NORMAN — For the last three years members of NorthHaven Church have had a dream. That dream has brought the congregation together to donate money and pledge to give even more. And now, as the dream unravels into a reality, members have broken ground on the next phase of the church.
Sunday, Dr. R. Mitch Randall, pastor of NorthHaven, and members of his congregation stood in an open area of the church’s property and made it official with a groundbreaking ceremony for a 17,000 square foot children’s and youth center. The addition would double the size of the church that was built five years ago.
“Our philosophy here is we build buildings with a purpose. That purpose is broader than what happens here on Sunday morning. We desperately hope that any building we construct is utilized seven days a week,” Randall said. “Our intention is that these facilities are always in use by the community. We open our doors to outside organizations to use our facility. We are hoping this new building will bring more of those opportunities to reach out to our community.”
Randall anticipates the project costing $3.25 million. Through a capital campaign, the congregation has $2.2 million in the bank and have received $3.2 million in pledges.
“It was a long process but I feel like we are in a great position to expand and we are looking forward to it,” Randall said. “We currently have children’s classes and youth classes that are almost maxed out. We have adult classes that are having to meet in the sanctuary because we are out of room. Our day school that operates during the week is at maximum capacity with a waiting list. It became pretty clear to us that we need to explore an expansion.”
The new addition will be a two floor facility. The first floor will be for preschool and children’s ministries and will feature a large room for adult discipleship classes. The entryway will feature an atrium area with a cafe. The upstairs will be able to host youth ministries and feature a stage area for concerts. And, if there’s money left over, the church hopes to open an art gallery on the second floor.
Randall said the project should take around 18 to 24 months.
“It’s very exciting to be a part of what God has been able to do in our midst. We have been extremely blessed with a wonderful congregation and members who are not only committed to the building process but to the ministry of our church and the outreach of our church. They’ve really gone above and beyond what anybody can expect. I think that is contagious. I think people will see what we are doing in the community and like what we are doing,” Randall said.
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