Instead of putting Christ Concord on the market through a broker, the Council decided instead to seek out specific organizations like Habitat for Humanity as a partner for affordable housing. We kept this sale confidential because we wanted this sacred land to continue to serve people in need instead of risking a sale to a commercial, for-profit entity. Plus, we wanted to save the 6% commission rate.

For a variety of reasons, Habitat did not have the bandwidth to take on this project.  Instead, they connected us to We Build, a much larger, non-profit organization in Concord that has done extensive work with affordable housing.

After a couple of weeks of negotiations, we have agreed to a price of one million dollars, slightly higher than the evaluated amount on the land and building. Council is in the process of having the legal contract drawn up for this sale; however, as per the constitution, only the congregation can buy or sell property through a collective vote.

That congregational meeting to decide this sale will be held after late worship on August 4 in the Sanctuary. At that time, we will review the details of the contract and the period of due diligence on the part of We Build, and we will begin the conversation as to how to repurpose those monies. At the top of that reallocation is a payment of $50,000 back to the Synod for their generous donation to help launch Christ Concord. All of this is pending congregational approval.

This sale comes to me as bittersweet. As the one who cast the vision for Christ Concord, it saddens me to see this not turn out as I had hoped. A lot of factors went into that decision to close Christ Concord, but one was not lack of trying. I rest well knowing that we worked hard, regardless of the outcome, to launch a new vision. And I give thanks to Christ Lutheran for having the faith and trust to try something new.

However, our great God has a way of turning apparent failures into his victories. The people of Concord have found new church homes, and we can turn these four acres into a neighborhood of 50 affordable units for people in need. That is a huge win, for which I am extremely grateful.

So, join us on August 4 to go through the details of the sale. But more importantly, join us as we continue to dream big the vision that God has set before us. And let us pray for boldness of faith!

Peace,

Pastor Scott