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Aligned with our continued focus on connection, we are excited to announce plans for an onsite, one-of-a-kind, 3-seasons gathering space.
Over a year ago, the elders were asked by a College Park family if there was a strategic, long-term project they could contribute to that would serve the mission of the church. After months of research, prayer, and conversation, the Elder Council approved an outdoor pavilion project to serve our vision of congregational connection and reaching our community. A motion to approve the design and construction of the pavilion project was then affirmed by congregational vote on August 28, 2022 with 94% approval.
The space will be called The Portico, after the historic area adjacent to the temple where the early church met for prayer and fellowship (Acts 5:12-14). Planned for the northeast corner of our property, the area will include an outdoor pavilion along with a walking path and playground. This space will help us foster relational connections internally as a church and externally with our local community by providing an additional (and unique) space for ministry events, family events, and playdates. It will be open for public use half of the time, and the other half will be available for special ministry gatherings and congregant events. The playground and walking path will be open to the public at all times.
The project will be entirely funded outside of the annual budget with all needed funds already committed by the lead donor family as well as others who have made commitments. Go here to see the latest update.
It will be called The Portico, after the historic area adjacent to the temple where the early church met for prayer and fellowship (Acts 5:12-14).
Due to the location in the northeast corner of the property, we do not expect any effect on regular ministry activities. For a time, the existing prayer path and that corner of the property will be unavailable for use. We do not anticipate that construction will effect parking on Sundays.
The anticipated completion of the project is the Fall of 2023. The timeline is dependent on many factors including supply chain logistics. We are excited for the church body to use the space for gatherings staring in the fall.
The Portico will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. while the walking path and playground will be open from sunrise to sundown.
The Portico building will be open late March to early December, but on a warm winter day, you will be welcome to use the playground and walking path! Inside The Portico there will be radiant floor heat extending the uses in colder weather so depending on the weather, the pavilion itself may remain open. Restrooms and water fountains will be closed in the winter.
The Portico will be a special space for organic connections to happen. Half of the time, it will be open for anyone to use. The other half of the time, it will be available for special ministry gatherings and congregant events. At all times, the community will have access to the walking path and playground.
Yes, College Park members and regular attenders will be able to reserve the space. For dedicated event reservations, there will be a formal reservation process based on availability.
A good portion of the time, The Portico will be open and available for organic gatherings similar to public park pavilions. You will be able to bring your family or meet up with your Small Group and enjoy The Portico while sharing it with others who may also be there.
Some day, we hope so! As with any new space, there will be some learning curves, so initially it will be reservable by College Park ministries, members, and regular attenders only. Then as time allows, we will discern next steps and open the space to be reserved by those in the community as we are able.
The space will have security cameras along with strategic lighting.
Parking will be available near The Portico along with a path to walk to the pavilion space. The pavilion and accompanying playground will be ADA accessible. Restrooms will be located along the outside of The Portico building.
Yes, the space known as the historic “prayer path” will still be available for use.
We are still interested and open to using the Ministry Center as an outward-facing facility for our community. Currently, we are exploring the possibility of using it to house our community counseling center. For at least the first year, The Portico will be used as a space to enrich the relational life of the body of College Park Church.
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