Why can we not just fix the problems as we go?

The church commissioned an engineering/facility assessment study which was completed in 2020. The total work that needed to be done for items “past their usable lifespan" totaled $17.39 million for the entire facility.  $1.83 million of that was on the roof, which has already been completed. That leaves $15.56 million dollars worth of work that needs to be done today if the facility stays as is. Those numbers are also in 2020 dollars, so inflation would place that $15.56 million dollars over $20 million in 2025 dollars. According to this study the time for “as we go” has passed. The cost of repairing the current needs would be over $20 million in the current building configuration.

For more information, you can download the summary of that study and the complete study below.  The Master Plan Committee determined and the church voted in agreement that spending that kind of money would not be good stewardship. A summary of the engineering/facility study as well as the full study is available by clicking the pink buttons below. Printed copies are also available in the church office. 

Why not just keep what we have?

The master plan, as approved by the church, determined that there were pressing issues that needed to be addressed. Those priorities are outlined in detail on the homepage. The priorities, in order, are Safety and Security, Children and Young Families, Mission and Outreach, and Right Sized Worship. The master plan committee and the church at large voted that these issues could not be met by keeping what we presently have. The renovation team has been working to incorporate those priorities in order to fulfill their charge from the church. The engineering and facility study as explained earlier,  plays a large role in that determination. A summary of the engineering/facility study as well as the full study is available by clicking the pink buttons below. Printed copies are also available in the church office. 

Why make our sanctuary smaller?

Our current sanctuary seats approximately 1000 people. We presently average around 150 in attendance. There are two primary reasons to reduce the size.  First, when a guest comes to worship with us for the first time and they see 15% of the seats in use, it communicates that this is not a place people want to be. The new configuration will seat approximately 500, much more than is presently needed. This allows for plenty of growth in the future and additional seating for special weeks such as Easter and Christmas. Second, we can utilize the back half of the sanctuary’s current space to create new areas under the same roof. Renovating current areas is less expensive than brand new construction. Our proposal is to create these new spaces, while utilizing the “good bones” of the current structure.

Is this the last project?

No. The master plan, as approved by the church, is a long range plan for a complete campus renewal. This project is the largest of those and most critical in helping the church accomplish the four priorities of the master plan.  Further projects include a renovation of the northeast classroom area, chapel, parlor, the removal of the south hallway, except for kitchen and dining room, a renewed courtyard area, new admin suite, and updates to our ball fields. The Master Plan Committee felt it wise to have a long range plan, although there is no timeline for these projects.

Can we do this in phases?

Yes. The renovation team is proposing to do the sanctuary, commons, and children's area in one large initial phase, but it can also be broken into 1-3 phases as needed. 

How much is this going to cost?

Details can be found on the "Cost" Page

COST PAGE

Where will we meet for worship while we renovate the sanctuary?

Plans have not been finalized, but the two most likely spots are the chapel or the gym. We could utilize both of those as needed. 

What will happen to the stained glass in the current sanctuary?

The sanctuary will be reconfigured to reflect the smaller size, therefore necessitating the moving, refurbishment, or replacement of the existing stain glass. The committee strongly desires to keep the existing stained glass and relocate it in the new configuration, but that process will be determined by a stained glass expert assessment during the formalized drawing phase of the project.

Why less square footage in the overall facility?

Our facility is too large for the number of current attenders. We have left ample room in the proposed sanctuary, children's building and the remaining part of the facility to accommodate future growth. The removal of the south hallway (both up and downstairs) will reduce operating and insurance costs.