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Attendance had dropped to just a handful of attendees when the parsonage was sold. \u201cThe church very much was in survival mode,\u201d Johnson recalls. \u201cThen the church did an unusual thing; it gave up power.\u201d<\/p>\nHOPKINTON, MA (January 29, 2007) \u2013 Eight years ago, attendance at Community Covenant Church had declined so much that the congregation sold the parsonage to fund what would be a last-ditch effort to reach out to the community.
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\nThe church had been hampered, in part, by the small facility, that was \u201c90 percent sanctuary,\u201d says pastor Bruce Johnson. On Sunday, Community Covenant dedicated an addition that doubles the building\u2019s size \u2013 from 3,000 to 6,000 square feet – and reflects a growth of renewed ministry.<\/p>\n
Attendance had dropped to just a handful of attendees when the parsonage was sold. \u201cThe church very much was in survival mode,\u201d Johnson recalls. \u201cThen the church did an unusual thing; it gave up power.\u201d<\/p>\n
Three members of the congregation met with three members of other churches that were operating successful ministries, and they formed an executive board to guide Community Covenant.<\/p>\n
As a result, attendance has reached around 100 in the past several years, Johnson says. New attendees include families who were willing to put up with cramped space even for their children\u2019s Sunday school because they had a vision for the future, Johnson says.<\/p>\n
The building now has room for their children and teenagers as well as other ministry. The addition includes new classrooms, office space and a fellowship hall. Previously, the church used a corner of the sanctuary for its fellowship needs, Johnson says.<\/p>\n
Before entering the ministry, Johnson worked as a nutritionist, and he now hopes the building will enable the church to hold cooking and lifestyle classes that will integrate faith and health.<\/p>\n
Cost for the $300,000 project was reduced by at least $100,000 because of contributions from congregation members. Architect Shawn McGuinness designed the building, which has drawn praise from civic leaders for the way it blends with the surroundings. \u201cIt\u2019s very beautiful,\u201d Johnson says. \u201cShe really gave herself to the project.\u201d<\/p>\n
Doug Raincourt owns an electrical contracting business, and Johnson says, \u201cHe refused to take a salary. He gave a lot of professional time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Church members were intent on the building being environmentally sound. Church member Peter Hubbe, who served as the project\u2019s general contractor, consults with businesses on how they can be more environmentally friends and save money.<\/p>\n
Hubbe and his wife, Mary, a real-estate agent, committed numerous hours to the project, says Johnson. \u201cThey were there before I arrived at the office and were there when I left,\u201d he says with admiration.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is so obvious that God gave us the resources,\u201d Johnson says.<\/p>\n
East Coast Conference Supt. Howard Burgoyne spoke at the Sunday morning service and recalled how the church that once was on the verge of closing, used what limited resources it had to overcome an imposing future.<\/p>\n
He referred to the story of David, who \u201cbecame skilled with a slingshot and learned to pray, recite poetry and sing,” said Burgoyne. “He had faith in God.”<\/p>\n
National Covenant Properties helped finance the addition. Accompanying photo shows Burgoyne (left) and Johnson.<\/p>\n