A proposed youth center at the Grant City Christian Church has raised $200,000 and construction is slated to start in Fall 2025, the Worth County Progress Organization learned at its meeting Monday. The church estimates in its letter pitching the project that it needs another $250,000 to finish the project. The project will be built as funds become available.
The structure will be 104 feet by 60 feet, have three classrooms on the top floor, two bathrooms, a fellowship hall and gym area with basketball goals, volleyball courts, and pickleball courts, with a kitchen, more parking on the north side, and ramps instead of stairs. The goal is to get it FEMA approved for a storm shelter, although President Donald Trump’s budget cuts have left all federal funding up in the air and Mr. Trump has proposed eliminating FEMA after this year’s hurricane season is over and shifting responsibilities for disaster relief to the states.
A few years ago, the church purchased and cleaned up the lot west of the church. They have named the project the 18:16 Project, inspired by Luke 18:16, in which Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
The church has had recent growth in young families, creating a need for more classroom space. Their young adult Bible study class is now up to 30 people in attendance on any given Sunday, and current childrens’ classrooms are beyond capacity. The new building will include additional classroom space that will better accommodate Bible studies, childrens’ Sunday School, and small group gatherings.
The new building will be available for wedding receptions, family reunions, church dinners, and seasonable events. The church will also be able to host larger church fellowship gatherings.
The new building will also allow the church to expand LifeKids. Currently, the church buses in 80 children from Kindergarten through sixth grade for LifeKids, where they sing songs, play games, eat a hot meal, and share a Bible lesson. The new building will allow LifeKids to grow both in size and impact.
The church offers a youth group that meets every Wednesday night. It is affiliated with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and the new building will allow the church to host it instead of the school, freeing up time and space for more school activities. The church could also open up space on Friday and Saturday nights, giving kids a safe, supervised place for teens to hang out and learn about Jesus.
The pastor is Dirk Buffington. The Board President is Mark Cadle, the Building Chair is Colt Ridge, and the Fundraising Chair is Jonell Cook.
Around $15,050 has been raised to redo the War Memorial on the northeast corner of the Square. Work includes engraved bricks and flagpoles honoring all six branches of the US Military. Bricks would cost around $20 if purchased from Rod Brown. Alex Mullock will donate his time to trim trees by the memorial.
The recent Golf Tournament raised $5,040 total, with the Progress Organization profiting around $1,500 when all expenses were paid. They paid out $3,000 in fireworks, goodie bags, and made a donation to the Golf Course for hosting the event. Proceeds were used towards the Fireworks Show held Friday evening.
There are 1,293 likes on the Facebook page, with 1,372 followers with 15,572 views last month.
There were 18 vendors at the Health Fair on June 27th. Around 20 people showed up.
The last date for the Jeremiah Project will be July 12th from 9 am to 11 am. There were changes in the program as well as lack of funds and volunteers.
There has been one applicant so far for the Youth Program Associate. But federal budget cuts have eliminated all SNAP educational money.
Some mulch has been put down for the sign by the Dollar General. More will need to be added. Bricks have been purchased.
The next Farmers Market will be Saturday morning, July 12th at the Grant City Square.
The next Worth County cleanup day will be September 13th. From 8 am to noon, anyone from Worth County can drop off items at the Grant City Barn.
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