Read the Story  of Võru Extension Project
Read more detailed documents

28th of August
Young people are selling donated goods for the project on Võru Farmers Market.Many thanks t them!

26th of August
Moving to the new office at the local Võru polyclinic building on Jüri 19A,III floor room 329
Present office location on weekdays
http://www.viroweb.ee/eesti/eesti3.asp?osoite=J%FCri%2019a&kunta=V%F5ru&maakunta=V%F5rumaa

Sunday services at 11. AM on Sundays and youth nights on Thursdays at 7.00 PM are held at the Salvation Army rooms(Vabaduse4 ) .
http://www.viroweb.com/eesti/eesti3.asp?osoite=Vabaduse%204&kunta=V%F5ru&maakunta=V%F5rumaa

2nd of August
Building has process has started again!
Removal of the insulation , parts of the eastern wall and ceiling with rooms upstairs are dismantled.
Existing church roof are in the process to be replaced step by step with new one.
All furniture and things are removed from the church building and stored.

1th of August
Last service before  the major renovation.

July
Receiving a big grant $ 30 000 from First Broad Street UMC at Kingsport Tennesee!
We are very thankful fo your trust. Very special thanks to the Missions Director Danny Howe, Pat and Harry Turners! http://www.fbsumc.org/missionsservice) We are very thankful!
Process can continue now with new energy and hope to complete soon!

June
Preparations and fundraising for the next stage.

January-April 2010
Calculations are done for stage 2C.
Our  building company is ready to move one in summer with the work if we have resources available.
The stage 2C included .Roof work and joining the extisting building with  new building.
In needs to be done together if we have resources.We need $ 76 000 for this next stage 2C.All help is needed and appreciated.Thank you for all who have helped so far.

November

The building  work is continuing with the stage 2B, so that walls are raising until the roof. Next year( in more dry/warm) season  there will be more financial needs because of the construction of the connection between new and old section of the building is planned to complete all at once. Our builder is working on more detailed budget for next step.

15th Anniversary  on October the 3rd -4th
Our Church 15th Anniversary was a celebration of past and looking joyfully to the future! See pictures( link on first page).

Thank you, dear people at First UMC in Montgomery for the great contribution of f $ 15 000!
This  makes our next building stage up to the roof possible.
Thank you so much, dear Rev. Lawson for your encouraging words  and commitment of the whole congregation! We appreciate your support very much!

October the 2nd
Happy15th Anniversary our Congregation ! We have a special celebration on Saturday the 3rd of October at our culture House Kannel in Võru. On 4th of October is the special worship service at the church. All are welcome! All donation are needed and welcome for the continuation of the project, next stages 2B and 2C! Thank you...!

September 
September
Philipp and Elsie Myers, thank you so much for your gift of $ 2000. It makes next stage possible!
We truly appreciate you care !Thank you for your continuous support to the Tree of Life Church!
This goes to the next stage of our building process.
August
Work with walls  is continuing daily.

10.08.
After careful preparation and asking for offers we chose company that was giving good price for materials and service.Now our  company Silvermont oü  can continue the work of building up the walls.

July
01.07.
On first of July we were so blessed by our friends from First Broad Street UMC, Kingsport Tennessee, who supported us with the $ 16 000 ! We are very, very thankful to them as they are blessing us to continue in this crictically difficult time. Special thank you goes to our long time friends Pat and Harry Turner! God bless you friends for your faithfullness.
This amount of 177 000 EEK goes for the finishing of the stage 2A, what means walls up to the second floor. May it grow for the glory o God! Thank you, dear friends...

April 2009
Building process is continually in our prayers.We need it for space ( growing number of children and youth) and to keep the building safe. Thank you for your love and care for us!

Due to the financial-economical crises there are great difficulties for many. For our building process it means that there are some lover costs now.  Our building company is working with us very well to find the best solutions in this process. Since the beginning we have divided our building process into several stages.
I First stage( foundation line with basement , floor heating and drainage systems )
II Now the next second stage of our building process (walls up to the roof) is divided also into three substages:
2A first floor ceiling from existing foundation line walls up to the next floor
2B second floor ceiling and joints
2C Roof processes and joints
Right now we are working to gather funds for the stage 2A to complete the first floor walls and ceiling.
In order to start that 2B stage we need 168 000 EEK what is 15000 USD now.
We have now 11 000 EEK in our building account. We need all possible help to accomplish that.
You can support the Võru Extension Project in three ways: Read more here

September
29.09.2008
New Project Voru Update September 2008 Newsletter  available at
http://www.emkvoru.ee/index.php?option=com_docman&task=view_category&Itemid=36&subcat=7&catid=96&limitstart=0&limit=50

We pray that we could continue with walls and roof work. We are raising funds for the next stage that must be completed as a whole without delay(due to the hard climate conditions that may harm the whole construction).
Special thanks to:
Mrs Veera ja Mrs Manni Piirkuus from Ruusmäe UMC (Võru County)

Youth from Valguse Tee  Vabakogudus (The Way of Light)  Free Church from Tallinn painted our church chairs and sold donated goods on Võru market for about 10 000 EEK ($ 1000).

Lauri Siljorantat and Ohi Älä Käy ry-d NGO has delivered us donated goods from Finland store houses like Lidl etc.
http://www.katulapsiapu.fi/yhdistys.php

Võru Ühisabi,(Võru Common Help  NGO) donated resources despite of their own financial status as a fully volunteer based activity.

June
Meeting with the architect and constructor was held, where the building construction details drawings (lintels, joints between different parts of the building and roof etc) were discussed and delivered. The cost was 30 000 EEK ($ 3000).

Completed stages:
Foundation line 46 683 USD Finished!
Floor with heating system 15 000 USD Finished!

Needs for continued stages( it`s important to complete it without delays):
Walls 39 500 USD =434 000 krooni
Ceiling supporting beams 28 538 USD =314 000 krooni
Roof wor k 52 746 USD =579 000 krooni

Total needs $ 120 784 =1 327 000 krooni
Your suppory is very important to build up this church together! Thank you!

01.09.08
Concrete floor  and floor heating systems are ready.

June
Meeting with the architect and constructor was held, where the building construction details drawings (lintels, joints between different parts of the building and roof etc) were discussed and delivered. The cost was 30 000 EEK ($ 3000).

9th of June
New pipeline connection of the drinking water and sewage is made by Võru City as a part of a big renovation  project of the city.
We have 120 000 EEK out of 150 000 EEK for the completion of the floor works.We need more 30 000 EEK($ 3000):Thank you for all your prayers and love!

5th of June
We are very thankful to family Myers to their $ 2000  for the floor works! Thank you and God bless you! Thank you for your special commitment!God bless your love and care in the middle of uncertanties in many other lives.

26th of May
We were deeply moved when we got the message about the great sum of money 99750 EEK,that was  transferred to our building account.
We were so touched because we had prayed for the continuation of the project
and the need to complete the floor heating systems in this summer .
We are very thankful and we praise the Lord for this special gift of love!
Thank you so much!
Kaupo Kant and your connection - Võru Tree of Life UMC family.

July August
Floor works continue.Our own fundraising(tithings, offeringd and a special event to sell donated goods of Võru Market)  has raised 14 000 EEK ($ 1400) so far. We are very thankful for all helpers!

Special thanks to:
Mrs Veera ja Mrs Manni Piirikuus from Ruusmäe UMC (Võru County)

Youth from Valguse Tee  Vabakogudus (The Way of Light  Free Church ) from Tallinn painted our church chairs and sold donated goods on Võru market for about 10 000 EEK ($ 1000).

Lauri Siljorantat and Ohi Älä Käy ry-d NGO has delivered us donated goods from Finland store houses like Lidl etc for the benefit of the builiding process.
http://www.katulapsiapu.fi/yhdistys.php

Võru Ühisabi(Võru Common Help NGO), donated resources despite of their own financial status as a fully volunteer based activity.

20th of May
We've got positive response from the European Youth Fund. We pray blessings to project leader Lea Palo!
12.th of May
We received anonymous donation over $ 4000 and paid for our debts! Praise the Lord! His is so great.Thank you to all of you who have helped.We are honoured to receive this gift!

We are focusing now on our next target $ 15 000 to complete the floor heating systems. It needs to be done this season because of the climate.We appreciate any assistance.

10th of May
About 23 000 EEK has been raised so far in fundraise drive.There is serious need for floor funds ($ 20 000), as it needs to be completed in these coming months.
Give online through GBGD Advance Special website.

April
1.04.We submitted the project for the benefit of our young people.
We updated the application in Advance Special list. There is an opportunity to give online or send a check.

March
We started drive to sell goods that  came as donation from Finland through our dear friend Lauri Siljoranta Ohi Älä Käy ry . We have received so far some hundred dollars. More specific update comes later.

11th of February, 2008
Thank you Turners for your last contribution to us!

24th of January, 2008
Currently there is a need for $ 4100 to pay for the company for last years bill.

There was annual Friends of Estonia gathering  on 17-19th of January in Memphis, Tennesee.
www.friendsofestonia.org.
About 100 attendend from around US and some quests from Estonia. Our project was presented Patricia and Rain Miljan and by our Superintendent Taavi Hollman in larger sessions. There were about 30 people listened to the specific presentation Miljan's delivered in workshops. There was a growing interest toward that project.Thank God for all of them! We pray for growing cooperation between people in US and Estonia.14th of January
Praise the Lord for all the donations. Thank you to everyone who has given sacrifcially to the Lord! May God richly bless everyone.Many thanks to all  givers!

Elsie and Philip Meyers, thank you for your donation this month!
Debbie from Bartlesville, OK thank you for your commitment!
We are thankful!

End of the Year 2007

Donation from USA:
$ 6250 from First UMC in Montgomery, Alabama, our Connecting Congregation

After a call to support by our church and Superintendent we received donations from UMC congregations in Estonia: total $ 1559 from : Haapsalu,Kuressaare,Tapa,Kärsa,Räpina,Sakussaare,Tallinn -Estonian and Russian Speaking Congregation. Our own: Võru UMC Christmas time offering to Builidng fund was $ 880.
Right now we still owe to the company bills for $ 5400

We are praying for signals for further opportunities to pay off these bills and move on with the next stage. It will depend only from financial situation. We have received some more bills from the building constructorand the situation is now: We owe to the constructor - 13 400 USD For the transportation company – 3270 USD
Total due, we need more total $ 13 400 to pay for I and II bills from the building company Silvermont and $3240 for the transportation company - Total $16 640

We are so thankful for your prayers and responses!

Donations from Estonia:
Indrek Kolpakov
Elle and Eino Aug

Valli Siidra

Hele and Johannes Siidra

Salme Vaarna

Kaja and Viido Rüütel

Üllas and Meeli Tankler

Anonymos donors

Donations from Finland: 

Helsinki United Methodist Church in Helsinki

Lauri and Helvi Siljoranta

Donations from USA:

Pat and Harry Turner

First UMC Montgomery AL

Cain´s Chapel UMC Slapout AL

Frazer UMC, Montgomery AL

Bob and Doris McCray

Elise and Philip Meyers

Asbury UMC, Tulsa OK

World Evangelism

December 2007

We need your help to pay for all the bills left in this year. Perhaps you can plan to make a Christmas offering for this project. Perhaps you can consider becoming a partner for this common cause and we truly appreciate your help. Any amount is needed and appreciated. We are thankful for the company who has been gracious to let this delay to happen, but they need their payment. We pray that we could raise that needed funds by this Christmas to clear all the bills and move on in new year. Please consider your help this project, as this is very important for this city and region. We are thankful for any amount and help you can provide. God bless you richly in your (be) coming of light! We have received some more bills what will be last this year. I Bill from the building company Silvermont total $10 500 (due date was 11/02/07) (Already is paid $8000.) We have received so far donation $3500 from USA and $6100 from Estonia. Still due for the bill $ 2400
We have received additional bill from building company before the winter/ Christmas season.
II Bill from the building company Silvermont is total $11000 (due date 12/15/07). This bill includes molding/finishing the baptistery ($3000 EEK) and underground sewage pipes.

November 2007 

The foundation line with sanitary tubes and baptistery is completed

October
27th of October Kaupo Kant presented the Võru Extension Project for the First UMC in Lexington, Ky in a meeting of about 50 participants of this church's various outreaches.

7th of October the Day of the Dedication of Cornerstone

Receiving the General Board of Global Ministries Advance Special nr #15177N”

Info at the download link below

http://new.gbgm-umc.org/about/advance/advance-projects/index.cfm?action=details&code=15177N&id=3019506 

September
Building process

August
Building process

July
Building process

June
Building process

19th of June meeting with the European Union project consultant in the Võru County govenrment.

10-14. of June Kaupo Kant was in Finland where he was hosted by family Siljoranta. Kaupo introduced the Extention Project in  the Helsinki UMC.
Planning for possible cooperation with churches and people in Helsinki and Tammisaari UMC.

May

30th of May was the groundbreaking ceremony of the Võru Extention Project.
Participants included Taavi Hollman, the Superintendent of the UMC in Estonia, Superintendent emeritus Olav Pärnamets, Võru City Major Ms Kersti Kõosaar and several special guests from USA.
Negotiations with several building constractors.

21th of May we had to install the installation tube for street lightning post and remove the old one due to the renovation of the street. We are thankful for all the assistance of "rapid task force help team" from Estonia and especially from First Broad Street UMC Kingsport, Tennesee!They came after busy working day in Viitka UMC and continued in Võru until midnight.

18th of May the contract was made wih local construction company Silvermont oü.
We decided to start with  groundwork in June. The bill was paid for electrical and ventilation project. 

April
In April project presentation was held in the Board of UMC in Estonia. Board supported the beginning of the building process. and dediced to support drawing process with 20 000 EEK.

Kaupo Kant võttis osa Võru linna arengukava kokkusaamisest Võrus Kandle kultuurimajas.

4th of April Meeting with Aivar Nigol, developent leader of the Võru city.

Completed electrical drawings from oü Enerel , by Andres Abel,ventlation project by Kuldar ja Helbe Liira.

In addition, sevelar donations from family Turner, from Tennessee, from First UMC in Mongomery, totaling 113608 EEK.

Local offerings to Project Fund totaled 7000 EEK from meetings.

Offerings of the Holy Week and Gospel Events with Roy Johansosn (18-20 April )will go to the Extension Project Fund.

In Second half of April the contract will be made with As Bauter for long distance heating center and heating workdrafts(within the building).

02.04.07
Proposal from a student volunteer Margus Nigol to make drafts as a diploma work for fire safty and security systems ( Väimela Professional College and AS Securitas in Tartu City).

01.04.07
Palm Sunday worship service receieved offening 813 EEK for Extension Project Fund.

20.03.07
Contract for long distance heating( outside until the building) and ventilation systems with oü Torel (deadline 15.04.07)

16.03.07
A local construction company gives quotes for construction costs in stages. These figures are raising practically every month. In order to start building process in 2007, we need to complete minimum its first stage.
First stage – The groundwork  $ 45 100
Second stage -The shell up to the roof $187 330
Third stage - Interior works including electricity, plumbing, heating and ventilation
Forth stage  - Furniture and equipment
Total whole cost is approximately $ 820 000
Our existing building account includes $ 16 000
We need urgently $29 100 in order to start the building process

February 2007
Quotes for construction work. are asked from different companies.

20.02.07
We submitted application for GBGM General Advance Program 2005-2008 Project List .Continues the preparation work to find ways to finance for Project from different sources.

19.02.07
We received technical specifications. From company AS Võru Soojus.

14.02 .07
Request was given to AS Võru Soojus ( City Central Heating Company) to receive technical specifications.

13.02.07
Contract for electrical and communication cabling was made with oü Enerel (deadline 15.04.07)

January

22.01.07
The building permit is issued by the Võru City Government.

17.01-31.01.07
Kaupo Kant was in USA to present the project in connecting churches.
4154 USD were given and in addition two new churches decide to become partners.

16.01.07
Meeting with City Major Mrs Iivi Eenmaa, presentation her the project . We received warm welcome to the the project especially to the work with youth. 

06.01.07
The first local fund-raising event takes place. First time ever pledges were given and total raised 1001 EEK.

Year 2007

21.12. 2006
Constructural drawings of the building project made by Loob Projekt oü are presented to Võru City Government to request the building permit.

November 2006
Cutting 3 trees on the property. Installation of the electric transit cable by a company AS Empower and by the church volunteers.

04.09.06
Preparations for electric cable reinstallation of the cable.

01.09.06
Signing the contract with architect Jüri Pilliroog from Loob Projekt Oü www.loob.ee

09.08.06
Removing the fence and preparations for the electrical cable reinstallation works.

09.08.06
Võru church land zoning process was reinforced by Võru City Government.

17.07.06
Mission Seminary youth are helping to prepare to clean the property from stones and bushes.

June
25-27th of June was time of working on a draft for foundation .

21.06.06
Võru church land zoning process was designated by Võru City Government.

Our building process is continually in our prayers  and we are in continuous need for it.

Due to the financially economical crisies there are great difficulties for many. For our building process it means that there are some lover costs now.  Our building company is working with us very well to find the best solutions in this process. Since the beginning we have divided our building process into several stages.

I First stage( foundation line with basement , floor heating and drainage systems )
II Now the next second stage of our building process (walls up to the roof) is divided also into three substages:
2A first floor ceiling from existing foundation line walls up to the next floor
2B second floor ceiling and joints
2C Roof processes and joints
Right now we are working to gather funds for the stage 2A to complete the first floor walls and ceiling.
In order to start that we need 168 000 EEK what is 15000 USD now.
We have now 11 000 EEK in our building account. We need all possible help to accomplish that.
Thank you for your love and care! We appreciate all of your support!
You can support the Võru Extension Project in three ways: Click here for detailed info

December
Drainage system completed(on the back left side of the building) for  25 90 USD
New water connection from new pipeline made due to the large renovation project of the Võru City Water Co for 757 USD.
Thank you all who are supporting this step by step process!