A Note From Pastor Brad
Dear Church,
I wanted to compose this short note to address the “big news” I was able to present during the church business meeting following the morning worship service. As you may or may not know, the leadership has been exploring some ways we could remodel certain portions of the sanctuary. This process began in May 2021 when we initially sat down with a team of advisors to determine what a project this scale would look like. Since that time, the leadership has been praying and meeting and praying some more, which has resulted in a collective vision for what needs attention in that space.
The What.
To be honest, much of this discussion originated out of the simple idea to replace the carpet in the sanctuary. What’s there was originally installed in the 1980s, which means that it is well beyond its lifespan. Replacing the carpet, though, would also mean reupholstering the pews (and the choir chairs). And while the flooring is being torn up and replaced, what other ways could the platform be updated or enhanced? Those were the scenarios the leadership were working through.
Which is just to say, that this project has been the accumulation of “dominos.” One idea affected another, and another — and taking on one project meant taking on another at the same time. The scope of our proposed project includes replacing the carpet and reupholstering the pews, but the primary focus of the remodeling will be done to the platform.
One of the things the leadership identified was that the current state of the platform was inundated with “barriers.” Removal of those barriers is, essentially, the basis for this portion of the project. Our desire is for a more open and inviting platform, with the walls surrounding the organ and piano removed, along with the wall in front of the choir chairs. Furthermore, the majority of the platform will be put onto one level, with the storage rooms being reduced and new stairs on the sides leading up to the platform. This will make for a platform that’s more conducive for future ministries and allow for better focus on the proclamation of the Word. Which brings me to . . .
The Why.
You’ve likely heard the phrase, “The church is not the building, it’s the people.” Certainly, that is true. Christ’s church cannot, in any way, be reduced to mere brick and mortar. The Body of Christ isn’t found in the drywall and ceiling tiles of countless building across these United States. Those materials are not, in and of themselves, “the church.” However, that phrase shouldn’t be used to mean that the building where the church gathers isn’t important at all. Indeed, that’s what makes the church “the church.” It’s the gathering, the assembling, and the fellowshipping of Christ’s saved, baptized, likeminded saints, as they come together to worship with “one accord” and “one mind” (Phil. 2:2). And I pray that we continue to so more and more as the days grow “worse and worse.” As the writer to the Hebrews say, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:23).
As such, the church’s primary purpose is to proclaim the Word of God. Regardless of the time or circumstance throughout the history of the church, the church’s only ultimate, unchanging ingredient is the declaration of God’s Word. Such is why earlier this year we implemented that succinct statement ion of mission: “We exist to faithfully declare and demonstrate the power and preeminence of God’s Word, in our church family, in our community, and around the world.” Therefore, we approach this renovating and updating project with the humble and prayerful consideration that the place where we assemble (the sanctuary) is vital to our function as a local church.
The Costs.
So, what will all this cost? Well, approximately . . .
New carpet = $15,000.00
Reupholstered pews = $12,000.00
Platform renovations = $31,000.00
Bringing the total renovation costs to roughly around $58,000.00.
Please pray for this endeavor, as we will be meeting again soon to vote on this proposal. Please pray that the Lord’s will would be evident as we seek to maintain the place where we worship him in “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Please pray for the Spirit’s wisdom and discernment as we navigate this project.
If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Brad, Pastor Nathan, or any of the elders and deacons.
Blessings 🙏 Pastor Brad