With the new year well underway, we'd like to take this opportunity to update you on the progress of Parkside's vision for Building Into the Next Generation.

Our vision is about relationships: being in a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ; being built up in Christ through relationships with other believers; and, being active in promoting the gospel with unbelievers through relationships.

We sense that God is leading us in the direction of expanding the Bainbridge facility which supports our vision and helps to expand our global, regional, and local reach.

On behalf of the Elders,
Eric Snyder
Chairman of the Elder Board

The Building Portion of Our Vision

Weather Permitting

2011 brought record rainfalls to Northeast Ohio which impacted two of our building projects: the driveway between Parkside and the old VFW building, and the expansion of the parking lot.

Strange Place for a Pole

You may have noticed a light pole in the center of the new access road onto Pettibone Road. The roadway was extended during one of the brief windows of dry weather this past fall. At that time, the details for the relocation of the existing traffic light was not yet finalized. We are continuing to work with the Geauga County traffic engineer to sort through the final steps of relocating the signal. He has been a great help to us and we anticipate being able to complete the project this spring.

Pause on the Parking Lot

In July, the Elders authorized the expansion of Parkside’s parking lot with the understanding that we can always use more parking, as evidenced by the attendance at our Christmas Concerts. However, record rains also prevented the expected progress of this project. As soon as the weather clears in the spring, we will resume parking lot construction and complete it shortly thereafter.

Potential Building Project

In November and December, with our final building project blueprints in hand, we sought construction bids for the physical building portion of the vision. We received 95 bids on 25 trade packages which are being analyzed and will be presented to the Elders for their evaluation of building project options. In the latter part of the spring, we will have a better idea of how much of the project we can undertake.

Giving Summary for 2011

We are thankful to report that of the approximately $2.9 million in faith promises to the building fund, we have received all but $40,000. The general fund experienced a shortfall in giving of $155,000 but ended with a small surplus because of some savings in our expenses. While the shortfall amounts might be disappointing at first glance, the combined totals of both funds amount to $9.4 million ($6.6 million to the general fund; and, $2.8 million to the building fund). This provision is the largest that God has ever given through His people at Parkside. We are greatly thankful.

Moving from Pledging to Giving

Having heard of the giving shortfall for the faith promises, several people have commented, "I didn't know we were supposed to be giving to the building fund yet." It's not too late. Despite the change to the new year, you may still submit your faith promise for 2011 as God provides for you.

If you have additional questions, please visit the Building Into the Next Generation portion of our website, or email pks@parksidechurch.com.