I just returned from a "Pre-development Meeting" with Planning and Zoning concerning our potential use of the old Burgess Carpet Building on Spring Street. The meeting went great! The questions raised were the questions that I anticipated - limited parking, fire safety with no sprinklers in the building. What was amazing to me was the overall support from a room filled with city officials (Macon Water Authority, Fire Department, P&Z, Inspection and Fees, and more!). There was agreement from everyone present that the plans would be a compliment to the city and to the immediate neighbors. And on the question of parking and safety, both departments offered alternative solutions and said that they would help us work through those issues. That is the GOOD NEWS.Now for the OTHER NEWS. I intentionally said "OTHER NEWS" because I really do not see this as BAD News. I received a call yesterday from the Real Estate agent who has the property listed. The property is now under contract with someone attempting to purchase. That means that if they continue and are able to close, the building will not be available to us.
Bummed? Not in the least! We are currently meeting in a great spot - the Capitol Theater and we have another great spot in the 567. We have no immediate need for another space.
If we have no immediate need and we have 2 great spots, why even look?
Great question! Thanks for asking.
Here are some of the reasons why we are looking - in no particular order:
1) Stewardship - We lease the theater on Sunday mornings for only a few hours, and we lease the cafe 24/7. Initially we had no income and certainly not a 'steady' and 'stable' income from giving. We also had no money in the bank. So, leasing the theater made a lot of sense. We used their chairs, tables, sound equipment, projector...
Now, we have many of those items and our giving is somewhat stable and steady. So, it may be that we would be better stewards if we invested God's money in a building that we could use more than a few hours once a week.
2) Roots - It seems (intuitively) that it is time for us to begin sinking our roots a little deeper into the city. It is difficult to establish those roots without a true home. A home of our own on a more permanent basis communicates that we are here and we are here to stay!
3) God's Leading - Yes that is very subjective, I know. But there is something stirring deep inside that says it is time. I believe that is God stirring - pray with me that it isn't just the Buffalo Chicken sandwich I had for lunch! Pray for wisdom and clarity.
One of the great side notes on this potential move is that several in our city have expressed a great, great concern with our potential move. They fear that we will leave - not be a presence in the city-center. They are trying to help us find a location that will keep us right in the middle of things. It is rare that a church have such favor from non-church people.
The adventure continues!
