Sunrise Building Committee Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the current status of the new church project?
Answer: The building committee has begun to receive the input of the congregation and the staff concerning the ministries desired at the new site. Different methods of financing are being evaluated. The committee is also considering the way to involve architects and contractors in the construction process.
What are the new building priorities?
Answer: Support, create, and grow the current and new Sunrise ministries.
We will have other organizations in our new facility as we do now?
Answer: A part of the vision has always been to integrate the performing arts into the use of the new facility. They serve as a “bridge” to the community. We currently provide space for The Ballet Society, The Children’s Theater and have been in conversation with the Youth Symphony. So there is a high likelihood that we will.
Do we know the approximate size?
Answer: Currently, the Building Committee anticipates the new facility to be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000 sq. ft. However, it is far too early to be definitive, and this range could change as the assessment process moves forward.
How many will the new Sanctuary seat?
Answer: Much like the response concerning building size, the Building Committee currently expects the seating capacity to be within the 1000 to 1500 seat range. But, again this number is subject to change as the assessment process proceeds.
How much debt will the church have to carry for the new facility, and when do you anticipate starting construction?
Answer: Currently, the finance team of the Building Committee is talking to a number of financial institutions and considering different forms of financing. We will be releasing a report on this effort in the near future.
The timeline will be determined once a number of factors are finalized. As mentioned in an answer to a previous question, currently we are assessing the different ministry needs, as well as considering potential future ministries and the probable needs. Once this is complete, the data will be used to assess the different building methods and architects. After selection of the building methodology and architect, the cost and timeline will be determined. The effort will be an iterative process.
Will the new church be energy efficient?
Answer: All efforts will be made to make the new building energy efficient.
How will the new sanctuary be configured:
Answer: Once the ministry, finance, building methodology, and architect assessment have been finalized, we will begin to configure the sanctuary.
Will the day care center be moved when the church moves?
Answer: We do not currently provide day care, but we do have a pre-school and an MMO. It is our intention to move these to the new facility when the church moves. We are also keeping open the possibility of adding a day care center. Yes
Will we have to move before the completion of the new facility?
Answer: All efforts will be made to complete the new building before we move.
Where can we find more information?
Answer: There are 8 methods and areas where you can find more information. They are as follows:
  • Sunrise website, www.sunriseumc.com, building committee page
  • A forum/blog on the website to interact with the committee
  • A direct email link on the website to ask questions and make comments
  • A telephone number to talk directly with a building committee member
  • Periodic inserts in the weekly bulletin
  • Each committee member will be wearing a red “Ask Me” button during service
  • Presentation will be made to each small group if requested by the group
  • The Communicator will update you on the progress

    • Missions