The Lord Builds

Here’s a video that we put together that shows what we want to do as a part of the capital campaign. The video includes the walkthrough of the basement, as well as some concept drawings for what a new parking lot might look like.

At the Congregational Meeting last month, First Trinity approved approximately $80,000 in total to get started on some immediate projects that need doing.  We hope to have many of them completed by Christmas!  Some are already scheduled and others are in various stages of discussion.  Here’s what we’re looking to do in these next six months:

1. Repair the stained-glass windows in the Worship Center.  This involves replacing the storm windows on the outside to prevent future leaks and repairing the damage from previous leaks.  The work should be done in late July or early August.
2. Repair the Glenhurst Entryway concrete.  There’s a tripping hazard on the way into the doors. We’ve discussed a few options.  More on that later in a future post.  We plan to have the project started shortly after VBS.
3. We will be starting to dig into the detailed plans for the Basement.  This includes lots of back and forth with Carmina-Wood-Morris as they help us explore how to best design the space for our needs.
4. We will evaluate options for sound and light control in the gym.
5. We will explore options to improve the aesthetics and effectiveness of projection in the Worship Center. At this point, we’re working to obtain bids for proposals.
6. We will be painting most of the facility.  We are working with Carmina-Wood-Morris and their interior designer to choose paint colors.  Some repairs, such as the stained-glass windows, need to be completed before we paint.
7. We are exploring what to do with the cry room to make it more friendly for parents and their children.

While the Renovations Committee has only been meeting for a few months, the ideas have been flowing for a while as to what to do in the basement.  The Ministry Council asked Sue Steege, Tim Hartnett and myself (Jason Christ) to sit down with Jon Morris for some initial designs of what the renovation of the basement could look like.

We met with Jon and Pam, an interior designer at his firm, and expressed some of our core values for the ministry that happens in that space.  Here are some of the things we shared:

• Relational ministry is key for us.  We want students and others learning in relationship with others.
• The space must be flexible.  It’s used for lots of different ministries, so we prefer movable furniture.
• There should be quality technology, including projection, video and sound.
• Prayer is important to us.  We’d like to see some dedicated space for a prayer chapel.

Here are the drawings that came from that meeting.  These are by no means complete, as we will be spending time reviewing and tweaking them with the Renovations Committee over the next several months.  Only the Lord knows what the final plans will be.  It’s an interesting starting point, however.

The main room, set up for Cornerstone Confirmation class.

Couches, used for HS Sunday School

Game tables in basement

Major: Youth Ministry

Minor: Activities, Large Gatherings/Classes, Social

What’s it used for?

• Cornerstone Confirmation classes meet here around 5 tables on Thursday evenings.
• High School Sunday School on the couches and around tables, depending on the lesson.
• Remix (6th-8th grade youth) events.
• Crossroads (9th-12th grade youth) events.
• Sue Steege’s short courses.
• Ladies AA group.
• Events (classes, seminars, training, etc.)  for 60-100 people around tables.

What’s are the challenges?

• Many electrical outlets don’t work.
• There is no dedicated sound system.
• There is no dedicated projection system.
• Furniture is in poor condition.
• Lighting is average.
• Stage is unusable for activities as it’s currently used for storage of existing movable stage.
• There is no functional kitchen/food serving area.

What’s the vision?

• Upgrade core utilities (electrical, plumbing, ventilation).
• Convert stage area into Café with comfortable seating, a la Panera Bread or Starbucks.
• Add moveable wall to stage to section off Café into a separate classroom for Sunday School and small meetings that require a more intimate setting.
• Add kitchenette for light cooking and food warming duties.
• Add digital projection wall and mounted equipment.
• Add sound system design for voice amplification and background music.
• Upgrade furniture to include 2-3 seating areas for 5-7 people for use in small group discussions.
• Remove accordion dividers.
• Add curtains that can be used for temporarily closing off a section of the main room into a usable classroom.
• Replace existing lighting with a combination of dimmable and on/off style lights.
• Add storage space for the movable stage.
• Add storage space for sound and computer equipment.

Stuff We’re Thinking About

• Eric suggested the possibility of using the basement as an alternative worship venue.

Jesus Jungle, at the foot of the stairs.

Major: Youth Ministry

Minor: Meetings of 12-18 people

What’s it used for?

• 7th-8th Grade Sunday School.
• Vacation Bible School Station.

What are the challenges?

• Some electrical outlets don’t work.
• Room configuration is a challenge.

What’s the vision?

• Convert the room to a nice conference room, complete with large table, chairs and AV equipment for projection and laptops.
• Add some cabinets/counter tops and a sink to allow for light food and drink preparation.

Compassion, also known as the "old" kitchen.

Major: Youth Ministry

Minor: Small meetings of 5-10 people

What’s it used for?

• 6th Grade Sunday School.
• Small meeting space.

What are the challenges?

• Cabinets/Counters take up unnecessary space.
• Water damage in the ceiling from utility sink on 1st floor.
• Water damage to floor tiles.
• Poor drainage in floor.

What’s the vision?

• Divide the room into two spaces.  The smaller space would be a dedicated prayer chapel, the larger would remain a small classroom.
• Repair leaks in pipes.
• Replace flooring.

The mechanical room, off the basement.

Major: Mechanical Equipment

Minor: Maintenance supplies/equipment

What’s it used for?

• Boiler heats the church.
• Utility sink for cleaning in the basement.
• Electrical panels/circuit breakers for basement.
• Main power for the facility.

What are the challenges?

• Boiler works, but is 50 years old and inefficient.
• Leaky pipes in the room.
• Poor sink access for mopping.

What’s the vision?

• Replace boiler.
• Update sinks.
• Replace piping as needed.