- Is The CONNECTION available only to members of Morning Star Church?
- How large is the facility?
- Are there regular 'open' hours?
- What sets The CONNECTION apart from other churches' family life centers?
- How is The CONNECTION staffed?
- Who makes decisions regarding facility use, spending, etc?
- How can I help at The CONNECTION?
- Is the facility paid for?
- What needs remain?
*If your question has not been addressed here, please contact us!
No. The CONNECTION is available for community use. In fact, it was named The CONNECTION because of the vision of connecting with the community of Kokomo.
The entire building is over 13,000 square feet. The gymnasium seats approximately 450 people at tables and nearly 700 when chairs are arranged in rows. The cafe will seat approximately 200 at tables.
Yes, The Connection is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and
Tuesday/Thursday noon-4 p.m. Guests can use the gym's walking track, play
pool or ping pong, and enjoy the Connection Cafe. Many guests bring lunch
and stop in to use the wireless internet. Office staff will be glad to
offer visitors a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, a cappuccino or a drink from the
soda fountain.
The CONNECTION is extremely versatile, with the ability to host 2 events at one time with neither party encroaching on the other. We offer wireless internet access throughout the facility, a variety of games (pool, ping pong, foosball, and video games) as well as a soda fountain and capuccino bar. The kitchen is equipped with commercial appliances, including a 10 burner gas range with double conventional ovens, a freestanding convection oven, steel work tables, ice maker, and more. The gym is also very versatile, with its Kiefer maple floor (same floor system as Purdue University), retractable glass backboards, competitive quality volleyball system, portable bleachers and two-lane walking track. Most notably, The CONNECTION differs from other churches' family life centers in that it was not built for Morning Star Church. While the church does use it for several activities, it is designed to impact and serve the people of our community.
The Connection is staffed by 7 employees: the Facility Manager who oversees
all aspects of Connection operation and guest relations, and 6 part time
employees who assist with guest relations, cleaning, maintenance, and building
supervision during events. The Connection office is staffed by three
Administrative Volunteers approximately 20 hours per week. We also have
approximately 20 on-call volunteers for special events.
The CONNECTION Advisory Team (CAT) consists of the Facility Manager and seven members of Morning Star Church who work together to form policy, equip the facility, and interact with the Operations and Vision Team of MSC.
Volunteers are always needed to do odd jobs, learn technical skills (sound/video), prepare and serve food, chaperone youth events, market the facility and to develop new ministries. There is also great need for volunteers to staff the office and open and close the building during various events. We are also interested in hearing your ideas for new activities, ministries and events. Call or email Myla Thayer, Facility Manager, to get involved. 765.452.1622 or
theconnection@morningstarkokomo.com
The facility was largely paid for using funds given during a three year capital campaign. We have a relatively small mortgage at this time. Gifts are continuing to come in that allow us to pay down the debt and finish equipping the facility.
While the facility is beautiful and functional, it still lacks a scoreboard and some wall pads in the gym. We would also like to purchase a high quality floor buffer, some sofas and additional electronics. Exterior signage is also planned once funding is available.
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