The Gathering Place

A task force has been formed by Session to study the feasibility of using the Social Hall to create a 'Gathering Place at Hanover' to provide services to the community around Hanover. The Gathering Place would house Hanover's existing Food Pantry and the Clothing Closet, and provide space for new services still to be determined.

The Session, at its October meeting, approved the proposal in principal, and directed Rev Undercuffler to appoint a task force to study the idea and discuss it with the congregation. Serving on the feasibility committee are Cherise Alexander, Becky Arnold, Mariko Danzy, Alice Davis, Marion Hinson, Fern Carr, Karen Barkes, Ralph Fortney, and Jean Gross.

The concept for the Gathering Place grew from the realization that the Social Hall -- the large room below the sanctuary -- is rarely used by the Hanover congregation, and that the current location for the Food Pantry and Clothing Closet in the Church School Hall is not especially convenient and not handicapped accesible.

The Session asked the task force to study, among other things:

Compatibility of the Social Hall for this use.
Current uses that would have to be relocated and the effects (positive and negative) of relocation.
Improvements that might be made to the Social Hall -- ceiling, floor, stage area, heating, cooling.
Related physical changes, such as renovation or relocation of the restrooms.
Possible costs of renovation and of operation.
Sources of financing for capital expenses and for providing operating funds.
Fundraising plan with suggested program.
Other "ministries" or mission groups that may desire to operate in the Gathering Place.
Impact on the life and future of Hanover Presbyterian Church.
The feasibility study group is also to provide opportunity for conversations with members and groups within the congregation.

The first formal discussion was held on Sunday, Nov. 11, after the morning worship service. Since then much progress has been made. Please click on the above links for more information. The first link is an architect's rendering of how the space could be organized and the Pastor's thoughts on the Gathering Place provides more current information on where we are in this process.