Q1. Why are we creating a space for youth?
A. For 2 reasons, firstly we want to create a modern space for our teens to experience Jesus. We are currently reaching around 100 students and we want to continue to make a difference in the Youth of Visalia with the truth of the Gospel. We are currently active in 4 VUSD schools and want to expand our reach to have someone on every campus each week inviting youth to GateWay. Secondly, our current facilities were originally built in 1967 and need updating for energy efficiency and the health of the occupants.
Q2. Why are we building an entrance for the weekday Gateway Preschool?
A. This past year we had the vision of reopening the GateWay Preschool, since our launch in January 2023 we have had an overwhelming response, we started with just 6 students and now have over 34 students registered, and more are added weekly. The preschool gives us an opportunity to share the gospel with our 2-5-year old's and help families connect with GateWay Church. The entrance off Sowell Street will provide a safe and appealing place for our families to drop off and pick up their children.
Q3. What will the building project entail?
A. The 5,000 sq. foot Youth Center will get a new entrance to match the rest of our new GateWay buildings, a new café, an updated auditorium, new flooring, ceiling, and windows, an updated small group classroom, and a furnished game room. The preschool entrance will match our North and West entrances with stone columns, a blue awning, and an entrance with security measures.
Q4. How much is the building project?
A. The total cost will be 1 million. 780K for design and build and 220k for building permits and furniture.
Q5. Will we wait until we have all the cash on hand or build right away?
A. Our current plan is to have $250,000 in savings allocated to the Win the Future project and $750,000 in pledges. Then start construction in the Fall of 2023.
Q6. What contractor are we using?
A. For the last 9 years, we have worked with Copper Mountain Construction on various GateWay Projects. They specialize in design, construction, and project management. They have hard-bid the design and build project for $780,000.
Q7. Who is overseeing the project?
A.The Deacon Board an the Win the Future Team are overseeing the project.
Q8. When will people give to Win the Future?
A. You can start giving at any time through Gateway giving portals. On May 21st we will have a first fruit's offering and collect Win the Future pledges.
Q9. How will Win the Future financially impact our current ministries and Network Missions Partners?
A. Win the Future will not impact any of our current budget or our Network Missions budget.
Q10. Why is Gateway Church asking for pledges?
A. It all goes back to planning. You deserve for the team at Gateway Church to be wise stewards of the resources invested here. Pledging helps us know if we have enough money in the months ahead to move forward. This is based on a principle Jesus taught in Luke 14:28: "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower, won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?
Q11. How do I go about deciding how much to give above my regular giving?
A.The best way to know is through prayer and planning. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Q12. What if I can't follow through on my pledge? After I make a pledge, can I change the amount?
A. None of us know what's in the future. You may be blessed financially beyond your imagination and be able to increase your pledge. Or you may betaken through trials that challenge your resources and have to lower or cancel your pledge. Our hope is that you can remain faithful with your pledge but we also understand challenging circumstances can change you commitment.
Q13. Is a pledge amount in addition to regular giving to Gateway Church?
A. Yes. Your regular giving to Gateway Church supports the general operation of the church while your Win the Future pledge fulfillment goes directly to the project and construction costs.
Q14. How does the building project fit into Gateway's long term plan?
A. The Win the Future Project will set up Gateway Church to continue reaching Visalia for generations to come.
