Forward with Faith

Question: If we had to prioritize, which elements do you feel will draw more people to our church?

Response: There are several elements that we believe will do this:

• An enhanced physical site (landscaping, signage, sight lines) will make the church more visible and appealing.
• The designated entrance and consolidated area of the preschool will be attractive to potential families choosing it as their child’s preschool. The updated campus and interior of the church will attract younger families of the preschool to try Hunt’s as their place of worship.
• The addition of two new gathering spaces, the outdoor terrace and the new Fellowship Hall, near the entrance of the church, will build community and create opportunities to meet visitors. The open concept of the interior of the church building will create a brighter, more welcoming and less intimidating space for visitors.
• Updated cosmetics and the addition of technology elements will be attractive to potential new members.
• The “campus” layout will suggest more uses and opportunities for prospective members.

Question: Can we do this in phases?

Response: Definitely. Given the scope and scale of these plans and the estimated costs, it is likely a phased approach makes sense. Once we hear from the congregation on what aspects of the plan resonated with them and which elements they don’t like, a revised plan will be developed and phasing identified.

Question: Have the roofs of both buildings been checked?
Question: Is updated mechanical equipment a part of the plan?
Question: Do the renovations include all basic infrastructure, electrical, mechanical, roofing, plumbing needs?

Response: Part of the church and Agape House due diligence will include inspecting all structural and mechanical elements (roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc). Repairs and updates found to be needed in those areas will be part of the scope. Initial cost estimates for these are included in the budget. General conditions, including wear and tear (e.g., carpeting, paint), as well as technology improvements are included in the scope of work. Our initial cost estimate includes almost $280,000 for this type of work.

Question: I don’t understand the forest easement resolution. Can you explain how this will work?

Response: The Agape House property is currently subject to a Forest Conservation Easement, in perpetuity. This easement is quite restrictive and requires us to return the land to nature (e.g., no lawn mowing, tree trimming, etc.). The plan being pursued is to have this easement conveyed/transferred from the Agape House property to a portion of a property owned by Roger and Jan Wittenbach. Once complete, the Agape House property will be unencumbered by any forest easement, so we could develop and use this area, but the Wittenbachs would be unable to develop the portion of their property which would now be subject to a forest easement.

Question: Why is the Scout Shack missing? It is historic and built by the CCC.
Question: Dismantle or relocate Scout Shack discussion outcome? If dismantle, are scouts in favor? In relocate, where? Shack is historic (1931), scout troop (1927).
Question: How and where will we support scouting in the future?

Response: Our idea is to dismantle the Scout Shack, repurposing elements as it makes sense, and utilizing the new youth center (currently the Agape House garage/annex) for their regular meetings. While more work needs to be done to ensure the various uses of the new youth center can coexist (adequate storage, timing of activities, etc.) and that all parties like this solution, the initial concept was received favorably by our Pack’s leadership.
If relocating the Scout Shack (cost estimated at $50,000) is the desired approach, then we will need to figure out where on the campus this makes sense. Leaving the Scout Shack where it is is also an option, though it will impact the site plans.
We contacted Scouting representatives at the highest level and they confirmed that the BSA has no money to contribute to the Scout Shack facility. All costs, including construction, maintenance, and operating costs are to be borne solely by the sponsor (Hunt’s).

Question: Where is the terrace on the campus plan worksheet?

Response: A small terrace with benches is planned for the area outside of the doors we currently use to enter the church on Sunday mornings. It is the square hardscaped area just beyond the existing dogwood trees, which will remain. On the Feedback Form, the Terrace is part of the ‘new walkways’ and ‘improving landscape.’

Question: Sunday School needs onsite storage. Is there any way to provide more storage in the church? This plan seems to provide less. What happens to the janitor closet and storage space?

Response: Adequate storage for all regular church activities, including Sunday School, as well as, daily needs in the church building are planned for and will be incorporated into the final design. Significant storage space is being created at Agape House.

Question: Where will the trash corral be located?

Response: We will work with Baltimore County to determine possible locations for trash pickup, then design a space that disguises this purpose so as to not detract from the aesthetics of the campus. The current location is not ideal as it is far from the church where most of the trash is generated and is visible to those visiting the campus. Likely, both the church and Agape House are entitled to pickup individually.

Question: If the new VanMetre Hall is only for church use, where will the indoor play area and lunchroom be for the preschool?
Question: Will we be able to hold a church meeting in the church if we want to?

Response: VanMetre Hall would not be set up with preschool items as it currently is, however, we envision it being available for both church and preschool use during the week as needed. Some church activities would likely take place in the new Fellowship Hall while others may require the larger VanMetre space. The current need to coordinate with the preschool when using VanMetre hall during the week or for functions that require opening up the walls will be eliminated. The proposed kitchenette would remain shared use.
In terms of meetings, we hope the renovated spaces at Agape House will meet most church meeting needs, but if a meeting needs to be held at the church, then likely locations include the new Fellowship Hall, VanMetre Hall, and the sanctuary.

Question: Where would the Bicentennial Room be located?
Question: What will happen to the historical items in the Bicentennial Parlor?
Question: If we do away with the Bicentennial Parlor, what private space would be available for families during funerals, weddings, etc.?

Response: While the current Bicentennial Room will become part of the new Fellowship Hall, the purpose of this special place continues. The items in the room currently would be displayed in the new Fellowship Hall, at the renovated Agape House, and throughout the church. Items of a fragile or historical records nature would be securely displayed or stored. The idea is to take this rich history and display it more prominently to help us tell the story of Hunt’s Church. Perhaps we can recreate or relocate the built-in shelving and base unit (now on the north wall of the Bicentennial Room) to the center of the new room’s east wall for permanent display of items of special merit. That way, everyone can enjoy the experience every day. 
We envision the new Fellowship Hall to serve as a private space for weddings and funerals as it will have doors on either end that can be closed for privacy.

Question: Why is the Praise Band equipment being stored in the corner of VanMetre Hall? What happens to the storage currently used in the front of the church?

Response: There is currently no plan to change the Praise Service or storing the band equipment in VanMetre Hall. If in the future a casual type of service were to be held in VanMetre, then we would want to plan for space for equipment storage to support this activity.

Question: If we had to prioritize, which elements do you feel will draw more people to our church?

Response: There are several elements that we believe will do this:

• An enhanced physical site (landscaping, signage, sight lines) will make the church more visible and appealing.
• The designated entrance and consolidated area of the preschool will be attractive to potential families choosing it as their child’s preschool. The updated campus and interior of the church will attract younger families of the preschool to try Hunt’s as their place of worship.
• The addition of two new gathering spaces, the outdoor terrace and the new Fellowship Hall, near the entrance of the church, will build community and create opportunities to meet visitors. The open concept of the interior of the church building will create a brighter, more welcoming and less intimidating space for visitors.
• Updated cosmetics and the addition of technology elements will be attractive to potential new members.
• The “campus” layout will suggest more uses and opportunities for prospective members.