Building Update 151
“Epilogue”
November 20, 2025
It is hard to believe that it has been over two months since the Grand Opening on September 7th! What a great day and celebration that was, and AR is just getting started!
As I reflect back on the past 6 years of being the Building Project Team Leader, I can honestly say it has been a remarkable journey. A journey that had many ups & downs but mostly ups! I think the saying that best describes the project is “where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
It took a unity of effort from all the key players to complete the project and make it a success and reality i.e. the bank providing the construction loan, general contractor, subcontractors, architects, AR leadership & staff, congregation, etc. In all my years in the business world, I have never seen such a level of cooperation, determination & commitment. When I look back, the project could have “gone south” many times but for the perseverance of all those involved which makes me think about the following Bible verse:
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we
do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
I can tell you at times the obstacles seemed insurmountable, the amount of money needing to be financed and/or raised internally for the project was too great, but we have a God that answers prayers and rewards perseverance. AR refused to give up, become weary and lose hope. Yes, it’s amazing what you can accomplish by simply refusing to give up!
As I write what may be my last Building Update, I want to thank the Building Team for hanging in there with me through thick & thin – Pastor Jenn & James Galloway, Rick White, Garrett Reuber, Troy Powell, Allen Terry & Mark Schmitt. I especially want to thank the Ashley Ridge Church congregation for all the prayers, encouragement and support the Building Team received for the project, and I received personally during the past 6 years. It was a blessing to all of us!
While the project is complete in that AR has a new building & campus, there is one remaining task where AR needs to put a check in the block. There is still approximately $284K in Remaining Project Expenses which need to be paid. While this represents just 3% of the overall project budget, it is still a significant amount which needs to be raised internally. This will be our financial goal between now and the end of the year. It would be amazing to start off 2026
without this financial liability hanging over our heads!
If you are able to help with the last remaining project expenses by making a gift, you can do so by contributing directly to the General Fund. This can be done in- person on Sunday morning or on-line via the church website:
give.ashleyridgechurch.org
Derrick Horres
AR Building Project Leader