Holy Grounds UPDATE Page - CLICK HERE!

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Dear Calvary Chapel of Wilmington...

What you are looking at is what I call a venture of faith. Almost two years ago when we started construction of our current building, I looked over at the establishment next door, and had this feeling that one day Calvary Chapel of Wilmington would inhabit that space. Sometimes you get a feeling and you wonder “Lord, is that You?” Well, I believe that in this case... it was!

Last October the owner of the “bar next door” came over and told me that he was closing the bar. I was reminded of the verse in 1 John 2 “...the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining” (1 John 2:8). I believe God has removed the darkness of this place, and the light is about to shine in!

Which bring me to the purpose of this information brochure.

We, the leadership of Calvary Chapel of Wilmington, believe that God has opened another door of opportunity for us to expand the ministry of light in our community. We believe God is leading us to expand the ministry of CCW into the space next door...formerly known as “The Bar”, in the future to be known as “Holy Grounds Coffee Shop ”!

What We Will Do with the space?

The primary use will be in-reach, in that we will use the space on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings for youth classes (Jr and Sr High students, and maybe the Tween class). This will allow the youth to expand into a space that is more accommodating for them, and also it will free up space in the main building where the children’s classrooms are becoming crowded!

The secondary use will be out-reach, in that we want to use the space as a conduit to the community! This is where the “Holy Grounds” concept comes in. This is a concept of the space being a connection point with the community around us. During the weekdays, when we are not using the space for classes, we plan to operate the space as a coffee shop, a Christian coffee shop, “Holy Grounds!”

Now, we know that there is no such thing as a “Christian coffee shop”, because the building is not Christian. But what is IN the building... that is a whole different story...

Imagine walking into Holy Grounds and there is Christian music playing in the background, and inspirational artwork on the walls. The person that you interact with behind the counter is a member of our fellowship. A smiling brother or sister in the Lord, who is happy to serve you with the joy of the Lord!

There may be a bible study going on in a side room. On weekend evenings, a local Christian artist is performing.

Basically, the space is an extension of the ministry of Calvary Chapel of Wilmington. Inhabited by people who love God and are ready to offer a word of encouragement or a prayer if needed. A place staffed by people who know the Lord and the power of His resurrection, and who know what He can do in their lives if they are open!

Here is how the space could be used...

How will we do it?

Here at Calvary Chapel of Wilmington, we believe that where the Lord guides, He provides! When God leads us into a venture of faith, He always provides the people, the financial resources, and the situations needed to bring about His plan.

Practically, I see this as a three step process...

One – We will communicate to the body and others in the fellowship of believers what God has put on our heart – the expansion of the ministry of CCW. This will be accomplished via the church, email, and you, the membership of CCW, simply sharing the message with people you know. We will encourage God’s people to give to this venture as the Lord leads.

Two – We will also invite local contractors and skilled men to volunteer their services to the renovation project.

Three – As the work is accomplished, we will begin using the space as it is completed. For example, once we finish the main renovation, we can begin using the space for youth classes before we begin operation of the coffee shop.

How can you be a part of this?

Prayer – We believe the Lord does mighty things with or without our prayers, but when we do pray, God is glorified! As we pray, God invites us to join with Him and His plans, that we might see Him work through us. We ask that you lift up this venture in your prayers on a regular basis.

Giving – As you pray, seek the Lord as for how He might work through you financially. As you know, we do not plead for money at CCW, we simply let the need be known, and we let God work through His people. What a blessing to be able to be used by God as a conduit for His work here on earth. The bible teaches us that “God loves a cheerful giver”, and that if we “give, it will be given unto you...”. You may make a donation online via PayPal by clicking here!

Volunteering– During the construction phase, there are several ways that those who are gifted in building can assist, which in turn saves us construction costs. If you are gifted and have a heart to serve in this way, please contact the church office. You can also sign up to help by clicking here!

Also, after the coffee shop is operational, we will be seeking members of our body to staff the shop. Some of the positions will be volunteer, some paid. If you have the joy of the Lord, and you love interacting with people, then consider being a part of the Holy Grounds staff!

Frequently asked questions...

When will the space be available to us?
We expect a minimum of three to four months to complete the renovation project, once started. This puts us in the late-summer / fall timeframe. If possible, we will open the space for classroom use first, with the coffee shop coming on line later. The timeline will depend on the availability of funds, and approvals from the city and county.

Will the Coffee Shop be operated as a separate business?
After consulting with several experts, we believe that the best way to operate would be under the corporate entity of the church.

Where will the profits, if any, be used?
We are not entering into this venture with profit as our objective. The purpose of the space is for classroom expansion, and outreach to the community. If we do earn a profit through the operations of the coffee shop, the profit would go into the general fund of the church for outreach purposes.

How can I give?
Simply write your check to Calvary Chapel of Wilmington, note in the memo “Holy Grounds”, and place it in the tithe boxes in the sanctuary. All funds designated as such will be kept in a separate account until needed for the renovation.

Can I donate equipment?
We will gladly accept equipment donations, however we will only be utilizing ‘commercial quality’ equipment. Personal coffee makers and espresso machines are not suited to use in a high-volume environment, and also are generally not allowed by the Health Department for use in commercial applications. Please check with the office before donating any equipment.

All donations given towards the “Holy Grounds” work will be utilized for the purpose of renovations and equipping the space for ministry purposes. Calvary Chapel of Wilmington, Inc., operates as a charitable non-profit organization, a church, in accordance with IRS guidelines section 501(c)(3). All donations made to Calvary Chapel of Wilmington are used exclusively for the purpose of organizing and operating as a religious organization.

>> For more information about the Holy Grounds venture

>> To volunteer to help in the construction

>> To make a donation online