Building for Growth
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Growth Needs a Response

By every measure, Holy Covenant is experiencing exciting growth – more people, particularly families, children and youth, more community use of existing facilities, and increased income. That growth has put pressure on our resources which we need to address urgently.

The Immediate Priorities

* An increase in staff equivalent to two full time employees plus administrator
* More space for children and youth ministry
* Increased seating capacity in the Worship Centre for major services and funerals
* New kitchen and toilet facilities
* Greater scope for community and hospitality activities
* Upgrade and expand car parking, and make it safer

Minor short term fixes are possible but they do not remove the need for comprehensive action to deal with these priorities.

What Actions Can We Take?

We propose a two-pronged approach:

  1. The employment of a new person, part time, to support the Rector with the children’s and family ministries. With continuing growth in givings, we can support two full time (or full time equivalent) positions, plus a part time administrator.
  2. Construction of a new Parish Centre which will:
    • provide a multi function space for children and youth activities
    • include upgraded kitchen and toilets
    • accommodate community, outreach and pastoral care activities
    • free up space in the Worship Centre to add another 40 to 50 seats and a new accessible entrance and vestibule
    • consolidate all administration in the Rainbow Centre
    • allow better use of the site for parking
    • create a welcoming, sheltered central plaza suitable for outdoor gatherings

Consistent with the Master Plan for the site and subject to available funding, future developments will include major renovations to the Worship Centre and Rainbow Centre, and completion of the central plaza landscaping, with covered walkways between buildings. Full details of the Master Plan are included in a paper entitled "The Master Plan for Holy Covenant, 2008" from the Parish Office

or download the Master Plan document here. [PDF 452KB]

Can We Afford It?

On the basis of a detailed independent feasibility study, the estimated cost for the proposed first stage of the Master Plan is $800,000. The cost of implementing all three stages of the Master Plan is about $2 million.

We envisage raising the necessary funds through a combination of donations, interest free loans and fundraising. (Any shortfall would be covered by extending our Diocesan loan, subject to approval and our ability to service the loan from regular income.) Clearly, we will need to raise a substantial part of the cost before considering an approach to the Diocese.

A paper entitled "Funding Our Growth" provides details on the funding for the proposals, including particular information on the provision for interest free loans. The paper is available in the Worship Centre.

How Can You Help?

You can help by:

A paper is available in the Worship Centre outlining details of these options together with a Notice of Intention.

Download the Funding the Program document here. [PDF 40KB]
or download the Notice of Intention document here. [PDF 44KB]

We encourage your input on the proposals and will seek your detailed views on specific aspects such as the kitchen, toilets, parking and landscaping before proceeding to final designs. With proposals of this magnitude, there also will be more opportunities for volunteers to assist in their implementation and the continuing work of the Parish.

Contacts

Should you require further information about these exciting proposals, please feel free to speak to Susanna Pain phone (02) 6251 6100, Bob Arthur phone (02) 6251 2383, Paul Shelley phone (02) 6251 1568, or any member of Parish Council.


Artist's Impression, June 2008