White Mills Christian Church is raising money for a new building and, despite the pandemic, is trying to reach a goal of $400,000 by the end of 2020.
The new building will attach to the current Christian life center, located at 231 Cave Road in White Mills, and replace the current sanctuary. It will have a sanctuary, greeting area, restrooms and church offices to increase capacity from 150 to about 250.
Pastor Tim Dennis said the original sanctuary was built in 1912 and has had several additions through the years.
“Time, gravity, termites and settling has taken a toll on the old building,” he said. “We plan to include a better staging area, better lighting and be more engaging with regard to present day technology.”
Dennis said the building project is part of a long-term plan that began 20 years ago with the purchase of property, completion of a Christian life center and now a new sanctuary and office complex.
Fundraising began in June 2017. The original goal was $100,000 and increased by $100,000 each year.
“We have been blessed to reach our goal every year,” church member Laura Nall said.
Currently, the church has raised about $355,000 and have planned a few fundraisers to meet their 2020 goal.
“We have been able to maintain regular monthly donations through the pandemic, even though previous fundraisers were canceled,” Nall said. “We are modifying our annual fundraisers to maintain social distancing and follow CDC guidelines.”
Those fundraisers include a chicken dinner, concert and ladies day out. From 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 10, the church will have a drive-thru and carry out only chicken dinner, similar to what’s served on White Mills Days, at the church Christian life center, she said.
Each meal is $10 and will include half a chicken, green beans, coleslaw, bread, dessert and bottled water. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no in-house dining.
On Oct. 25, a gospel and country music concert featuring Wyatt Miller and friends will take place from 5-7 p.m. at the White Mills Christian Camp Retreat Center.
At the concert, donations will be accepted for the building and social distancing measures will be in place.
Miller, a local musician, will take the stage with Josh McMillen, Clayton Skala and Louisville artist Lana Gibbens. The performance will feature a blend of gospel favorites and early country music favorites.
The third event is a Ladies Day Out from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Garage, located at 331 E. Dixie Ave. in Elizabethtown.
Local vendors will have boutique clothing, jewelry, wreaths crafts and more. Admission is free but donations are accepted. There also will be door prizes and a silent auction.
“Previously we had charged a $5 fee and provided food, however the CDC guidelines will not allow us to serve food,” Nall said. “We are hoping to have a large turnout. This will be one of the few vendor shopping events that have taken place since local festivals were canceled due to the coronavirus.”
For information, call the church at 270-862-3999.
