPUT USED IN THE DESIGN AND BUILDING OF THE SANCTUARY?

Yes! Member input was of huge value to us during the design process and several members participated in the preliminary drawings and plans and the feedback from those deliberative meetings formed a lot of what you will see in the completed design.


WHAT WOULD IT COST TO BUILD THE NEW FACILITY?

We currently estimate the construction project to cost us a total of about $8,000,000

Phase1: (Architectural Design/Permit) $1,300,000 (COMPLETED & PAID IN FULLl)

Phase 2: (Site Development) $1,870,000

Phase 3: (Construction) $5,000,000

*These figures are  estimates!


WILL WE SEE THE FINAL DESIGN OF THE NEW FACILITY?

Yes. As soon as the final architectural renderings have been completed, the invest beyond team will schedule a town hall meeting to preview the final renderings and take your questions. Be on the lookout for that invitation.


WILL WE HAVE TO CUT DOWN THE TREES ON THE PROPERTY FOR CONSTRUCTION?

No, we will not cut down the trees and the building will go to the right hand side of the gym.


What will happen to the soccer field in the middle?

The soccer field will be relocated to another part of the property.


Why do we need to build this sanctuary?

We currently do not have a sanctuary, and what we have is not adequate in so many ways. The need is there for us to build. We are growing and we need the space to accommodate the growth. Worship in the gymnasium was always meant to be a temporary solution. We have shared the gymnasium with the lessees since 2015 and now it is time for us to take the steps necessary for a more permanent worship facility, dedicated to the worship of the Lord. It is time to ARISE & BUILD.


How does this Sanctuary enable us to fulfill our mission and vision better?

How do we grow if we do not have space? We need more space if we are to continue to grow, we need more space for our children’s and youth ministries, the growth of the church requires it, and it is evident.


What is the estimated timeline for this project?

Site Development without hindrance, obstacle, and/or delay will take 12 months. The estimate is that Site Development will be complete by September 2022. The construction phase is scheduled to last about 2 years. The goal is to have the cathedral completed by December 2024.


Why should I make a pledge?

Let us use an illustration to answer this.  If an individual contracted a friend to build a house, and the friend never tells the contractor how much money he will give to build that house, and when he will give the money for the house to be built, how will the contractor know how much house to build? The question is how much money will the friend give to build the house and how soon can he expect the money to come in so he can build the house.  In essence, the church is asking Bishop Johnson to build a sanctuary for you and your children, how is Bishop supposed to proceed to lead the building effort of the sanctuary without knowing how much and when the money will come in that will help him in his plans? That information is needed in order to plan.  When you pledge you are telling Bishop Johnson here is how much we are giving you to build and armed with that information Bishop is able to go forward and lead the building effort as fast as possible for you, your family, and your children.  This building is not about Bishop Johnson, this building is about you, your family, and the future. 


What is the breakdown of the pledge levels?

This pledge campaign is for a period of 12 months to raise $1,000,000 (one million dollars. We are asking you to pledge in the following 7 levels: $50,000; $25,000, $10,000; $5,000; $2,500; $1,000; $500. You can also pledge any amount, more or less than the 7 levels.


I do not use egive, how can I set up automatic monthly withdrawal from my checking account?

We also have paper pledge cards, please ask an usher next time you are in service or call the Church office and ask to speak to Liz Rivera who works in our contribution department. You may also email erivera@harvestersolney.org and she will give you a call.


When can I start giving?

NOW!!!! As soon as you pledge, you can start giving. Text “give” to 301.588.8099 and choose “INVEST BEYOND Phase 2” as the designation for your giving. 


If I have a balance to my previous pledge, will it need to be paid or will it be forgiven?

Thank you for your faithfulness in giving. The former pledges for Phase 1 are now CLOSED as we transition into Phase 2. Your pledge balance is forgiven; no matter if you fulfilled your old pledge, don't remember it, or are still working towards it, it is a new season and we want to all start walking together. So do take some time to pledge again, afresh and anew. We believe the Lord for grace to not only pledge but fully redeem our pledges this season.


I am not yet a member of harvest, can I still give towards the building project?

YES! If you are a friend of the ministry, you can give to this campaign. Here are your options:

  • Option 1: Pledge/Planned giving → You can pledge as well and join our planned giving campaign. You will be able to fill the pledge card online by texting “Pledge” to 301.588. 8099. Once you fill out the form; proceed to text “GIVE” to the same number and fill out your information and payment mode. Select the “Invest Beyond Phase 2 designation” 

  • Option 2: One-time gifts → You may also give one-time gifts by texting “GIVE” and using the “INVEST BEYOND PHASE 2” designation. You can also give via Zelle, CashApp, or on our websites www.harvestersolney.org; www.investbeyond.org


Can I change my pledge level after I have pledged?

ABSOLUTELY! You can start out at a particular level and start redeeming the pledge and later make another pledge. Even if you do not change the pledge and give more than you initially pledged, as long as you make the designation in the giving portal for “Invest Beyond Phase 2” your giving records will reflect all your giving towards this campaign.


I have more questions, who do I talk to?

Viola Brumskine is currently (2021) the Capital Campaign Development Lead, feel free to send her an email at investbeyond@harvestersolney.org