With the onset of the HUG Campaign the Youth House across the street will be demolished in 2008. With this decision came many questions from youth and their parents: “Why are they tearing this down? Are there any plans to rebuild?” Well the answer is: “Yes.”

The last couple of months I have been working hard with the Building Committee and with other key leaders to determine the needs of Trinity’s youth, as well as the needs of the youth within our community. On December 7, 2007 the Building Committee approved $60,000 from the HUG Campaign to be spent to make this a reality. The monies will cover the costs of demolition, reconstruction, furnishings, and relocation of music and storage facilities. What we came up with is an extraordinary plan that we believe will provide an exceptional facility for the spiritual formation of our youth.

After careful examination of our current facilities, we found that making the Music Room and the Storage Room (on the basement level) into one room provides an ideal location for this youth center. Here are several reasons why:

1. The size of the combined rooms is nearly 1,300 square feet.
2. By remodeling our current facilities, we save approx. $120,000 (If we were to build this same facility across the street, it would be a $180,000 project).
3. This location allows the youth ministry to also utilize the Mary/Martha Hall for larger scale outreach and discipleship events.
4. It allows for the look and feel we desire.
5. By having the youth center within our existing facilities, youth are safer than if they were across the street.

What to expect?

Expect a modernized facility that reflects the quality of ministry we deliver here at Trinity. You won’t see torn couches, a food stained carpet, and a moldy refrigerator. Instead, you will see a place where students want to come, a place where students can meet Jesus, a place with new furnishings that show the youth they are an integral part of the Church and Christ’s Mission. You will see new couches, TVs, computers, bistro-style tables and chairs, art, recreational games, a welcome/resource center, eclectic lighting, murals, and more!

Who’s designing this facility?

Vicki Harkrider has undertaken the job of Interior Decorator and Shawn Boatman is serving as our contractor for the demolition and reconstruction. We believe that with
Vicki and Shawn on board and in conjunction with our youth and youth ministry staff, this student center will be one of the fi nest in Houston.

But what about…?

So you’re also asking, “What’s happening to the school band, the handbells, the Women’s Groups, and other choirs?” Well, it’s a great question. Here is what the Building
Committee has come up with: (1) the handbell choir and other choirs will begin practicing in the St. Peter Chapel on the second fl oor. No, we are not getting rid of the chapel. The chapel’s main purpose will still be an area for worship opportunities in an intimate setting. (2) The school band will be moved to the current weight room, which is currently only utilized by a couple individuals. The weights will be sold and/or donated and (3) the basement storage room will move into the current handbell room.  Trinity is also making sure that the Women’s Groups are accommodated with this change regarding storage for the Annual Turkey Supper.

Thank you to all of you who have so graciously caught the vision of Trinity, Downtown! Your HUG contributions are hard at work and will without a doubt be a blessing to
Trinity’s ministry and to the youth community of Houston!

Clinging on to the promises of God,

Jason Phelps, DCE
Director of Youth Ministries