February 6, 2020
Thank you for all your suggestions for the beautification of our campus. We have created a Re-Vision NVC Team led by the ministers, Karin and Lezli and Jeff Hargis and Ron Owen. Volunteers from the last Town Hall have met to discuss the general plans and give input. If you would like to join in please fill out Re-Vision Team card. With the limited monies from the refinancing of the property we are focused on the most critical and urgent to first make the campus safe and to address long overdue maintenance.
So far we have repaired all the parking lot lights and replaced the broken sidewalk. We have addressed the immediate AC needs and have entered into a long-term maintenance/replacement contract and are getting bids to repair roof issues. In addition, our parking lot is in serious need of resurfacing and it is our single largest projected expense. One of our teams is currently reviewing a half dozen bids. For the kitchen we are pricing out the cost of a new stove/grill to be replaced soon and longer term equipment needs and setup. The children’s classrooms have been evaluated to look at repairing the floor. Beyond that we realize the playground needs to be upgraded to get more ground cover but we are also considering if it is in the best location for the youth program so that is under review.
Beyond these urgent and important repairs we know that there is a need for new flooring, painting and design, especially around the sanctuary and social hall. That is a bigger focus and one that needs to be addressed with a clear vision of our “look” which will encompass all the sentiments in our community vision statement. That is a longer process for 2020 and will help us determine the best funding opportunities for our ‘re-visioned’ campus.
January 30, 2020
Question 1: I would like to see additional guest speakers from our New Thought Ministers and Teachers. Open clear communication of staff ministers.
Response: There are certainly a number of wonderful guest speakers we could invite over the course of the next few years. At this time, our primary focus is on continuing to develop a sense of stability by having our two Senior Ministers give the lion’s share of Sunday messages. Our second priority is supporting the development of our two ministerial students, Jeff Hargis and Beverley Strutt. It’s essential that they get ample experience speaking in front of a congregation, so most of our few guest speaking slots will go to them this year. As we move forward, more guest spots may become available. If you have a favorite speaker you’d like to see, please feel free to recommend them by placing a card in the suggestion box.
Question 2: I’d like to see more diverse New Thought classes from other leaders such as Holmes Neville Goddard, Rev. Rene Brooks, the Fillmore’s etc. More inclusions of all New Thought Centers teaching Divine Science INTA, Christian Science classes.
Response: Our CSL accredited classes always involve the teachings of Ernest Holmes and newer Science of Mind teachers, and some (such as Roots and From Whence We Came) include additional New Thought teachers as well. These are designed by Home Office. Our Personal Growth classes are created by faculty members and community members. The creator of the class has full discretion regarding what they include in the class. Anyone may create a class and submit an initiative to teach a class or workshop. If the topic is appropriate for the community and fits into the Adult Spiritual Education schedule, it will be approved. If there is something in particular you would like to see, I invite you to design a Personal Growth class.
Question 3: If classes are offered on more nights besides Tuesday, more could attend.
Response: We currently offer the majority of our classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Teachers are free to choose any time to offer their classes, and there are reasons why the classes tend to be scheduled as they are. Monday evenings have ongoing meetings for leadership, who teach the majority of our classes. Wednesday evenings are reserved for Wednesday Night Uplift services. Friday nights and Saturdays have traditionally not proven popular for classes. Of course, teachers are not prevented from offering classes during those times if they so choose.
January 23, 2020
We received several questions around our finances and we feel that they have all been answered here. If you have further questions for our Treasurer, please email Jeff Miller at miller.jg@gmail.com
How do we refinance and keep from winding up back where we were before?
Great Question! Even though the refinancing was for $300,000 more than the previous mortgage, the annual cost of the new much lower interest rate mortgage is about $20,000 less. The Leadership Council ordered the discharge of all debts when we refinanced. Our only obligation is to the mortgage. Our working capital balance is about $65,000, about halfway to our goal of three months of expenses in cash. This pool of funds enables us to weather seasonal swings in income. It also serves to protect us from suffering from the unexpected—a rainy day fund so to speak. The financial team is in the process of delineating a tight set of policies and procedures to ensure that money is spent carefully and in line with our vision. Finally, and most importantly, the Leadership Council is dedicated to creating and managing realistic budgets.
Is the cost of the needed maintenance & repairs included in the cost of refinancing?
Yes. The proceeds from refinancing allowed the Leadership Council to set aside $180,000 in a special Facilities Fund. This Fund is sufficient to address the issues that most impact the health and safety of the community, including parking lot lighting, repaving, kitchen, and playground upgrades. The Home Team has ordered inspections of our air conditioning and other systems and is working hard to obtain estimates in order to create a realistic budget that focuses on our most important priorities.
It is important to note that the current Facilities Fund balance is not expected to be sufficient to satisfy our vision for a new home. The Leadership Council is confident that over time, we will be able to realize our dream to make the NVC Campus “shine brightly with Light and Love, open and expansive, reflecting the lushness and beauty of nature—–a place of prosperity and abundance in all things”.
January 16, 2020
This first week, we would like to share your thoughts about this wonderful community and the decision to Love It! and stay at our current location.
- I love and appreciate the Sr. Ministers and the Leadership Council for their Love and expression here at NVC.
- Thank you, Rev. Lezli and Rev. Karin for being so strong in your faith for us all!
- I am pleased to be staying at this facility.
- I’m really grateful that we’re staying. Also, grateful we are focusing on bringing the maintenance of the grounds and building up as a priority. I don’t have any concerns because I know everything will be perfect and unfold divinely. J
- I love the idea of staying here and making this beautiful facility our permanent home.
- Home at last! I think it’s better for the community if we stay here. We’ve had so many changes. Many things need to be done but I know it will all unfold perfectly.
- I really love being a partner in this community! I feel loved and accepted!
- Everything is Whole, Perfect and Complete!
- Just want to bless this wonderful community and may NVC overflow from generosity and prosper in the forever home.
- So grateful for NVC!! I hope for all the best.
- Blessed with an abundance of talent and commitment.