The plans for this expansion began more than 5 years ago, when St. John decided it was time to add more classroom space for their Preschool and upper grades. Classrooms space was at a premium, and many grades had to be moved to portable classrooms behind the existing school. While not an ideal scenario, it began a series of phases to complete the project. Knowing they had a strong ministry partner in Church Extension Fund, they began to lay the foundation for the expansion.

This included new heating and cooling units, parking lots, and various site plan improvements to prepare for the next phase. Then COVID came! The plans to move forward with the next phase were put on hold to see how the Pandemic would affect their congregation. As was seen at many churches across the Michigan District, St. John saw an increase not only in its congregational giving, but also in the number of students that were filling their waiting list. In 2022, the decision was made to continue the project.

In the meantime, the clock was ticking as the City of Rochester was requiring the removal of the portable classroom units by the beginning of the 2024 school year. Building plans for the new school addition came together quickly, as did the capital campaign “All 2 Jesus.” St. John also called CEF to see about the possibility of adding to their current loan to finish the project before the beginning of the school year. St. John secured the additional financing from CEF to complete the project on time, and to get the portable classrooms removed in time.

Pastor Marc Schwictenberg says “Working with CEF was such a blessing. Knowing our partners were behind us through all of our ups and downs over the last 5 years showed us how much they care about the ministry of St. John.”

St. John and its members heavily invest at CEF, and in addition to having solid financials they received an Investment Rebate of close to $30,000 in early 2024. St. John is an ideal partnership for CEF as they believe it’s important to use all of the tools CEF has to offer ministries in the Michigan District.

A dedication of the new school building took place in late October. CEF gives thanks to God for St. John's ministry!