Building expansion Project

Desert City Church Family,

On October 17 we had our Vision Night for the Children’s Expansion Project. I felt a deep sense of gratitude as I looked out and saw people eating together and new connections happening. I love our church. It also felt like a historic moment in the life of our church as we shared plans for our next steps. We believe God has entrusted us as stewards of these nine acres in North Phoenix, and our hope is to maximize the property for God’s kingdom. This project will create more space for our growing children’s and youth ministry, as it is bursting at the seams. A recent study revealed 64% of all Christians come to faith before their 18th birthday, and we want to continue to invest in the next generation of the church. This is not just about bricks and mortar; it's about creating a safe, vibrant, and loving environment where our children can grow in faith and discover the love of Christ.

Our hope is to put in a 5,500 sq ft building on the north side of our campus which will allow us to accommodate 250 children a Sunday. This building will include a lobby that opens to a patio and the playground. It will also free up space on campus for adult education classes, a prayer room and student ministries. 

We are estimating costs to be $1.5 million. Last year we had an anonymous gift of $300,000 come in that helped jump start this project. Would you prayerfully consider giving above and beyond your regular support to help us build for the future? This could look like a one time gift, quarterly gift, or even monthly gifts over the next two years. All we are asking for today is to fill out the commitment card below and let us know your intentions to invest in this community. Thank you again for your generosity, we look forward to the day this building is completed, filled with kids from our community making decisions to be life long followers of Jesus, and we get to say together - we were part of this. 

Ways to Give:

Would you prayerfully consider giving above and beyond your regular tithe to this expansion project? If so, there are several ways to give. You can give a one time gift or you can commit to regular monthly gifts for the next two years, just fill out a commitment card at the welcome table (on Sundays) or ask anyone on staff.

You can give online at desertcitychurch.com/give and designate the gift as “Children’s Classroom Expansion” (*The church pays a 2.3% fee + $0.30 per donation for all debit/credit card gifts while ACH is only $0.25 per bank transfer.)

You can bring a check in person or mail a check to: Desert City Church | 4242 E Greenway Rd | Phoenix, AZ 85032

IRA QCD (Qualified Charitable Deduction) - Donate a portion or all of your required minimum distribution and get the QCD. For more info about this, email Tyler Mehlhorn at tymehl35@gmail.com

We can also accept stock donations. Please email Jon Engebretson (Board Chairman) chair@desertcitychurch.com for info on giving to our Securities Account, or any other questions.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

FAQ’s
1.  What is the current problem we are needing to solve for, or is the new building preventing a space problem?
We are growing! The majority of Desert City Church congregation growth has come from younger people and young families.  In 2024, we are averaging 156 kids, nursery through 12th grade vs 107 a year ago.  Our church size is about 450 attendees.  Our Sunday School classes are overcrowded, especially during our second service. 

2.  Why are we building now?
We need to meet the need for today and plan for the future. The overall building process takes over 2 years to complete so, given our growth history over the past two years, we anticipate that by the time we have occupancy for the new building, we will already have it fully utilized.

3.  What ages of children are moving to the new building?
The building will be used primarily for elementary aged children. This will open up space in classrooms near the Worship Center for nursery and early childhood development. The design of the building will allow for multipurpose use throughout the week for mom’s groups, community groups, events etc.

4.  How will the ages of kids be combined and structured?
As the church grows, this new facility will allow us to have all elementary (Kinder - 6th grade) students together for worship and programing and then break into small groups that are age appropriate. The new facility will be used for elementary students, but it creates space in other rooms for youth and adult education classes.

5.  Is the building flexible for adults to use, or is it children only?
The building will be primarily used for elementary age ministry, but it is flexible for mom’s groups, special events, youth, community groups. It will come with a lobby for adults/parents to hang out in, and a patio for community use.

6.  Is there enough storage being built to clear out the extra items/clutter being stored in the current adult rooms?
Yes. There will be storage closets.

7.  Who is the contact person if I have questions on the project?
Jon Engebretson and Jared Doe

8.  Where on the north side of the property is the building going? 
On the Northside of the playground.