06/21/2009

Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Saint Louis Celebrates First Worship Service in New Home. Nearly 500 people were on hand as MCCGSL celebrated their first worship service at 1919 S. Broadway. After years of hard work and preparation, MCCGSL opened its doors in the Soulard Community. MCCGSL is a bold and inclusive community of faith that provides a place to call home for all of God's children.

11/07/2008
Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis (MCCGSL) is pleased to announce the results of its capital campaign, Building Together: A Place to Call Home . To date, MCCGSL has received 150 pledges totaling $1,406,101.46. Exceeding the published financial goal of $1 million, Building Together is in the top 8% of church capital campaigns according to Generis fundraising consultant Tom Melzoni. Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell remarked on this amazing achievement, “To exceed our goal to this degree is a testament to the commitment of the members of Metropolitan Community Church to demonstrate God's love for all people in the greater St. Louis area .”

This historic benchmark allows MCCGSL to move forward with the renovation of its newly purchased facility at 1919 S. Broadway in the Soulard neighborhood – purchase and renovation totaling over $2.8 million. Church offices will move to the new location on November 15 . Multi-functional worship space is scheduled to be complete in Spring 2009. The renovation process is a design/build concept with Laura Neri Baebler Architects & Associates and Salian Commercial Construction Services, financed through Pulaski Bank .

In addition to MCCGSL church offices and worship space, the renovated facility will house The Hope & Help Center, a resource and referral ministry funded in part by Missouri Foundation for Health. It will also house One St. Louis, a separate 501c3 corporation providing services to the greater St. Louis community.

To learn more about or to support the ministries and services of MCCGSL, visit www.mccgsl.org . Current worship services are on Sundays at 9:30 & 11:30am at 112 Sidney Street, St. Louis, 63104 .

11/06/2008
CLM ( Creating A Life That Matters) met at 1919 on Monday, 11/03, the first group to officially meet in our new home!

Carpet on the 2 nd floor has been laid.

10/17/2008
78 households pledged a total of $1,139,888 over 3 years!

09/07/2008
Over 200 congregants and community leaders witnessed history as Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis (MCCGSL) broke ground on Sunday, September 7 on its new $1.3 million, 22,000 square-foot facility at 1919 S. Broadway in the historic Soulard Neighborhood. The renovation of what was once Youth Build, will now house MCCGSL and the One St. Louis Resource Center.

The $2 million renovation will include a fully accessible, state-of-the-art "LEED certified/green" worship space, with additional areas for education, meeting rooms, parking, a full kitchen and The Hope and Help Center. Special presentations were made by:
 Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell, Senior Pastor of MCCGSLSenator-Elect Robin Wright-JonesLt. Governor Candidate State Representative Sam PageState Representative Jeanette Mott-OxfordAlderwoman Phyllis YoungJim Sondermann, representing Mayor Francis Slay

Salian Commercial Construction Services will serve as the general contractor and the architect is Laura Neri Baebler Architects & Assoc. on this project. Click here for photos of this special day.

08/14/2008
Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis (MCCGSL) will hold a ground breaking ceremony at 1919 S. Broadway on Sunday, September 7 at 1:30 PM.

Participants will include architects from Laura Neri Baebler and Salian Commercial Contractors, members of the MCCGSL Building Planning Committee, Board of Directors and Staff.

Invitees will include newly elected State Senator Robyn Wright-Jones; Alderwoman Phyllis Young; State Representative Jeanette Mott-Oxford; Lieutenant Governor candidate State Representative Same Page; Mayor Francis Slay; Rabbi Susan Talve from CRC; AJ Bockelman of PROMO; Katie Larsen-Jansen of MCU and other St. Louis community leaders.

Building Together, we will create a place to call home for ALL St. Louisans! Praise be to God for this unique moment in time in our 35 year history.

08/03/2008
By a vote of 97% of members present, the congregation of MCCGSL gave authority to the Board of Directors to expend design/build costs for the building at 1919 S. Broadway not to exceed $2,051,305 pending funds available.

07/12/2008
The Board of Directors of Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis has voted to call a special congregational meeting for Sunday, August 3, 2008, at 1:00 pm at 112 Sidney Street.

The purpose of this special congregational meeting is to discuss and vote to approve a contract, pending approval by our legal counsel, with Laura Neri Baebler Architects and Salian Commercial Contractors, which includes a timeline and cost per phase.

Discussion and vote upon the contract will be the only item of business on the agenda for the special congregational meeting.

All active members are eligible to vote. Please make every effort to be there and be a part of this exciting time.

06/27/2008

Capital Campaign Steering Committee Announced

Capital Campaign Committee Responsibilities

06/20/2008

MCC of Greater St. Louis Closes on 1919 S. Broadway

Watch video of closing

It's Official! MCC of Greater St. Louis has closed on the property at 1919 S. Broadway in Soulard. "Praise be to God for bringing us this far," said Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell, Senior Pastor of MCCGSL. "I am grateful for those who have been with us on this journey, and for those who have gone before us, paving the way for MCCGSL to once again have a permanent home." Present for the signing were Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell, board members Denise Spear & Jenny Wilton, Building Planning Committee Chair MaryLou Suter, Attorney Mavis Kennedy, realtor Renetta Clay, and representatives from Pulaski Bank, LandAmerica Title and the Friedman Group. A groundbreaking ceremony will be scheduled in the near future to launch the major renovation project. The dedication ceremony will be held upon completion of the worship space.

06/12/2008
 The title commitment has been reviewed by legal counsel and completed with LandAmerica.
 The loan application has been approved by Pulaski Bank in the amount of $1,560,000. MCCGSL will pay $311,000 down at closing. The remaining $546,000 will be available as needed for renovations.
 The Board of Directors has approved the Building Planning Committee recommendation to pursue a contract for design build with Laura Neri Baebler Architects and Salian Contractors.
 MCCGSL has requested an extension to address the violations listed in the City of St. Louis occupancy permit inspections.
 Phase II environmental inspection has been completed.
 MCCGSL is currently negotiating a price reduction based on the LandAmerica inspection report and the City of St. Louis inspections.

5/21/2008

MEDIA ADVISORY - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis Approves Purchase of Church Facility

Sunday, May 18 proved to be an historic day for the congregation of MCC of Greater St. Louis (MCCGSL). For only the fourth time in its 35 year history, members of MCCGSL voted to purchase property. The approved facility is a 22,000 sq. ft. office/warehouse in the heart of the Soulard neighborhood. Plans for renovation include a state of the art "green" worship space, with additional areas for education, meeting rooms, and offices.

After nearly unanimous approval by the congregation of the purchase contract and a campaign to secure the needed $1.325 million in funding, Reverend Dr. Carol Trissell, MCC's Senior Pastor, said, "This is a great day for our congregation, for our community, and for the greater St. Louis region. I praise God that once again, MCC of Greater St. Louis will have a permanent home."

With a closing date of June 20, a groundbreaking ceremony will be scheduled in the near future to launch the major renovation project. The dedication ceremony will be held upon completion of the worship space. Reverend Trissell continued, "I am grateful for the lay leaders of our faith community and for all of the support we have received from outside our congregation. There is no doubt in my mind that the ministry that will happen at 1919 S. Broadway will bring glory and honor to God while transforming this great city of St. Louis."

After learning of the news, 7 th Ward Alderwoman Phyllis Young said " I welcome the Metropolitan Community Church to Soulard. The diversity within the Soulard neighborhood makes it a fitting location for this faith community. In addition to ministering to the congregation's spiritual needs, I expect the Church will become an active part of the fabric of our Soulard community."

ALL are welcome at MCC! As one of the oldest and largest LGBT organizations in the City of St. Louis, MCC of Greater St. Louis opens its doors to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Until renovation of the new facility is complete, worship continues to be held at 112 Sidney St. in Soulard, at 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM each Sunday. For more information, visit MCCGSL Online or contact the church office at 314-361-3221.

5/18/2008

In a historic vote by members of MCC of Greater St. Louis, 97% of members present approved the purchase and financing of 1919 S. Broadway in Soulard. Stay tuned. More information will be posted on Monday.

5/14/2008

1919 S. Broadway Pro Forma Cash Flow

5/13/2008

Dear MCCGSL Member,

Sunday, May 18th is a historic one for MCC of Greater St. Louis! As members we will vote upon the possibility of purchasing a facility at 1919 S. Broadway in Soulard. It is exciting and it is scary all at the same time. This will be the 3rd time in the 34 year history of MCCGSL that we have considered owning a full church facility. I go back again and again to our transitional logo and see those stones: Waterman, Dolman, St. John's, and Sidney Street. Now we have the opportunity to replace the question marks at the top of the logo with 1919 S. Broadway.

Last Sunday, two church members reminded me of the story of when the people of Israel had left slavery in Egypt and had journeyed to their Promised Land. At the edge of this region that God had promised to Abraham centuries earlier, they sent “spies” – really scouts – into the land. The majority of those who viewed the land (10 of the 12) reported an area “flowing with milk and honey”. Yet, they also reported that they could not take that land because of the overwhelming challenges in doing so – residents as large as giants living in fortified cities.

Yet, two of the scouts said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” After hearing these reports, the people grieved and grumbled over all that they had endured in their freedom from slavery. They even began to say, “let's return to Egypt”. They were willing to choose the certainty of slavery over the uncertain challenges of freedom! Their leaders Moses, Aaron, and the two scouts Joshua and Caleb urged them to reconsider with this reassurance, “If God is pleased with us, God will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us… God is with us. Do not be afraid….”

If you are familiar with this story, you know that the people allowed their fears to overwhelm the possibilities before them. As a result they wandered in the desert for 40 years. Finally, when a new generation had come into leadership, Joshua led them into their Promised Land. God's promise was fulfilled. However, the people who stood at the edge and turned away missed the blessing of living in the abundance God had promised. {You can read the whole story in the book of Numbers, chapters 13 and 14.}

MCC of Greater St. Louis is in a similar position in considering this opportunity to purchase a facility that will assist us to fulfill our mission: to accept, embody, and declare God's love for all. Yet, there are challenges in that “promised land” – challenges of financing, renovation, permitting, decision making, etc. We may be tempted to return to the safety of the known, even if it doesn't fully meet our needs. As one of your spiritual leaders, let me what I truly believe:
 God has led us to this point – all the searching, researching, analyzing, and our move to Sidney Street as an interim facility.
 God is with us – MCCGSL is growing spiritually and numerically in the interim facility that does not fully meet our needs.
 There are blessings in inhabiting this facility – the possibilities of adequate space to worship, fellowship, learn, grow, and to commune with God and one another.
 God will “give it to us” – God will supply the resources we need when we need them.

This is what I believe, but as in this story, the decision on whether to move forward is up to each of you. You as members of MCCGSL are called to examine the data, dialogue with one another, reflect on our common journey of faith, pray, and vote what you believe to be the will of God. Unlike the story, I believe that when you vote on Sunday, the promises of God will be fulfilled and we will experience the blessings that God has for us.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of this exciting possibility! May God give us wisdom and courage!

Rev. Carol

5/9/2008
-27 people attended walk through on 5/7

Click on the following links to view the documents:
1919 S. Broadway Facility Checklist
Building Planning Committee Recommendation
1919 S. Broadway Pro Forma Budget
1919 S. Broadway Comps

5/5/2008

-108 people attended Q&A's on 4/27
-36 people attended Q&A on 5/4
-150 people attended walk through on 5/4

Upcoming Q&A Opportunities:
Sunday, May 11 at 10:30 AM & 1 PM

Upcoming Opportunities to View the Property:
Wednesday, May 7 from 5-7 PM
Saturday, May 10 from 2-4 PM

1919 S. Broadway
Frequently Asked Questions

Who gets to vote on the purchase of this building?
-Members in good standing present at the congregational meeting May 18, 1pm at 112 Sidney Street will be eligible to vote. An 80% affirmative vote of members present and voting will be required.

Will MCCGSL members vote on the financing for this purchase?
-Yes. The congregation has to approve the financing to fund the purchase.

What is the contract price?
-$1,325,000

How will we pay for this building?
-We have applied for an acquisition loan through Pulaski Bank. We are also exploring options to finance the needed renovation. A capital campaign is planned to begin fall 2008. The proceeds will be utilized to pay down loan balances.

What will happen to the South Grand office?
-No decision has been made as to the South Grand office. MCCGSL has the option of whether to rent the office or to list it for sale.

Who will make the decision about the South Grand office?
-This decision will be made by the Board of Directors.

Is the building handicap accessible?
-The building will meet all ADA requirements prior to occupancy.

How soon will we be able to worship there?
-A construction and renovation plan is not yet established. However, December 2008 is an optimistic goal.

Will the congregation have an opportunity to help with some of the tasks needed at the facility?
-Yes. After renovation plans are finalized, we will utilize volunteers for certain tasks.

Will we rent a portion of the building to other nonprofits to generate income?
-The decision on whether to rent a portion of the building will not be made until it is ready for occupancy and we understand more fully the space needs of MCCGSL.

As of 04/30/2008

5/4/2008
 Contract Agreement Reached by Friedman Group, LTD. (Complete)
 Structural Inspection by LandAmerica (Complete)
 Environmental Inspection by Clearfield (Complete)
 Occupancy Permit issued by City of St. Louis (Complete)
 Obtain Financing from Pulaski Bank (Complete)
 Affirmative vote by 80% of MCCGSL Members (Complete)
 Title Commitment by LandAmercia Commonwealth Title Company (Complete)
 Closing by LandAmerica Commonwealth Title Company (Complete)
 

4/30/2008

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN GENERAL ASSESSMENT REPORT

4/28/2008

MCC of Greater St. Louis
Building Together
1919 S. Broadway
St. Louis , MO 63104

History of the Building Together Process:
 February 2006 -Strategic initiative approved by congregation
 December 2006 -Building Planning Committee & Capital Development Committee charters set and chairs appointed
 March & April 2007 -Building Together workshops
 June 2007 -MCCGSL 2017 forum to set key criteria
 August & September 2007 -Consideration of 5736 Telegraph
 December 2007 -Moving to 112 Sidney Street
 January-April 2008 -Consideration of 1919 S. Broadway

Brief History of the 1919 S. Broadway Negotiation Process:
December 2007 -Information submitted to Building Planning Committee regarding office/warehouse for sale at 1919 S. Broadway
 January 2008 - BPC , Staff and Board visited facility
 February 5 - BPC recommends consideration for purchase
 February 5 - Board of Directors reach consensus in executive session to offer a contract
 February 8 -MCCGSL offers initial contract
 February 11 -Seller's realtor requests negotiation through nonbonding letters of intent
 March 14 -Agreement between MCCGSL and YEHS (seller) reached through letters of intent
 March 14-April 8 -Negotiation over contract form and language
 April 8 -MCCGSL offers agreed upon contract
 April 16 -YEHS adds addendum to contract offered
 April 21 -MCCGSL signs addendum
 April 22 -YEHS signs contract

4/23/2008

BUILDING TOGETHER ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Dear Friend,

God continues to open doors for Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis!

Even as God is blessing MCCGSL in our current interim location at 112 Sidney Street, the Building Planning Committee has continued to search for a permanent church location for us. The Capital Development Committee has also continued their work to research and develop funds to purchase a potential facility.

I would like to update you on some key events in this Building Together process:
 The Building Planning Committee has researched a facility at 1919 South Broadway in Soulard. A thorough analysis was completed of this property - a 22,000 sq. ft. facility - based on the criteria set forth by the congregation.
 The Building Planning Committee recommended this site to the MCCGSL Board of Directors for purchase consideration.
 The Board of Directors voted unanimously to offer a contract to purchase this site, contingent upon approval of the membership of MCCGSL, obtaining financing, completing structural and environmental inspections, and obtaining an occupancy permit from the City of St. Louis. After extensive negotiations with the seller, a signed contract has been achieved.

We believe this is a spirit filled and logical response to everyone's prayers. We trust that the will of God will be known when the membership votes. A congregational meeting is scheduled for Sunday, May 18 at 1 PM at 112 Sidney St . In keeping with MCCGSL bylaws, the required affirmative vote will be 80% of voting members present at the meeting. We have scheduled three opportunities for you to view the property:

Sunday, May 4, 1:30-3:30 PM

Wednesday, May 7, 5-7 PM

Saturday, May 10, 2-4 PM

I encourage you to pray, to ask questions, to fully investigate this facility, and to communicate with the Board of Directors or Building Planning Committee members. Updates will be shared through weekly Sunday worship and our website at http://www.mccgsl.org .

Question and Answer sessions are scheduled at 112 Sidney St. for:

Sunday, April 27 at 10:30 AM & 1 PM

Sunday, May 4 at 10:30 AM

Sunday, May 11 at 10:30 AM & 1 PM

God is good - all the time! May God continue to lead us, give us wisdom, and supply all our needs!

In Christ's Love,
Rev. Carol

Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Senior Pastor

2/25/2008

BUILDING TOGETHER SURVEY (Completed)