Sunday, May 31, 2026

Special Member Meeting Info

Purpose of the meeting

Following the recommendation of the Bequest Discernment Committee, the elders have voted collectively to recommend the following disbursement of funds, all aligned under the theme/idea of Building Forward:
  • $200,000 in seed money to start formal planning for building out the unfinished space in our lower level (total need is estimated at over $600K). Note: We could stretch this seed money even further if we choose to cut out some labor costs using our own volunteers where possible.
  • $50,000 to ICCF to sponsor a home (with the intent for Thornapple’s people to actively participate in the labor) 
  • $7,000 for spiritual formation scholarships for spiritual direction 
  • $7,000 for camps/trips scholarships 
  • $20,000 to the Great Lakes Conference for church planting
  • $10,000 to Portage Lake Bible Camp for the dining hall 

The elders are also seeking permission to get started on a larger project to finish the space beneath the Community Center for use by NextGen Ministries. This project will require a team/committee to design, budget and plan fundraising, etc.

A special congregational meeting will be held on May 31 to have the congregation vote on the recommended disbursement of the $294,000 bequest Thornapple received. 

Have questions? 
Email the Elders


Join Us for a
Special Member Meeting
Sunday, May 31 following worship
to vote on this proposal

Please plan to attend the Special Member Meeting on Sunday, May 31 following worship. The meeting will be in person and votes can be cast in person and via absentee or proxy (preferred for quorum).

Download an absentee ballot
Download a Proxy Form

FAQs

Why don't we just give all the money away?

The gift was designated to Thornapple and we believe that the donor’s intent was to advance the mission and ministry of Thornapple. This donor may have given substantially to other causes/organizations as well, we don’t know that so we are tasked with stewarding what we were given, for our mission and ministry.

what do you mean by "seed money"?

In order to develop an overall project plan and scope, there will be some initial outlay of costs for architectural drawings and consultation in order to determine costs.

Do we have a final cost for the
build-out of the unfinished space? 

No. We have a rough estimate from January 2026 from our original architect and general contractor based on the previous plans and some slight adjustments to how we actually envision using the space. 

Who will be on the building committee?

The building committee has not yet been set but will be determined and approved by the elders following the passing of this proposal.
The committee will work to determine the full scope of the plan. 

what about the interest in
giving to international missions?

We appreciate the desire to give more to our mission partners but our discernment process led us to focusing on directly building up our people to go out into the world at large to serve and grow in their discipleship. 

How do we intend to fund the building project?

That is still to be determined based on many factors. Options could include financing (mortgage), fundraising/donations and volunteer labor to offset costs. The elders intend to bring a final plan before the congregation for approval before moving forward.  

Why are we giving money to the Great Lakes Conference and Portage Lake Bible Camp?

These organizations are closely tied to the spiritual growth and formation of the people in our congregation. We are specifically designating these funds for “building forward” projects rather than as general gifts to these ministries (which we include in our budget each year). 

Why are we giving so much to ICCF?

Our hope is to encourage all generations of Thornapple to work together and $50,000 is the average cost for ICCF to purchase a house to be finished for someone to move into.