Why "TerraNova?"
Canyon Hills has been in a somewhat comfortable place for a few years now. But this is not our calling. We've known that. And the directors and staff and leaders of Canyon Hills have increasingly sensed that God is calling us out of our comfort zone, calling us to the dream he gave us years ago, calling us to new land. TerraNova represents a bold step toward that dream. A step that will involve clarifying our common vision, praying like crazy, rolling up our corporate sleeves to serve where needed, and funding the mission generously.

Why A Building?
Canyon Hills Church is not a building. That's obvious! It's a community of people who are passionately committed to loving God and loving people. But, while we have always been a church that's not tied to a building, we recognize that having a "24/7" facility will allow us to accomplish much more ministry. And though Los Alisos has been good to us, over the years, we have bumped up against many limitations. A building is simply a tool. It does not change who we are. It merely changes where we meet and opens up our options to serve the people in our community and beyond more effectively.

What is our Building Plan?
We are currently actively searching for our next home. We have an offer in on one location and are looking at other locations as well. We are looking for buildings in the 13,000 sq ft range, in Mission Viejo and Lake Forest. Our search includes both lease and purchase options. And we are eagerly praying for God to guide that search. This space would allow us to (1) combine our mid-week and weekend activities under one roof; (2) tailor our spaces to facilitate our mission more effectively; (3) add new service times and unique experiences as God leads us; and (4) begin to add community center-like functions to serve the world around us.

Why an intermediate step instead of going for the community center now?
Our dream has always been to build a community center that is open to the world, 24/7. TerraNova marks our first giant leap toward that dream. A change of space, an expanded staff, a growing network of small groups, a healthier infrastructure, a greater variety of service times and experiences. During this next season, we anticipate growing into the kind of church that will then be able to fully realize this dream we've had for so many years.

How much will TerraNova cost?
Every vision, every journey, has a bottom line. A price tag. While TerraNova promises to be an exciting season of transformation and adventure and impact, it will also be a stretching season of stewardship, service, prayer, and sacrifice. Although the final numbers await our specific location, the following goal has been identified by our directors and church leaders through diligent prayer, experience, resourcefulness, and wisdom grounded in years of careful stewardship.

Intermediate Step ("TerraNova")
$300,000 Tenant improvements and equipment
$120,000 Increased overhead related to rent / mortgage
$130,000 Expanding Staff
$250,000 Future Facility Opportunities
$800,000 Total need

Notes: The staff and rent / mortgage needs represent significant additions above and beyond our normal operation budget over a 3 year period of time (on a declining scale). The future facility opportunity represents our need to come out of this season in a position to seize the next opportunity God might open up to us.

What is expected of me?
Join us on this journey! YOU are Canyon Hills Church. You have a part that only you can contribute. Make this journey a journey of prayer, a journey of connecting or re-connecting with God. Look for God to direct each step of faith you take. Imagine what might happen if every person who called Canyon Hills home took the next 5 weeks to pray, very humbly and simply, "God, what do you want to do IN me during this next season? And what do you want to do THROUGH me to fulfill your dream for our church?" And then, imagine what might happen if we all said Yes, whatever the answer?! Where would such a journey lead us? Our lives would be changed. And our impact within our community, as we seek to bring as many people with us to God as we can, would be exponentially multiplied.

What should a gift to TerraNova be?
You will not be asked to give a specific amount. But everyone who calls Canyon Hills home is being given the opportunity, even the challenge, to prayerfully consider to both give a one-time gift, and make a 3 year commitment. Your role is to ask God how he wants you to respond and then say Yes! His answer to you will be unique and personal. While we cannot all give the same amount, we can all sacrifice together. TerraNova is not about equal gifts, but equal sacrifice. As you join the journey, your participation will help bring many others into authentic community with God and each other!

Why are we making 3-year financial commitments?
First, the financial needs of TerraNova extend over a 3 year period of time. Second, making a commitment over an extended period of time allows many of us to be far more generous than we might be able if only given a one-time opportunity. Your 3 year commitment might represent a weekly or monthly gift, it might be semi-annual or annual (perhaps related tax-refunds or bonuses), or it might be given all at once at the end. These commitments will help us make certain plans regarding the future of Canyon Hills.
Should my commitment to TerraNova be in addition to my regular giving?
Yes. Your one-time gift and 3 year pledge should be in addition to your regular giving. The normal ministry budget will need to continue to be well-funded as we reach and include more people.

What if we do not raise all the money?
For now, our focus is on what God will do through us in this journey of faith. The commitments that we will all make during these next few weeks will help us determine the course for the future. Whatever amount is contributed, we will celebrate because it is sure to represent a huge sacrificial response by our church. But we are committed to venturing forward in faith as we hear God calling us.

When are we moving?
We anticipate moving within the 2005 calendar year. Our lease is up on our office space this Spring. We have no desire to lock ourselves into another long-term office lease. But in the end, that date is dependent on the space that God opens up to us as we diligently and prayerfully to our best legwork!

What happens on February 27?
February 27 is our 9th birthday at Canyon Hills … and the climax of a 5 week journey called "Road Trip." During the service on February 27, we will all have an opportunity to respond to what we believe God is calling us to do, making our commitments privately and individually. Then, after the service, we're throwing a huge Fiesta and birthday party. It's an experience you won't want to miss.

<< The Dream | TerraNova Wallpaper >>