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By Brad King , Chairman, Leadership Board
At the May 6 congregational meeting, our church family approved the proposal to remodel our current facility. The vote was 103 yes, 7 no. The support for this project is strong and we trust that we will achieve our overall objectives to extend useful life of our facility and create a warm and inviting environment for visitors and regular attenders. This month we want to give you an idea of what to expect during the remodeling process and the time frames for each project. Realize that dates and details may change as we get more information, but this is what we know at this time.
At the end of the day, once the dust has
settled and the work is done, we desire that
our facility be a more effective tool for
ministry, and that both the process and end
result will please and honor our Lord.
Because Vacation Bible School (VBS) uses our entire facility, no significant portion of the project will begin until after the
conclusion of VBS on June 15. Work on the youth center could begin as early as June 18. The largest part of the
remodeling project is the worship center which we anticipate will begin on July 16 and conclude by August 31. We hope
to return to the worship center by Sunday, September 2. If not that Sunday, then for sure by September 9.This will
coincide with the start of the new third service on Sunday evening. During the six-week period when the worship
center is being renovated, our worship services will occur in the gymnasium. Pastor Todd covers the style and content for the summer worship series in his article on the front page of
this issue of the Courier.
We have been told that it could take several months to manufacture our new seats. This means they won’t be ready
until sometime in October. During the remodeling project, the pews will be removed and stored on site, most likely in
semi-trailers. With the worship center remodeled, the old pews will be temporarily set back in place but not fastened
to the floor (several pews are like that now), and we will use them until the new seats arrive. When the new seats arrive,
they can be installed in a week and at that point, the renovation will be complete.
If you have ever experienced remodeling at home or at work, you realize that this kind of endeavor can be disruptive and
inconvenient. Keeping this in mind, Pastor Dave Genberg is leading a Logistics Team who will focus on communicating
as effectively as possible interruptions and changes to our current schedule as the summer progresses. Their goal is
to minimize the inconveniences we will undoubtedly face during this project. We will all need to be flexible during
this time of construction, and people’s cooperation will make a significant difference. Since this issue of the Courier
covers the months of June and July, watch for updates and communications that will provide you with more detail as the
project continues. These updates will include announcements
on Sunday mornings, postings on the church web site, and
when needed, written updates in your church mailbox.
Some have asked how they can become involved. Where it is possible and safe, we will try to utilize volunteers. We
will communicate these opportunities as they become available. We ask that you pray for every aspect of this
project; those who lead and oversee it, the contractors and workers, and all the decisions that are made. Pray for favor
with suppliers and contractors so that we stay at or under budget. You are welcome to give now towards this project
and also prayerfully consider your involvement in the three year capital campaign which will begin this Fall. The
campaign is intended to pay for this project, retire our debt, and build capital for the future. At the end of the day, once
the dust has settled and the work is done, we desire that our facility be a more effective tool for ministry, and that both
the process and end result will please and honor our Lord.
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