Official Board Actions

Chapel/Youth Building Remodeling

The Official Board approved the use of $3,400.00 in certificates of deposit designated for the youth program to remodel the current youth space. The wall between the current youth room and chapel would be removed (with proper support being supplied) and the space would be remodeled and refurnished to serve the needs of the growing youth group. A larger space, closer to square in shape was needed to serve the needs of the youth group.

Board Chair Ken Hale will appoint a task force to oversee the project.

The task force will consider the use of the current youth building and possibly the use of the current day care building to best serve this congregation’s future children’s and youth ministries.

Gordon and Allawayne Carr’s granddaughter Caitlan will carry out a portion of the work on the project to meet her service requirement to earn a Girl Scout Gold Award.

This project can be a major step forward in our congregation’s readiness for congregational growth.

Chancel Redesign

Designated funds given specifically for this purpose are being used to make improvements to the sound system and to the design of the chancel. A task force consisting of David Bell, Ken Hale, John Turner, and Allawayne Carr is overseeing this project. Their unanimous consensus is that the current side-facing choir loft is not appropriate to the current or anticipated worship style of the congregation. They agree that all permanent barriers dividing the chancel should be removed and that the chancel floor should be as much on one level as possible. Modesty/privacy rails, if any are needed, should be portable. The purpose is to allow for more creative and varied use of the chancel space for worship activities. The board has approved this plan.

Further designated funds must be received before planning can proceed for a video projection system. Task force members are agreed that there must be professional consultations and competitive bidding on this project. Consideration will be given to the historic aesthetics of our present building. The plan and bid favored by the task force will be brought to the Board for consideration before any bid is approved. The purpose of the projection system is to improve worship participation and communication. Older members with hearing impairment and younger members who are more accustomed to visual and multimedia learning will find it especially helpful. It is generally easier for members to follow teaching-style sermons when they are accompanied by visual aids.

Projection systems are being used today in all styles of sanctuaries and in all styles of worship. Even churches that rely heavily on prayer book readings find that projecting the readings is much more user-friendly to visitors. We need to plan how to make the best use of this technology for our middle of the road style and historic space.