The Diocesan Dialogue
Current Issue
March 2007

Momentum at the Center

When energy feeds other energies, its called 'synergy' (or 'synchronicity' or grace)! Since breaking ground on the new Episcopal Church Center, more and more individuals and groups have become involved in moving us forward.

The building itself is taking shape following lots of site development work. Two deep wells have been dug (each over 200 feet down), for our ground-water supported heating and air-conditioning system, saving about 40 percent per year on those costs. Bricks are rising and utility lines are in.

Meanwhile we now have, in addition to the oversight of the Project Jubilee Committee, an Interiors Committee selecting tasteful furnishings, and a Business Plan Task Force planning smooth transition into efficient operations when the physical building is complete.

The Building Committee still meets when basic choices need to be made—generally of a cost-conscious nature. And, the project is still on budget and close to being on schedule!

The Capital Campaign Group meets nearly every week to direct the Diocesan goal of raising the $2.4 million increase in costs caused by city requirements, inflationary factors in labor and building materials (about 35-40 percent), and by our commitment to plan and approve Jubilee projects in our parishes before going forward with the Episcopal Church Center.

And, by the grace of God and the generosity of our communities, we are getting there. A surprising perspective showed up at our meeting the first week of February.

Bishop Carolyn Tanner Irish noted that, just since the beginning of her episcopacy in 1996, the rental costs on our present offices have been significantly higher than the additional amount needed to be raised for the Center.

There is indeed 'movement at the Center' in all manner of ways. Look for further updates and perspectives in future issues of the Dialogue and on our website at www.episcopal-ut.org.

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