July 5, 2010 issue
Construction begins on MC USA office building
Group blesses ground of site near AMBS campus
By Jessica Herschberger and Annette Brill Bergstresser Mennonite Church USAPage:
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ELKHART, Ind. — Construction is underway for a $7.2-million office building for Mennonite Church USA.
Work in Progress Gospel Band singers, from left, Rebeka Moeljono, Grace Eidmann, Sandy Miller, Ann Jacobs, Lefuarn Harvey and John Lapp, all employees of Mennonite Mission Network, sing at the ground blessing ceremony for the new Mennonite Church USA office building. — Photo by Ryan Miller/MMN
About 200 people gathered June 15 at the Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary campus to bless the ground that is to be the site for the new building.
The building contractor, DJ Construction, headquartered in Goshen, began work June 16 on the energy-efficient building, which will be adjacent to the AMBS campus. It will house offices for MC USA Executive Leadership, Mennonite Education Agency, Mennonite Mission Network and other organizations.
“We believe that a new facility will enable us to strengthen our mission while practicing sound stewardship,” said Ervin Stutzman, MC USA executive director. “We also hope that this location will help create synergies across the church by being located near the AMBS community.”
The denomination will maintain offices in Newton, Kan., and Elkhart, along with dispersed staff in other parts of the country, Stutzman said.
Savings from the building will allow additional funds from the “Joining Together, Investing in Hope” campaign to be directed to the ministries of MMN and other agencies of MC USA, he said.
Stutzman expressed gratitude to the donors, who gave a total of $10.4 million during a time of economic hardship.
Of the total amount raised, $5.8 million will go to existing ministry programs, with a majority of that for MMN. The other $4.6 million will go toward the total building cost. Supporters have also donated volunteer labor and materials such as interior doors and wood trim.
Fundraising for the campaign continues. Meanwhile, the Executive Board authorized a $2.1 million loan for the building.
“We’re hoping to raise the entire amount,” said Peter Graber, campaign director. “We want to be prudent and have a plan B if we don’t.”
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