Thinking about buying a high-ticket item? Usually, the first thing you do is ask yourself how much do I want and need it, and can I afford it?

As a family bonded together by the love of Christ, that’s what First Christian Church is doing now that the possibility of replacing our aging and outmoded education building is coming into focus.

At last Sunday’s congregational meeting, those able to attend watched an informative video detailing what is being considered and how those in our congregation can be involved in this decision. If you haven’t already seen it, we’d love for you to visit our website (http://fccpittsfield.org/) and use the link on the home page to view the project video. Other ways of getting involved and informed include the following:

*Attending one of the Q & A sessions on Sunday, February 12^th, after the 10:30 service (approximately 11:45) or Tuesday, February 14^th, at 10 am in the Annex.

*Engaging the Moderator or one of the building team (Kathy Hull, Hamer Tate, Bob Clark, Bob Smith, and Keith Elledge) with questions or feedback.    

*Attend the Congregational Meeting on February 19^th, after the 10:30 service where we will discuss the project and vote on approving the design.

In short, as a church family, we first need to prayerfully assess how successful planners have been in drawing together our needs and preferences into a beautiful and functional building, one that will maximize the available site and gracefully complement our existing and historic sanctuary.

In other words, “Is this high-ticket item something I want to buy?”

If our congregation decides we are on the right track, then we can seamlessly transition into a financial assessment stage where leadership will prayerfully suggest ways in which a new education building can become a reality for First Christian Church. The final say, of course, will reside with the congregation.

But first, do your homework. Connect with those working on the project. Take a look at the current dilapidated condition of our education building. Attend one of several planned informational opportunities. Ask questions. Pray.

And, if you can, please watch our informational video. If you need any assistance in acquiring needed information, please do not hesitate to reach out to anyone involved in the project who will be happy to help. We would like to arrive at our family consensus by Feb. 19, but we can’t do it without your input.

We look forward to coming together as the family of First Christian Church and deciding whether 2023 is the year we step forward in faith to create a new space for sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.