Building Committee

(from May 2000 Tidings)

Terry Bradshaw Kicks Off Our Event!
(See Architect Victor Latavish's Nativity page for information about the building plans.)

Eating a free meal at the Main Event might have been an incentive — hearing Terry Bradshaw, a member of Pro Football's Hall of Fame, was a definite attraction — but drawing a standing ovation was Millie Bennett when she announced where Nativity stands in its new Building Fund drive. Millie emphasized there had been many prayers since the Hope and a Future campaign started and that the number of prayer warriors had been growing steadily.

"And God answers prayer," she said, "It is my joy and surprise to announce that the pledges and commitments so far total $864,700." Many people were surprised because the company that conducted a feasibility study predicted we could raise only $750,000 out of the $1.2 million needed for the new sanctuary. The company's representative admitted that was a conservative estimate and nearly everyone realizes that promises and money-in-the-bank are two different things. Still, it is a tremendous start and those attending the brunch at Renee’s Place in the Sarasota Outlet Mall on April 16 were given pledge cards so that those who had not made commitments could add to the bountiful figure. Celebration Sunday, when a final total will be announced, is scheduled for May 7. "And friends, we are going to build a church," Millie concluded.

After co-chairpersons Irene Wernick and Nicki Coffaro led off the post-meal festivities by announcing the door prizes, the Simington family gave testimonies about what Nativity has meant to them. "A new building will allow more people to join our worship," Evan, who doubled as a server, said. "This new church is definitely what we need for God and the community," Sharon added. Marcia said it's time to go forward and that there's no doubt of the success of the campaign. Bruce, who is Building Committee Chairman, told how he had grown from being a ''contented Christian.'' He said that Nativity has ''a genuine commitment to serving its parishioners and the Lord." "Do we need a new church?" Bruce asked, "We are outgrowing our present building and more people are coming to our community." The former Junior Warden a1so asserted that the church had a responsibility to the youngsters in the church and called them the future of our congregation. "We a1so want to build a new church for the people outside of our doors,'' he added.

Liz Stoner, who has been a Nativity member since the doors opened in 1985, recalled how early plans called for a church to be built south of the current structure. "Now we are looking for an edifice that we only dreamed about," she said.

Terry Bradshaw, a member of the pro football Hall of Fame, was Guest Speaker at the Main Event meal for the Building Fund drive, and he hit his key points with the delivery and accuracy that he used to hit his receivers with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He entertained — he read scripture — he waved his arms like he does when he is commenting on a sports show or doing a commercial — he joked with his brother, Gary, about his invitation to speak — he joshed with Father Jim about being from Cleveland.

"Everyone is from Cleveland," Terry said. "Have you ever noticed that? You've got to pray before you even go in the city limits. They must drink that water from Lake Erie."

Terry opened by saying that he purposely stayed away from talking at Christian Crusades although he got saved almost two years ago and had received many invitations. He recognized that he wasn't ready and that he needed to study the Word.

Then, he got this call from Gary. "After we had gone way past the usual chit-chat, like how’s the family, Gary asked me if I wouldn’t like to come and speak here," Terry recalled. "Then, he added little things like ‘I don’t ask much of you’ and 'it sure would help me in the community'. So if this doesn't work out, blame Gary."

Terry told about a talk he did in Hawaii, where he decided to open the talk to questions and answers because people believe it is more personal and that they are going one on one with the Speaker. Well, one person said that he had heard that Terry had become a Christian and wanted to know when it happened and how it came about.

"I told him it happened on Father's Day and that it happened because I had lost my family," Terry recalled. "At that point I just burst into tears and had to turn away." He walked off to a standing ovation. His other brother, who went to Hawaii with him, was so awed that he suggested that Terry do a question and answer session every time.