A. FACILITY MASTER PLAN LAYOUT

1. A New Fellowship Hall
Located by the Woodlands
2. A New Elevator
Located in our present stairwell at the Woodlands entrance.
This elevator will stop at "half-floors" to provide access to the sanctuary.
3. A New Stairwell
Located outside the present Woodlands entrance
4. A New Major Entrance
Located at Ransom Avenue, entering the present Dining Room
5. A New Office Area and Bathrooms
Located in our present Dining Room

B. FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS

1. All Floors:
Air Conditioning and related renovations
2. Second Floor:
Campbell Memorial Room, Organ, Library, Bathrooms
3. Third Floor:
Choir Room and Roof Repair

C. ESTIMATED COSTS

What Benefits Will Be Apparent
    When the Plan Is Implemented?...

• All members will be able to attend functions with ease and safety in any part of our facility, on any floor
• the need to climb hazardous stairs will be eliminated
   
• All parts of the building will be accessible during all functions
• at present, when the Dining Room is in use, access to parts of the church is blocked
   

What Has Led us to make these Proposals??? The proposals are derived from "Plan of Action 2000," which is the report of the 1998 Long Range Planning Committee.   The report itself reflected concerns of the congregation raised in a series of surveys and focus groups.   A summary of the report, A Vision for Second Presbyterian Church, was approved by the Session in November 1999.

• Appropriate welcome and conversation can be held more easily with friends and visitors
• the new major entrance will be spacious enough for people to stop and have conversation.
• new entrances to the Campbell Memorial Room area will increase it functionality
   
• All parts of our building will be accessible and functional in all seasons
• the increasing number of summer programs can continue to expand
   
• Fellowship events can be planned for attendance at twice our present capacity.
• At present, major events often happen on two successive nights to accommodate attendance

STEERING COMMITTEE

Tom Lingeman (Chair)
- Tom has served as Chairman of the Trustees and is currently on Session. He is an executive with Gray Construction.
Carl Boyer (Communications)
- Carl will become Clerk of Session in June. He recently retired from Saturn Corporation in Nashville.
Bill Heron (Capital Funds)
- Bill has served as an elder, and was a member of the recent Long Range Planning Committee. Bill has recently retired as owner and President of Duncan Machinery.
Stan Kramer (Finance)
- Stan serves on the Finance Committee. He is a financial investment consultant.
Karen Minton (Administration)
- Karen serves on the Music and Worship Committee. She is the Director of Business Affairs at the UK School of Nursing

FACILITY MASTER PLANNING COMMITTEE

Lowell Bush (Chair)
- Lowell is an elder. He served on the recent Long Range Planning Committee, and is a professor in the Department of Agriculture at UK
Glenn Brown
- Glenn has been active in the choir and in Habitat building projects. He is an engineer at Lexmark.
Jim Combs
- Jim grew up in Second Church. He is a teacher at Lafayette HS, and is one of our church historians.
Martha Deener
- Martha grew up at Second Church. She is a librarian in the Fayette County Schools, and has served most recently on the Music and Worship Committee
Bob Elliot
- Bob works for General Electric and has led our construction teams for Habitat
Ray Gillespie
- Ray is a retired information systems manager, and is presently a Trustee. Ray has overseen much of the recent renovation at Second.
Catherine Hammond
- Catherine is a retired dietitian. She is a member of the choir and has served on numerous church committees. Catherine's father was a member of Second's building committee for our present sanctuary.
Helm Roberts
- Helm is an architect and was involved in Second's building renovations in the late 1980's. Helm's design was selected for the Kentucky Vietnam War Memorial in Frankfort.
John Thorne
- John is an architect with Gray Construction. John is currently serving as a Deacon.

ARCHITECTS

Pearson-Bender Associates, 201 Kentucky Avenue
- Larry Bender, Maureen Peters.
P-B are currently working on a project for Christ the King Cathedral, and have served as architects for Walnut Hill and Danville Presbyterian Churches.

SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS:

BACKGROUND: The Christian Commission for Development (CCD) is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s mission partner organization in Honduras. CCD works in agriculture, health, education, pastoral training, small business development, and local leader development and gender issues. Tim & Gloria Wheeler are PC(USA) mission personnel working in Honduras. Since Second Presbyterian Church's mission trip to Honduras in 1998, the Mission Committee and the Session have endorsed the proposal to seek ways to continue mission involvement with the CCD.

Second Presbyterian Church is, must remain, and will continue to grow as a thriving community of believers that welcomes all people to share in its worship, study, fellowship and service.

We believe that we have been called together by Jesus Christ, and that with the help and leadership of the Holy Spirit, we can aspire to, and be enabled to love and glorify God both within and beyond the church.

Our heritage is one of strong leadership and broad participation of the whole congregation in the work of Jesus Christ. We understand our present calling is to challenge each other to realize and use our God given gifts of time, talent and treasure, and to provide programs, personnel and facilities which will be of such quality and variety that they will be inviting to those outside the church, and enable all members within the church to participate in Christ's mission.

In our WORSHIP we will continue to seek excellence in preaching and music. As a response to the variety of interests and schedules of members and visitors, we will continue to use various styles of music, and will explore possibilities for additional or alternative times for worship.

In our STUDY/EDUCATION we will continue to establish a core biblically-based program for all ages, but we will also focus on providing a broad variety of programs for people of different interests both within the church and in the community.

In our FELLOWSHIP we will expand opportunities for people across and within various age groups to meet together -- for purely social fellowship or in mission activities. We will strengthen our ability to communicate congregational events and promote fellowship opportunities to the congregation. We will establish programs that will enable members to discover their spiritual gifts and talents, and enable the congregation to use and respond to the presence of those gifts.

In our SERVICE/MISSION, we will increase our involvement in projects that can involve members in practical "hands on" service. We will seek to find such opportunities that involve a variety of skill levels, interests, and time commitments. We will seek to be involved in a variety of projects that reflect God's interest in the whole world, our nation, and our local community.

To implement this vision of sharing in Christ's ministry by all, changes in our facility need to be made.

A number of areas need to be addressed, including safety, maintenance and general appearance. However, two major issues have emerged from surveys of the congregation. These two issues drive the vision for our facility:

I.  ACCESSIBILITY
II. FELLOWSHIP SPACE

Developing a Facility Master Plan.

Clearly, it may not be possible or prudent to implement in one phase all the items relating to accessibility and fellowship space that need to be considered.

• Professional Assistance. In order to estimate costs and prepare a careful plan for implementation, we will use the assistance of an architectural firm to develop a Facility Master Plan for Second Presbyterian Church. The firm will work in conjunction with our Facility Master Planning Committee, and will use information already gathered from the congregation in our recent Long Range Plan ("Plan of Action 2000") as well as further comments and suggestions to be gathered from congregational involvement in the coming months.
   
• Impact. The Master Plan will seek to ensure the best use of our property as a whole, and will include concerns relating not only to new proposals, but also to the impact of new proposals on present facilities and programs (such as the kitchen, Meals on Wheels, parking, entrances, green space, and playground).
   
• Congregational involvement. As the Master Plan is developed, it will be shared with the congregation for comment and suggestions in the early months of 2000, before a specific plan with estimates and proposals for prioritization and implementation is presented to the congregation for action in the Spring of 2000.
   
  

This VISION for Second Presbyterian is a culmination of several years and many hours of investigation and study by many of our members. It is also, we believe, the work of the Holy Spirit among us.

The Long Range Planning Committee whose membership included Linda Gorton, Chair, Charles Baesler, Lowell Bush, Venita Curry, Amy Henderson, Bill Heron, Gail Hoyt, Phil Maxson, Paula Pope and Jim Potts worked throughout 1998 gathering input from the congregation. Their approach was to gather as much information as possible to ensure that the plan was a true reflection of the hopes, needs and concerns of our members and staff. In February 1999 the Session adopted the Vision and Focus Statements presented by the Committee, and approved the Plan of Action 2000 in principle. They also appointed two new committees to pursue implementation of the plan and to develop proposals for those aspects dealing with facilities.

What's been going on recently

The Steering Committee, whose function is to provide oversight to the planning and implementation of the Vision, currently has these members: Tom Lingeman, Chair, Carl Boyer, Lowell Bush, Bill Heron, Stan Kramer, Karen Minion, and David Renwick, ex-officio. David L. McDonald, a consultant with the Advent Group, is assisting in this planning.

The Facilities Planning Committee's membership is: Lowell Bush, Chair, Glenn Brown, Jim Combs, Martha Deener, Bob Elliott, Ray Gillespie, Catherine Hammond, Helm Roberts, and John Thorne. This committee has worked diligently to identify and quantify how our facility space is currently being used. They also recommended that the Session engage Pearson/Bender Associates of Lexington as the architects to develop the Facility Master Plan for our church. Pearson/Bender has begun its work and Larry Bender and Maureen Peters have already visited us during several church functions to begin to see how we utilize our building. Feel free to welcome them and provide your opinion on how we can realize our Vision.

What to expect next

Pearson/Bender Associates will be working during the winter months providing alternatives to us for reaching our Vision. The recommendations will be shared with the congregation seeking comments, suggestions, and guidance. Then, we hope to have a specific plan, with cost estimates, to present to the congregation in the Spring.

What can I do now?

• Take another look at the Plan 2000 and express your views of the Vision to any of the members of the working committees or the architects.
• Volunteer to help and support in the fulfillment of this Vision.
• Pray for understanding and wisdom for our leaders.

Carl Boyer
Plan of Action 2000 Steering Committee

I. Introduction

The 1998 Long-Range Planning Committee consisted of the following members (elected by the congregation or appointed by the session):

Charles Baesler, Lowell Bush (Session), Venita Curry, Linda Gorton (Chair), Amy Henderson (Youth), Bill Heron, Gail Hoyt, Phil Maxson, Paula Pope, Jim Potts, and David Renwick (ex officio).

The committee held its first meeting on November 16, 1997. It first developed vision and focus statements that were reviewed by the church officers. Early in the process, the members decided to elicit as much information from the congregation as possible to ensure that the plan was a true reflection of the hopes, needs and concerns of the congregation. Methods of gathering information included the following:

Congregational Survey March 1998
Forum Program/Questions April 1998
Officers' Retreat Program April 1998
Congregational Focus Groups May 1998
Congregational Facility Survey August 1998

The following recommendations and plan of action are based upon insights gained from this extensive information gathering process.

 
II. Recommended Procedures for Implementation

 
III. Executive Summary

Generally speaking, Second Presbyterian Church is a thriving congregation. Through the various surveys, presentations, and focus groups, several hundred members chose to express their opinions and participate in the planning process.

This report includes recommendations in the areas of Worship, Study/Christian Education, Fellowship, and Service/Mission. In each of these areas, the report discusses our present situation and our perceived needs relative to program, personnel, and facility. All information in the report is based directly on congregational input.

Although the congregation raised many important issues, two specific concerns were mentioned consistently, and should be highlighted. The first is to make the entire church facility as accessible and hazard-free as possible for all ages. Specifically, there is a need to add ramps, railings, and renovated restrooms, as well as updated wiring and an updated, user-friendly elevator. The second is to increase the number and diversity of fellowship opportunities for all ages.

 
IV. Vision Statement and Focus

Vision Statement of Second Presbyterian Church

Focus of Second Presbyterian Church

 
V. Analytical Background

A. Worship

The congregation is reasonably pleased with the current format of the two Sunday morning worship services. When asked about preferred worship style, forty-one percent of the congregation indicated that they preferred a traditional/formal worship style, eighteen percent indicated a preference for a contemporary/informal format, and thirty-six percent indicated a preference for a mix of formal and informal.

Approximately 100 of the 350 members who completed the survey expressed interest in an undefined alternative worship service. This could mean one of three things: the desire for an additional service (time slot); the desire for an alternative service (format); or a combination of the two. This desire was also expressed in focus groups.

The committee did not attempt to assess the quality of sermons. The congregation is currently pleased with special music programs during the worship service as well as music programs at other times. Overall, seventy-five percent of the congregation is satisfied with the current array of hymn selections.

Ninety-four percent of the congregation has a positive sentiment toward the current sanctuary, perhaps reflecting our widespread leaning toward traditional architecture. The congregation has a strong preference for maintaining the architectural integrity and design of the current structure. Over sixty percent of the congregation expressed a desire to increase the choir loft space, and fifty-five percent expressed a need to improve and increase the overall sanctuary lighting. Fifty-four percent of survey respondents thought it a good idea to renovate the third floor chapel, assuming accessibility is also improved.

B. Study/Christian Education

Members expressed satisfaction with current scripture-based Christian Education programs. Considerable interest was also shown in programs on contemporary issues and contemporary thought/theology. The somewhat lower rating of education programs for children and youth should improve with a now complete full-time staff for these areas.

The Percept Survey organization analyzed the survey data from our congregation and compared our congregation to our surrounding community. Relative to the surrounding community, the average education and income levels of our congregation are quite high. Given this background, it is not surprising that few members expressed concerns about the basic necessities of life. Members were more likely to be concerned about coping with stress and with their spiritual and personal growth. The concerns of our congregation regarding the welfare of the community as a whole and personal, family-related problems were very similar to those of the entire surrounding community.

In addition to current programs, considerable interest was shown for more Bible Study/Discussion and Prayer Groups and for Adult Theological Discussion Groups. The 1998 Pace-Warren Lecture stimulated interest in study of the new catechism for both interested adults and youth.

C. Fellowship

The members of Second Presbyterian Church are active in several fellowship opportunities that are available through existing programs at the Church. Dinner programs on Wednesday evenings, along with First Sunday lunches, provide a regular gathering opportunity for the general congregation. Unfortunately, space limitations stifle our ability to engage in full, congregation-wide fellowship. Also, several small groups meet on a regular basis throughout the church. Such activities include, but are in no way limited to, the following: small study groups, women's groups, men's weekly breakfast, weekly youth group meetings and dinners, readers' theatre, and special music offerings. Other large-scale activities include various retreats, annual mission trips and denominational conferences.

One means of promoting fellowship, which is taking shape at present, is the purchase of a church van. The availability of regular transportation for a wide variety of groups would seem to indicate an opportunity for broader participation in the Church's fellowship activities.

Notwithstanding the numerous fellowship opportunities which presently exist, the long range planning surveys which have been conducted over the past year reveal that there is a strong desire throughout the church for more recreational opportunities, cultural study activities, family fellowship and other programs. Several members expressed an interest in more inter-denominational activities. These joint functions may include cultural events (e.g. bus trips to cities in the region for theater), programs for youth, singles, families, and senior citizens.

D. Service/Mission

Members of Second Presbyterian Church are active in local, national and international service activities. Over 75% of the members of Second belong to community organizations. As a group, members of the congregation give 1132 hours (equivalent to over 28 full time positions) each week to volunteer programs, much of this time to Church activities As a congregation, through our Mission Committee budget, we support over 30 local and 12 national and international mission and service activities. These efforts are supported financially by our congregation. In addition, our denominational giving supports many more programs administered by the Presbyterian Church USA. The list is obviously lengthy and no endeavor will be made to mention all the programs, but a few examples will illustrate some of the activities. Locally, but outside our church facility, efforts at Westminster Village, the Hope Center and Habitat for Humanity receive much attention. Local mission and service efforts that require significant use of our church facility are Ecumenical Pre-School, Helping Hands and Meals on Wheels. Organized regional and national activities include support of Pikeville College and mission trips (Arizona and Honduras) with continued follow up support. Our international efforts emphasize our commitment to medical and gospel missionaries in the field, our church organized mission trips and refugee resettlement. The aforementioned activities are just a few of the ongoing efforts at Second Presbyterian Church. A large segment of our congregation, approximately 40 percent, has indicated a primary interest in mission within our community and a significant additional group has an interest in local and national mission.

The congregation indicated a very strong desire for more retiree activities and cultural programs plus greater recreational and fellowship opportunities within the church. Members also expressed an interest in expanding and adding to our current service activities. For instance, an evident desire exists within the congregation to expand the amount of food and clothing resources that we make available for those in need. Additional youth social programs are also a means by which we might better meet the mission and service values of the members of Second Presbyterian Church. Where appropriate, we should offer more inter-church programs to serve our community. Quality programs to meet these goals will require yearlong efforts by our members working within and outside our facilities. This will require facilities better suited to these programs as well as financial support.

 
VI. Recommendations

PREFACE

The Long-Range Planning Committee has received considerable input from the congregation and staff of Second Presbyterian Church. Many specific programs and items for action were brought to our attention. It was not our charge to micro-manage the church, but to provide broad recommendations, with some possible specific actions. Many recommendations will require additional evaluation before being implemented.

A. WORSHIP

Program

• Times: To accommodate the diverse schedules and commitments of our congregation, the committee recommends an additional worship service at a time other than our current two services. Possible times for this service would be: Saturday evenings, 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, or Wednesday evenings.

• Style: To accommodate the diverse musical interests and preferences for degree of formality, the committee recommends an alternative worship service with a format that differs from the current format of our two current services. Possibilities for this service include: different dress code; more contemporary music and wider variety of instrumentation; adding a diverse array of message delivery (such as skits and outside guests) in addition to traditional sermons.

Personnel

The committee recommends the retention and support of our current ministerial staff and musical staff at or near existing levels; however, further staffing may be needed to support additional programs.

Facility

• Sanctuary Balcony: The committee recommends attending to physical deficiencies in the balcony, such as loose pews and floor covering.

• Organ Maintenance and Choir Space: The committee recommends expanding current organ maintenance to keep the organ in excellent condition. The committee also recommends the initiation of a feasibility study for the expansion of the existing choir space.

• Lighting and Sound System: The committee recommends enhancing the current lighting and sound system in the sanctuary.

• Third Floor Chapel: The committee recommends examining the possibilities for a major renovation of the third floor chapel for multi-purpose use.

B. STUDY/CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Program

• Variety of Subjects: The committee recommends pursuing excellence in study and spiritual development by offering programs that cover a variety of subjects. Possibilities include basic Bible study, contemporary issues/theology, and understanding relationships (home, school, marriage, conflict, child rearing, youth issues, etc.)

• Variety of Audiences: The committee recommends that attention be paid to programs that reflect the interests both of members of Second Presbyterian and of those in our community. (Such programs would include those geared toward all ages and circumstances: children, youth, college students, singles, single parents, homemakers, retirees, individuals coping with crisis, etc.)

• Variety of Times: The committee encourages the development of new classes to be offered on Sundays but also at other times.

Personnel

The committee recommends maintaining full-time staff for Christian education and youth programs.

Facility

• Sufficient Class Space: The committee recommends ensuring that classes for all ages have sufficient physical space.

• Atmosphere: The committee recommends providing a bright and airy atmosphere that is welcoming to young people by updating appearance and equipment throughout the Christian Education wing.

• Comfort: The committee recommends making the Christian Education wing comfortable and useable in all seasons by installing central air conditioning.

C. FELLOWSHIP

Program

• Communication: The committee recommends that methods of promoting and communicating all church activities need serious review. Attention should be paid both to existing programs and to new ones that may be developed in the future Possibilities include use of information kiosks at entrances, use of electronic communication, review of the goals and effectiveness of Second Sharing, and use of well attended fellowship functions, such as First Sunday lunch, to include regular brief promotions of other fellowship activities.

• Fellowship with Other Churches: The committee recommends that more joint programs, meetings and dinners with other Presbyterian congregations be developed.

• Variety of Fellowship Events: The committee recommends that more fellowship opportunities be developed. Possibilities include cultural events, as well as programs for various age groups, reflecting the demographics within the church and the community.

Personnel

• Fellowship Committee: The committee recommends expanding the Fellowship Committee to continually ensure the representation of various ages and interests in the membership, and to assume significant responsibility for promoting and implementing fellowship activities.

Facility

• Large Fellowship Space: Limited space in the church is a major roadblock for fellowship activities; therefore, the committee recommends that the church leadership study the feasibility of adding a large multipurpose room to the church facility.

• Efficient Office Space: The committee recommends the creation of additional office space and storage space. The current configuration of support staff office space is not conducive to efficient administration of church business activity. A larger, more effectively designed workspace will facilitate efficient administration and productive interaction between the staff and the congregation.

D. SERVICE/MISSION

Program

• Expanding Member Involvement: The committee recommends that the church develop programs and training that will enable all who wish to serve the opportunity to participate. Possibilities include areas dealing with education, tutoring, mentoring and caring for the hungry and homeless.

• Expanding Horizons: The committee recommends the church provide opportunities for work camps and mission activities to various parts of our region, country and the world.

Personnel

The committee believes that current professional and administrative staff along with volunteers should be sufficient at present.

E. GENERAL

Facility

• Outside Appearance: The committee recommends constant maintenance and enhancement of the exterior of our building. Possibilities include replacing the Plexiglas covering on the stained glass windows, enhancement of landscaping, improved external signage, tuck pointing, and a straightened chanticleer.

• Wiring: The committee recommends that electrical wiring in the facility be updated for increased safety and to accommodate growth of electrical use resulting from additional activities that may be developed over time.

• Accessibility: In order to have all members of the church active in mission/service/fellowship and worship programs, better access to all parts of the church is needed. The committee recommends modifying appropriate ramps, railings on stairs, restrooms and elevator access.

• Passenger Drop Off Area: The committee recommends improving the passenger drop off area by the Woodlands.

 
VII. Appendices

A. Percept Survey

i. Instrument

A Congregational Survey form supplied by Percept Group, Inc. was used to gather information.

ii. Analysis

B. Facility Survey

(Survey available from the Church Office)

C. Focus Group Summary

(Summary available from the Church Office)