First Christian Church in Rapid City, South Dakota

LATEST NEWS
If you have an announcement to include on the web site or in the bulletin, please send an e-mail to firstchr@rapidnet.com or fccholly@rapidnet.com. We will do our best to process your request.

Our "Building on God's Premises" program kicked off on September 7!
We started with a goal of $50,000 in commitments "above and beyond" regular offerings over the next two years to help cover the anticipated expense of bringing a road and utilities past the south edge of the 40 acres the church owns just across Highway 16 from the new Forest Service building. To date, we have received over $60,000 in commitments! The total projected cost will be about $187,000, so we would love to have everyone participate. To sign up, simply pick up a commitment card at the Information Table in the sanctuary and return the top half in the offering bags. Donations can be made using the "God' Premises" envelopes, or by simply writing "God's Premises" in the check memo line. Thank you for helping First Christian Church to reach the
Black Hills and the world for Christ!

The developers anticipate the start time on the project at this point to be spring of 2009. They continue to work with the city on the details of who will cover what costs. For those who have given a commitment to support the proposed infrastructure costs, we encourage you to continue with your donations. All designated funds are being allocated to a separate money market account that will be used for the infrastructure costs once the developers begin work on the 40 acres. It is not too late to join in the commitment campaign. Simply pick up a "Building on God's Premises" flyer at the Info Table for details. If you have any questions on this project, please contact the elders at fccelders@rapidnet.com .

Our youth minister, Jared and his wife Jennifer, will be taking a leave of absence for an undetermined time period to strengthen and fortify their marriage. During their time away, the youth sponsors have graciously agreed to step up to keep the youth program going strong. The sponsors are Karen A., Nate & Miranda Sales, Robbie & Jacquie Kubr, and Patrick Clinch. Please give all those involved your kindest support and prayer during this time of rebuilding.
"Consider is pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:2-3
See the Calendar Page for the Latest Events and Times

IN OTHER NEWS...

40 Acres Update
A new housing development located to the south and east of the 40 acres that FCC owns has been planned for some time. The developers, Hyland Park, LLC, have recently asked First Christian Church to share in the cost of improvements to Sammis Trail, which runs along the south border of the property. The improvements include grading, streets, sidewalks, water, sewer, and miscellaneous utilities to be brought past our property. The overall cost is anticipated to be

Building Sale
The ministers and Elders have set up six objectives to be met before any major changes take place with the current facilities or the 40 Acres. Those steps include the following:

1. Sunday attendance average of 450-500 on a regular basis
2. Two-part infrastructure in place: required number of volunteers serving at church and utilities installed on property

$675,000, and FCC has been asked to help with $187,000 of that cost.
Our lawyer has drawn up an agreement that required congregational approval before being signed by the leadership. A vote was taken on Sunday, June 22 at each service, and the members approved the proposals by 96%.A brochure is available at church explaining the development.
If you have any questions, contact the Elders by e-mail at fccelders@rapidnet.com.

3. Necessary paid staff hired and adequate church finances in place to provide needed support
4. Building finances lined up and property plans completed
5. Church Development Fund actively involved
6. Real Estate lawyer retained.

Some of these steps have already been achieved, but all six need to occur before any further action will take place.

Click here to download entire newsletter.

God's 40 Acres
This land is the future home of

First
Christian
Church.

We will be building on our 40 acre parcel that has a beautiful view of the Black Hills.

Located off of Highway 16, south of
Rapid City.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.