Exciting plans are underway to refresh and enhance our church space, creating an even more welcoming environment to support our ministry. A brief summary is included below, and you can find additional details by reaching out to Don Caddy (don.caddy@gmail.com) or viewing the plans posted in the Narthex. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Don, as well as to everyone who has generously contributed to our church reserve funds and the First United Methodist Church Foundation for making this vision a reality.
Changes for the Sanctuary:
- Platform: A new carpeted platform area will be constructed that will include space for the choir on the west side. The curved footprint will be wider than the current platform, extending from the organ to the window, as shown in the yellow outline below. (This outline will not be visible when constructed, as the same carpet extends on the platform as on the floor.) Construction will use two layers of fire-rated plywood on steel studs to avoid noise when people move around. (The bell tables will remain where they are.)
- Sound: Acoustic treatment will be added on all the walls. The sound system will be upgraded and the electronic organ will be modernized and connected through the sound system. Hanging microphones over the choir area and a loop system for hearing aids will be installed.
- Lighting: New pendant lights where the congregation sits and new spotlights for the chancel will be added.
- Stained glass windows from the old church will be added above the entry to the Sanctuary.
Changes for the Activity Center (AC):
- Storage: A new enclosed storage area will be built in the northeast corner where the current screen and platform are located. All tables currently stored behind the screens will be placed there.
- Visual media: The screen and projector will be replaced by a large TV in the same location.
- Sound system: A new sound system will be installed, and include a simple option not requiring expertise or training, just the push of a button.
- Wall protection: The chair rail will be removed and fiber-reinforced panel added around the room to provide a tough and easily cleanable surface for the Village Nursery School and other children.
Timeline, cost, and continuing church activities:
- Construction is scheduled to start in late January and finish in June.
- During construction, we will continue to gather every Sunday in the Sanctuary, but the “front” of the room will be the south wall rather than the east wall where it is currently. Chairs will be turned to face south, so that the entrance will be on the side of the congregation rather than in back. This will allow construction to continue on the platform without needing to move it each Sunday.
- Use of the Activity Center will vary depending on the phase of the construction but is expected to not affect the church too significantly.
- The total cost is about $1 million, which will be paid for by church reserve funds and also the First Church Foundation. We are blessed to benefit from generous donations and wise stewardship of those who came before us.
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