Construction Is Moving Forward!

There is a lot happening at Bethel as the Growing in Faith project continues to take shape. Construction is moving forward, and while much of the work happens behind the scenes, we are beginning to see more visible progress on campus.

The Childrens Ministry Wing.is one of the busiest areas right now. Fireproofing is underway, and framing has begun as the project moves into another important stage.  Leak repair at the window well is underway. The team has also finalized the shoring and bracing plans for the Family Life Center wall, allowing work to continue toward the next phase of demolition and construction.

At the same time, the project team continues to work through the many details that come with a project of this size, including structural work, electrical needs, water pressure, permitting and inspections. These may not always be things we notice as we walk by the construction site, but they are important steps in keeping the project moving forward.

Sanctuary Work Takes Shape

Several sanctuary details have also been finalized. The new sanctuary windows will feature traditional framed openings with individual pieces of glass, giving the renovated sanctuary the character and appearance envisioned in the design.

The existing stained-glass window will be relocated to the AV booth wall, while the front sanctuary opening will receive a new clear window. A custom light-box design has also been finalized for the new window.

These details may seem small compared with the overall project, but they are the pieces that will eventually make the renovated spaces feel like Bethel.

Children’s Ministry and Playground

Planning continues for the new Children’s Ministry areas and playground. The project team is working through the final details of the playground, including fencing, access and equipment.

Security and access are also receiving careful attention, particularly in the Children’s Ministry areas. The goal is to create spaces that are welcoming for children and families while also providing the safety and security our congregation expects.

Looking Ahead

The team is also working toward having the Gym available for the December 12  Christmas Bazaar, pending the necessary inspections and approvals.

Meanwhile, work continues on the electrical infrastructure that will support the expanded campus. The transformer relocation and switchover are being coordinated for later this year, with the project team working to minimize disruption to church activities.

Good Stewardship Along the Way

As construction continues, the Building Team and our project partners are continually looking for ways to make responsible decisions and control costs without compromising the ministry needs of the project.

Not every decision is about building something bigger or adding something new. Some of the most important decisions are about finding the right balance between cost, function and long-term value.

That is an important part of Growing in Faith. We are not simply building new spaces—we are investing in places where children will learn, families will gather, worship will take place and Bethel’s ministries will continue to grow for years to come.

Thank You

Thank you for your continued prayers, generosity and patience as this work continues. We know construction can sometimes bring inconvenience and questions, but we also know that what we are building represents an exciting opportunity for Bethel’s future.

We are Growing in Faith together—and each step brings us closer to seeing that vision become a reality.

Building Today for Generations Tomorrow

Because of your faithful prayers and generous giving, the Growing in Faith Campaign continues to make tremendous progress. Construction is underway, and together we are investing in spaces that will serve our congregation and community for generations to come.

Campaign at a Glance

• Campaign Goal: $15,000,000
• Total Pledges: $7,707,951
• Outstanding Pledges: $4,932,409
• Pledged Contributions Received: $2,775,542
• Unpledged Contributions Received: $944,973
• Total Contributions Received: $3,720,515
• Construction Costs Paid to Date: $850,983

To date, we have received 24.8% of our $15 million campaign goal, providing the resources needed to begin construction and move the project forward.

Let’s Finish Strong Together

Many members are faithfully fulfilling their Growing in Faith commitments over the three-year pledge period, and we are grateful for every gift—regardless of its timing or amount.

For those who are in a position to do so, we invite you to prayerfully consider completing all or part of your remaining pledge by December 31, 2026.

Receiving additional pledge payments before further borrowing is needed can significantly reduce future interest expenses. If $1 million in outstanding pledges is fulfilled by the end of 2026, Bethel could save approximately:

• $7,000 each month in interest costs
• More than $84,000 each year

Those savings remain available for ministry instead of interest payments, allowing more resources to support worship, discipleship, children’s ministry, youth ministry, missions, and community outreach.

How You Can Help

• Pray for our church, our leaders, and the construction team.
• Continue fulfilling your pledge according to your commitment.
• Consider completing your pledge early, if your circumstances allow, to help reduce borrowing costs and maximize ministry resources.

Thank You

Thank you for your continued faithfulness, generosity, and prayers. Every gift is making a lasting impact.

Together, we are building more than a building—we are creating a lasting legacy of faith where future generations will worship, learn, serve, and grow in Christ.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:3

Building for the Future

Exciting progress continues as we move forward with the Growing in Faith renovation project. Each week brings visible changes to our campus and moves us one step closer to creating spaces that will better serve children, youth, families, and future generations of ministry at Bethel.

Construction Progress

Several important milestones have recently been completed:

✅ Basement demolition has been completed.

✅ Existing carpet and vinyl floor tile have been removed.

🚧 Demolition of the first-floor stage is currently underway.

These efforts are preparing the building for the next phase of construction and creating the foundation for the new ministry spaces envisioned through Growing in Faith.

Looking Ahead

Over the coming weeks, our construction team will focus on:

• Framing in the lower level
• Plumbing fixture layout and coordination
• Cutting and removing sections of the existing slab for new plumbing lines
• Removal of abandoned chiller lines
• Continued framing and infrastructure work throughout the lower level

As construction advances, we will continue sharing updates and photos so that everyone can follow the transformation taking place across our campus.

Stewardship Update

Every gift and pledge payment continues to make a meaningful difference.

Faithful giving helps reduce the amount that must be borrowed and lowers future interest expenses, allowing more resources to be directed toward ministry rather than financing costs. We are grateful for the generosity and commitment of our congregation as we move through this important season together.

As construction progresses, we encourage everyone to prayerfully consider fulfilling their pledge commitment by the end of 2026 if possible. The timing of pledge payments is becoming increasingly important as the church begins utilizing construction financing.

Special Note:

If an additional $1 million in pledges were fulfilled before the end of 2026, Bethel could reduce future interest expenses by approximately $7,000 per month, allowing more resources to remain focused on ministry and mission.

Early fulfillment of pledges strengthens our financial position, reduces borrowing needs, and helps ensure that we are being faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.

Why This Matters

Growing in Faith is about more than construction. It is about creating spaces where children will learn about Jesus, youth will build lasting faith, families will gather in fellowship, and our congregation will continue serving the Lake Norman community for generations to come.

Every wall framed, every room renovated, and every dollar given is helping prepare Bethel for future ministry opportunities.

Prayer Focus

Please join us in praying for:

• The safety of all contractors, workers, and volunteers.
• Continued progress according to schedule.
• Wisdom for church leaders, staff, and project teams.
• Faithful stewardship of all resources entrusted to this project.
• The ministries and lives that will be impacted through these new and renovated spaces.

Thank you for your continued prayers, generosity, and support. Together, we are building not only for today, but for the generations who will call Bethel their church home in the years ahead.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us…” — Ephesians 3:20

The Growing in Faith campaign has received total pledges of $7,707,951. To date, congregation members have fulfilled $2,716,136 of those commitments, leaving $4,991,815 in remaining pledged contributions to be received over the coming months and years.

In addition to pledged giving, Bethel has received non-pledged contributions and interest earnings, bringing the church’s total cash receipts to $3,641,058.

Project Financial Position

As May 31st:

• Total Cash Collected (including interest): $3,641,058
• Building Costs Paid to Date: $724,027
• Unspent Cash Available: $2,917,030

The expenditures to date include architectural and engineering services, project management, permitting, planning, and other pre-construction costs necessary to move the project forward.

Looking Ahead

The strong financial position of the campaign continues to provide a solid foundation as construction progresses. Having nearly $2.9 million in available cash strengthens Bethel’s ability to fund future phases of the project while reducing the amount that may need to be financed.

As we prepare for future borrowing, every pledge payment received helps improve Bethel’s financial position. Early fulfillment of pledges can reduce borrowing costs, lower interest expenses, and allow more resources to remain focused on ministry, mission, and outreach.

We remain deeply grateful for the faithfulness and generosity of our congregation. Together, we are creating spaces that will support worship, discipleship, fellowship, and service for generations to come.

Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and commitment to the future of Bethel.

Dear Bethel Family,

Thank you for the incredible generosity, faithfulness, and commitment you have shown through our Growing in Faith campaign. Because of your prayers and support, construction is now underway! After years of prayer, planning, and discernment, it is exciting to see God bringing this vision to life.

We invite you to follow the journey through photos, videos, and updates on our Facebook page, Bethel Church LKN, and on this Growing in Faith page of our website. We look forward to celebrating each milestone with you.

As we look ahead to Phase Two, we invite everyone who has made a Growing in Faith pledge to prayerfully consider fulfilling all or a portion of that pledge earlier than originally planned, if possible. Contributions received before our construction loan begins can have a meaningful impact on the overall cost of the project.

After careful evaluation, Session approved Wesleyan Impact Partners as Bethel’s lending partner for Phase Two. One unique benefit of this partnership is that the amount of cash Bethel has on deposit when the loan closes directly impacts our interest rate. For example, a deposit of approximately $2 million could reduce our interest rate by as much as 1%, resulting in an estimated savings of $5,000–$7,000 each month in interest expenses. Those savings remain available for ministry, mission, discipleship, and outreach rather than financing costs.

Every additional pledge payment received before the loan closes strengthens Bethel’s financial position and helps reduce the overall cost of borrowing. If you are able, we invite you to consider making an early pledge payment. Gifts above pledged amounts are also always welcome and greatly appreciated. Every contribution helps maximize the impact of this investment in our church family and community.

Thank you again for your continued prayers, generosity, and faithful support. Together, we are building spaces where lives will be transformed through worship, discipleship, fellowship, and outreach for generations to come.

Grace and Peace,
The Growing in Faith Campaign Team

Exciting days are ahead at Bethel as we continue moving forward in faith together through our Growing in Faith campaign.

We are thrilled to announce that our Groundbreaking Celebration is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, June 21 immediately following the 10am Worship Service. This will be a special day in the life of our church as we celebrate God’s faithfulness and look ahead to the future ministry opportunities He is providing.

Phase 1 construction is set to begin on June 24, 2026, with completion expected by January 2027. Work is also progressing on plans for our playground improvements, with site work beginning in August and new and relocated playground equipment scheduled for September 2026.

At the same time, planning continues for Phase 2 renovations of the Sanctuary and Gathering Area, which are expected to begin in January 2027 and conclude in April 2028. Additional site planning is underway for drive lanes, dumpster relocation, signage, and final utility coordination.

The Build Team is carefully coordinating construction schedules around many important Bethel ministries and events, including Vacation Bible School, Trunk or Treat, Christmas services, Youth Chorus Camp, and homeschool activities, so ministry can continue strong throughout the process.

Thank you for your continued prayers, generosity, patience, and encouragement.

Exciting things are happening at Bethel as we continue preparing for the next phase of our Growing in Faith journey! We are grateful for your prayers, support, patience, and flexibility as we work together through these transitions. Our goal is to make this process as smooth, organized, and uplifting as possible for everyone.

Key Dates Ahead — Worship and Sunday School:

• Sunday, May 31 – Last day of Sunday School in our current classrooms.
• Sunday, June 7 – First day of Sunday School in our new classrooms.
  • Logos: Fellowship Hall
  • Mosaic: Choir room
  • Seekers: Down Under, second room on the right
• Sunday, June 21 – Sunday, July 26
• We will have one combined worship service at 10:00 AM for six weeks, with Sunday School at 9:00 AM.
• Sunday, August 2 – Sunday, August 30
  We will return to our normal 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM worship services, with both services meeting in the Sanctuary during Phase I of the building redesign work. During these five weeks, we will also enjoy combined Sunday School at 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.

This is an exciting season in the life of Bethel! Every adjustment we make today is helping prepare the way for future ministry, fellowship, and growth. Thank you for walking through this transition with such a positive spirit and servant-hearted attitude.

The Session committed to providing regular updates on the financial progress for our Growing in Faith Campaign during our congregational meeting. This is the first such report. We will continue to update you on a regular basis.

The total contributions received through March were $3,503,768. This includes both pledged and non-pledged giving. Pledge giving totaled $2,644,451 of the $7,647,951 pledged, with an additional $859,317 of non-pledged giving. Praise God for these gifts. We continue to receive new pledges ($20,000 in March). We encourage anyone who has not pledged and feels led to do so to please contact David Carson. Total building expenses through March were $659,624, which were non-direct construction expenses such as architectural, project management, campaign assistance etc. We thank you for your generous support. Please continue to pray for the build team as we near the exciting start of this important time in the life of Bethel.

After prayerful consideration and healthy debate, the Session has voted to use Wesleyan Impact Partners, a non-traditional loan partner. Wesleyan is a not-for-profit institution that lends money to churches and other non-profits as they expand their missions to serve the Lord. Any income that they receive from interest charged goes right back into providing loans for other churches. As a result of being a not-for-profit lender, they are able to offer more competitive rates and other terms that are more favorable than traditional commercial banks.

Since we have cash on hand to pay for phase one, we will not be finalizing a loan until late 2026 or early 2027 as we begin phase two. As a result, we cannot tell you exactly what the loan percentage will be, but we are confident that it will be favorable to Bethel. As part of their offer, we have to potential to pay interest only for up to six years if that is needed.

Another unique aspect of Wesleyan’s offer is that if we deposit our pledge money with them, they will reduce our interest rate commensurate with the amount we deposit at loan closing. If we are able to deposit $2 million at the time of closing, our loan interest rate would be reduced by one full percentage point. This will result in monthly interest savings between $5,000 and $7,000 per month. As of today, taking into account the estimated cost of phase one, we have roughly $1 million that would be available to deposit. So, for those who have pledged and are able to contribute towards those pledges between now and the end of this year, that will only enhance our ability to reduce our interest rate and ultimately reduce the overall cost of this important project.

Thank you again for your generous giving to date. We expect to provide financial updates every two months or so unless the situation requires more frequent updates.   

The Build Team continues to make steady progress as plans move closer to implementation, with a tentative groundbreaking date of June 21.

Phase I: Children’s Ministry Wing
Preparation for construction is underway, with demolition scheduled to begin June 8. The goal is to have this phase completed and ready for use by the December Bazaar.

Family Life Center (FLC)
The FLC will remain available for Vacation Bible School (June 15–19). Following VBS, construction of the Youth Center is set to begin June 19. The space is tentatively planned to reopen in time for the December Bazaar.

Phase II: Sanctuary Renovations
Both worship services will continue in the Sanctuary through the end of 2026, with a planned transition to the FLC in January 2027 as demolition begins. Final design selections, including colors, are ongoing, and the permitting process is currently in progress.

We are making steady, intentional progress as plans move from vision into action.

• Preschool and Gym drawings are being finalized
• Sanctuary and Gathering Area plans are in detailed review
• Office relocation is being prepared to support construction

Project Timeline
This is the best information we have to date. We may see some changes as final plans are ratified.

Preschool & Gym Phase

April 20 – May 8
→ Final pricing completed

May 11 – May 22
→ Leadership review and approval

Late May – June
→ Construction mobilization

June 2026 – January 2027
→ Construction underway

Sanctuary & Gathering Area Phase

Now – May 1
→ Final design and construction drawings

May 4 – May 29
→ Detailed pricing

Next Step
→ Leadership review and approval

Why This Matters

This project is about more than buildings, it’s about preparing Bethel for:

• Stronger ministry to children and families
• More welcoming and functional gathering spaces
• Long-term impact in our community

How You Can Be Part of It

• Pray for guidance and protection
• Stay engaged with updates
• Pledge if you’ve not already done so – work is about to start
• Give faithfully to help reduce the need for borrowing

Moving Forward Together

We are seeing real momentum. Careful planning is turning into visible progress and every step is guided by faith and purpose.

Thank you for walking this journey with us.