Over the last few months, we have held several “Listening Sessions” designed to provide a forum to discuss future options of what to do with the land that Riverside owns at the corner of Cumberland Avenue and Klondike Road. The roughly 20-acre parcel was purchased in 2010 during a period in which many different options were being explored to address the facilities needs of a growing church. However, a subsequent discernment process which concluded with a congregational vote in January 2016 to remain in our current facility for “the foreseeable future” left how to handle the land in the short term something of an unresolved issue.
Approximately 35 people attended one or more of the sessions to weigh in on the topic. We’d like to thank those who took the time to be part of the discussion. The viewpoints expressed were many and varied. While consensus was not achieved, we were able to draw some general conclusions:
• There was significant discussion of the benefits that a new facility built on the land might provide, both on a purely practical basis and for possible new or enhanced ministry
• A clearer vision of where Riverside is headed is needed before any major decisions are made
• The cost of carrying the loan on the land was generally seen as acceptable in order to preserve future flexibility
Given the above input, the LT will continue working on the issue over the coming year. In the short term, the loan costs will be included in next year’s 2019-20 budget that will be presented at the semi-annual gathering at the end of June. We will work on refining the vision and developing options for the land, facilities, and financial approaches. If there is sufficient interest, we would love to form a working group to work through the numerous ideas raised during the sessions. If you would like to be a part of this effort, or would like more detail on the comments offered at the sessions, please contact anyone on the Leadership Team.
Again, we would like to thank those who took part in the sessions. We also appreciate everyone’s input and patience as we work to realize God’s desires for Riverside.
In Christ,
Riverside Leadership Team
Ann Amato
Randy Bogan
Brett Giltmier
Mark Kirgiss
Kelly Marshall
Ralph Moller
Roxie Zuercher