UGR Board Update

Important Communication: Update Regarding Ada Church

First, let us preface this communication by reiterating that the boards at Ada and Walker have decided to share services and board meetings for a period of time before a congregational vote will be taken to merge the two churches. This gives us time to get to know one another, look at financials and business and how they’re managed, and create a combined vision for the proposed new entity through the process of a mission, vision and purpose workshop (date tba). A congregational vote has not yet been scheduled to merge the two churches, as we’d like continued conversation and input from you, our congregation! We hold the vision that the highest and best good be served as we continue the discussions about bringing the two entities together.

The Ada Church had an $800,000 offer they can’t refuse on their current church, and have voted to sell their Ada location. They are scheduled to close on the sale in the next week. Thus, the Ada group continues to search for a new home. They feel they need a new space that is permanent vs. moving into a temporary space, such as UGR or a hotel, etc. As you likely know, they identified a church in Cascade that seems to be a good fit. They have an offer in on it and are scheduled to close on that property in about two weeks. However, last Friday, another church came to light, and the Ada group plus a couple people from Walker went and looked at it Sunday. It is located in Belmont and is currently ‘Tribe Church’. Tribe has merged with another church in Grand Rapids, due to low attendance. Here are some comparables on Ada’s two possible future homes:

Cascade Church – Approx 6,000 Square Feet, needs extensive renovation. The current offer is $677,000, but Cascade Township will then pay the Ada group $300,000 and split the parcels so they can put a park next door to the church. Ada’s net purchase price will be $377,000. They then plan to spend a large sum on renovations, not to exceed an overall output of $650,000, so they will have some operating funds left (exact figures not known).

Belmont Church – Approx 13,000 Square Feet, move-in ready. Because of the need to move quickly, Ada has decided to make an offer for this church of $650,000 (Tribe Church has indicated that they are looking to ask in the neighborhood of $800,000, but the property is new on the market and is not yet priced). This church is very nicely appointed, in pristine condition, modern and may come with some furniture/AV equipment/lawn care equipment.

We will keep sending updates as we have them. We plan to have our normal Town Hall on the first Sunday in October after church for more discussion. We continue sending Chuck Pearson prayers and wishes for healing and peace after the loss of his wife, Liz. We also congratulate Gina Russ on the birth of a new grandbaby, who had some health challenges at birth but is now recovering nicely. Gina is away caring for her family for another couple weeks. So in the interim, if you have questions, please reach out to Katy Chapman directly at 616-915-3289 or katych44@gmail.com.

Blessing You,
Unity of Grand Rapids
Board of Directors