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The "All Opinions are Welcome, but Sorry no Instigators" Board -> Rockaway Township Free Speech -> iReland - Start of permanent construction has been delayed, perhaps until 2014
Post Info TOPIC: iReland - Start of permanent construction has been delayed, perhaps until 2014
Jay R


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iReland - Start of permanent construction has been delayed, perhaps until 2014
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Sunday services set for Christ Church's temporary sanctuary


BY ROB JENNINGS
STAFF WRITER

A verse from the Gospel of Mark - "go into all the world" - is prominently displayed on two walls inside Christ Church's new worship space.

Beginning this Sunday, the evangelical Christian church, which soared to mega-church status in Montclair, will hold two Sunday services every week inside a 1,067-seat temporary sanctuary on Green Pond Road. The sanctuary was built as Christ Church awaits the final go-ahead for its full building plan.

Pastor David Ireland, who founded Christ Church in 1986 with his wife, Marlinda, will preside over the 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. services. Ireland said he will officiate at both Sunday services in Rockaway Township for at least the first month.

"I want to make sure it's going in the right direction," Ireland said Tuesday while touring 80,000 square feet of renovated space inside the former Agilent Technologies building at 140 Green Pond Road.

The 6,000-member church, which initially planned to sell its 900-seat cathedral in Montclair, decided to keep it despite gaining approval to build in Rockaway Township.

"We don't call it a move. We call it an expansion," said Ireland, who dubbed Rockaway Township the "West Campus" and Montclair the "East Campus."

Ireland said the church will continue holding one Saturday service and four Sunday services in Montclair, in addition to the two Sunday services in Rockaway Township. He added that he will be appearing "live" at four weekend services and via video at the other three.

"It's not like television. There's a whole different dynamic to it," Ireland said.

The impending start of Sunday services, albeit in a temporary sanctuary, is a major milestone for Christ Church. Its full building plan, featuring a 2,512-seat sanctuary and private K-5 school, prompted controversy when it was first unveiled in 2003. More than 1,000 people attended the first planning board public hearing.

The planning board approved the full building plan in early 2007 following more than three years of public hearings. However, Ireland said that the start of permanent construction has been delayed, perhaps until 2014, as Rockaway Township appeals the state Department of Environmental Protection's decision to exempt the project from the state Highlands law limiting development.

In the interim, the planning board granted permission for building the temporary sanctuary and other facilities, such as administrative offices, day-care rooms, a fellowship hall and bookstore.

"This was to get them off the ground and get them started," planning board chairman Morton Dicker, who presided over the Christ Church hearings, said on Tuesday.

The church, though, has had to put on hold its plans for the school and some other amenities, including outdoor recreational fields. Christ Church, as part of its agreement with Rockaway Township, will pay a town police officer for aiding with traffic flow on Sundays.

"Ultimately, there's going to be a traffic light at the main entrance," Dicker said.

Ireland, during Tuesday's tour, said he did not know how many church members live in Morris County but said a key goal will be encouraging local growth.

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rockres23yrs


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Sounds like the plan is to do the temporary sanctuary in RT in an effort to determine if there's sufficient interest and attendance to justify going for the full project. In case it looks like a loser, CC can fall back to its Montclair facility and perhaps sell the GPR site if it's not cost justifiable to keep in on a scaled down basis. I guess time will tell.

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ChuckMueller


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Did everyone else get their CC postcard in the mail today announcing Sunday's services? Personally, I think we should all make a statement by putting that card in an envelope and mailing it back to them with a comment. I plan to do so. That way we can show them first hand how much interest there is in their circus. C.

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rockres23yrs


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RE: iReland - Start of permanent construction has been delayed, perhaps until 2014
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I received my card in the mail, glanced at it and then tossed it in the garbage. I guess I didn't want to invest any time, effort or a stamp in sending it back. I'm not sure if ignoring it or sending it back makes much difference. I think the real impact will be how many of us attend and support the church. In the end I suspect that it all comes down to a financial calculation. Nothing personal, just business.

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ChuckMueller


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I understand
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I expect that many would feel the same. I often give in to my rebelious spirit and cant keep my mouth shut when something pisses me off, so I had to send it back with a nice comment.

I see that the new sign has been "unveiled" this week for the upcomming festivities. Looking fwd to seeing the parade of elephants coming up GP Rd. and watching the tents go up.

I think its interesting that CC is quoted as saying that the major construction may not happen for another 5 years. I wonder what that is based on. I cant imagine that with only a partial tax exemption (which is all that I hope they have been given so far) that it will be economically feasible to maintain that property for such a long period of time. In addition, I would like to hear more about their revised plans. If the underground parking has been scrapped, then I dont see how they can meet the impervious surface footprint requirements AND have a sufficient number of parking spaces. That was a major problem with the original plans. Hopefully there will be minimal, if any, local interest in their weekly shows and they will decide to cut their losses and move out. C.

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BR


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RE: iReland - Start of permanent construction has been delayed, perhaps until 2014
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You have to think of this as a business which it is. Their business plan for the Rockaway Campus is built on gradual growth over 1-5 years through a number of revenue channels.

First, There are 2 shows a week at 1000 seats a show. How many new members can they attract who would be willing to garnish a percentage of their income on a regular basis vs. those who would occasionally attend and pay as you go. I guarantee you that if you show up on Sunday and provide your name and phone number on the donation envelope - you will get a call from a Christ Church sales rep to keep you attending and ultimately get you to join as a full paying member.

Second, how much revenue will be made on souvenirs i.e. books and tapes.

Third, I am assuming they plan to create some kind of cable show. How much revenue from the poor gullible souls who call the 800 number for a prayer This is also a vehicle to sell more books and tapes. Not sure how well this will float as the cable stations are already flooded with these charlatans not to mention Joel Osteen and Cleflow Dollar have already captured the market. I remember when Ireland had his cable show years ago. Frankly, he is not that good. I dont see the draw.

Fourth, Special events, seminars and shows.

Did I miss anything?


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