Moses Lake Alliance Chruch plans on expansion

Church acquires 14 acres

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Alliance Church is starting plans to expand over 14 newly acquired acres.

"We have been here on North Grape Drive for around 25 years on five acres and have for years been looking at the land directly to our north as well as our west as possible acquisitions for future growth," said senior Pastor Jody Bowser.

He said the church members realized if they didn't get the land now, somebody else would since Moses Lake is growing so much.

"Our board decided that this was probably our last best opportunity and so the board decided to put it before the congregation for a vote," said Bowser.

The congregation voted 72 percent in favor.

The church previously bought two acres to its west. Last year they bought two more acres on the same side and almost 10 more acres to the north for about $780,000.

The down payment is around $100,000 and more was raised over 10 weeks last summer.

"We raised about $125,000 over the summer and that was over and above our regular giving so that represented some real sacrifice on the part of our people."

The remaining cost is being financed through a development fund within the Christian Missionary Alliance. The loan payment is now worked into the church's annual budget.

The church now owns approximately 20 acres but does not have any set plans for construction. The church is about to enter a six to eight month phase of planning.

Assistant Pastor Kent Copley, who has a background in architecture, heads the committee on design planning. The committee plans on making building recommendations by summer 2007 and crafting a drawing based on their expansion needs.

Until plans are completed, the church does not have a cost estimate for construction.

"We definitely see our immediate expansion needs to involve children's classroom space. We are absolutely maximizing our current facilities in terms of children's programming."

These programs include Sunday school and a pre-school of about 40 students.

"We are seeing many young families coming to our church and they expect high quality, excellent space for their children," Bowser said.

Bowser is not sure of the construction start date, but hopes to be breaking ground within the next 12-18 months.

"Our first move was to secure the property so that we would then have the opportunity to expand," Bowser said.

"By securing these properties, we are saying this is where we want to be for the long haul."