Story Church, we are entering a new chapter in the life of our church. These are exciting times indeed! By God’s grace and our faithfulness, our church has grown during 2020, a time that has been difficult for most churches. We know that God’s hand is on us and we are excited to experience all that God has for us as we come through this pandemic. It’s time to prepare for what is coming next! Thank you for your faithfulness, even as we’ve been pulled out of our routines at different points during this year. You’ve never stopped functioning as the church! 

As many of you know, we have recently completed the infill projects of Story Church and Storytime Coffee Co. without taking on debt. We did this in conjunction with the Clouse Family paying for the completion of The Honor Co. (the space we rent for worship on Sundays). Without their contribution and belief in the vision of this project, the story would have gone differently or not existed at all. 

The Clouse Family approached our leadership team in September and shared that they felt led by God to sell the building. They also felt led to offer it to the church first, before listing the property. They have given the church a price that is lower than what they intend to list it for. They have been gracious to wait for the church to make a decision before they proceed with the listing. After much prayer and conversation with our leadership team and the church, and upon receiving your support and helpful feedback, we have decided to proceed with raising funds with the intention of purchasing Jamestown Plaza. While this was not something we had on our radar, after doing our homework, revisiting our vision and much prayer, we believe this is a golden opportunity to extend our reach into the community. Because our loan payment is projected to be comparable to our current lease payment, it made good financial sense to proceed with this plan.

Here is the “Letter of Intent” given to DS Clouse Enterprises. It has been signed by both parties:

“It is the intent of the church leadership to purchase the building at 203 Jamestown Blvd, Rogersville, Missouri for a price of $875,000. Prior to writing a contract we plan to raise at least $87,500 toward the down payment.  It is our hope that this will be accomplished in six months.  During this time we will be doing any due diligence necessary, including building and roof inspections, as well as acquiring financing.  If you agree, we will likely take you up on the offer to carry the balance of the down payment, if needed.  Please let us know if this plan is agreeable to you.Thank you for your patience thus far. We hope to make this a smooth transition, as we all desire for the building to be used for God’s purposes.”

We have FOUR Fundraising Goals: 

1. Raise $87,500, cash in hand. This will allow us to sign a contract and move towards a closing date.

2. Receive pledges for the next $87,500 which is the remaining down payment of $175,000.

3. Raise an additional $150,000 to begin the infill project of Units E and F for Story Kids and potentially the home of one of our ministry partners. Not only will this increase the value of our property, it will allow us to further bless our community and serve our children.

4. Raise the remaining $700,000 loan amount ahead of schedule in order to avoid costly interest and in order to free up funds for mission, church planting and church ministries.

Here’s a snapshot of Jamestown Plaza:

• 16,500 Square Feet

• Built in 2008

• 11 total units, 1500 sq. ft. each

  • 3 units (A/B/C) leased to others (currently generating revenue)

  • 1 unit (D) recently finished for 7 office suites (currently generating revenue)

  • 2 units (E/F) unfinished (future of Story Kids)

  • 3 units (G/H/K) leased full time to Story Church (Story Church and Storytime Coffee Co.)

  • 2 units (I/J) The Honor Co. Event Center) leased by Story for Sunday worship

There were several factors that led us to this decision, but 3 main reasons:

1. This will provide for the future growth of Story Kids/Tots/Babies as well as Story Youth. We have had as many as 9 babies in a room designed for 3-4 babies. We do not currently have a large gathering space for Story Kids. Story Youth would gain full access of the Worship Center on Sunday evenings. Story Women and other ministry teams will also benefit from full-time access to the worship center.

2. This gives us the potential of further blessing one or more of our funded ministry partners. By completing the 2 unfinished units (E/F) we could create a larger space for Story Kids while also building in such a way to give access to other ministries during the week. We are currently praying alongside one of our partners over the use of this area in the future.

3. This will also protect our investment. With well over $300,000 already invested in the plaza, we believe it is in our best interest to hold that equity rather than continuing to rent the facility. With the uncertainty of new ownership, we would not be guaranteed the same partnership of shared space. Nor would we be guaranteed a fair rate at the end of our current lease agreement (7 years remaining). As stated above, the projected loan payment is comparable to our current lease agreement. Therefore, in 7 years, the purchase of the building will have us in better financial position than our current lease agreement.

 
How can you help?  

• First, please PRAY and enter into a time of FASTING. We want to continue to be faithful to our vision and values. As a partner of Story Church, we are asking you to prayerfully consider what you can contribute to the project.

• Second, please consider how you can contribute financially. For some, it will simply be a matter of continuing in the faithfulness of your monthly support to Story Church. For others, it might be time to begin regular giving to the church to support our movement. And yet others will be able to contribute a designated amount to the “Building Fund” above their regular giving to Story as a lump sum or spread it out in monthly gifts. Please do not substitute this gift for the building with your current giving as that would be problematic for the ministries our general budget is already funding. Can you give a 1 time lump sum? And can your give a designated monthly amount to the building fund over the next 3 years? We appreciate your faithful giving to the ongoing ministry of the church.
  

Hopefully, this information is helpful in describing the need and how your family might contribute. We only ask that you remain in step with 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Please don’t give in any other manner. We want this to be your joy.

It was just 3 years ago, we were a small but tightly connected 1 year old church, gathering at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. We were already asking God for favor in finding a location for this movement called Story Church. Jamestown Plaza was the furthest thing from our minds…until God placed the opportunity in front of us. We simply could not have dreamed of all that God has done, in and through us, the past 3 years. It is exciting to think what God will do in the next 3 years as we walk in obedience to His calling to tell this Story.

Please pray, fast, consider, and commit to what you can do to help. PLEDGE SUNDAY will be DECEMBER 13. You can give directly to the “Building Fund” through Text-To-Give and through our online giving system. Online giving can be done through our website by clicking this link. Or Text ANY DOLLAR AMOUNT to 84321 and you will be directed to the page. From there you must select the designation “BUILDING.” You can make a "One Time" or "Recurring" contribution. Once you have entered your information (bank account or credit/debit card) you will be able to simply text the amount you want to give to this number.

Your generosity is paving the way for our Jesus movement to endure to the ends of the world with this Love Story. 

In Jesus Name and for His Glory,
Story Church Leadership Team