What's happened in the building?

• We vacated the building entirely for the summer of 2018 (sanctuary, offices, classrooms) for construction work.
• We moved back in stages, beginning Sept. 16, and began with our worship and office space. All was completed by mid-November.
• Out of necessity we undertook this comprehensive and total repair and renovation project to address chronic air quality and moisture infiltration problems throughout our building. This was a large and complex project aimed at addressing large and complex problems. Thus,
• Removal of all heating and cooling systems in the building (total of 13 different systems) and all their respective ductwork. Mold accumulated throughout the systems, including the fiberglass-lined ductwork, so removal happened under specially-controlled procedures to protect from further distributing the mold.
• All new HVAC systems and all new ductwork were installed, using latest technology for filtering and condensation controls, which will prevent mold from growing inside the HVAC systems.
• Multiple points of water-entry into the building were addressed: roof leakage in the foyer and through the steeple, underground moisture infiltration, aging boiler system, and other water issues. This also helped eliminate conditions for mold growth.
• While the interior was torn up, we took opportunity to do to other important projects: adding a family restroom on the main level, and updating the 50-year-old kitchen in the Fireplace Room downstairs.
• Click here for a few photo blogs of the work when it was in process, to give you a visual sense of the scope of work.

Why was it necessary?

• While mold exists everywhere we live and move (indoors and outdoors), the levels of mold inside our building were tested, and found to be at unacceptable levels. Not everyone has mold sensitivity, but many persons do. As more time has passed, our mold levels had worsened, and more people suffered from exposure. There were a few persons who were unable to even spend a few minutes inside the building without suffering ill effects. Many others had milder reactions (headaches, congestion, breathing difficulty) after longer exposure, especially in some of the worst areas of the building.
• We consider our building an essential resource for mission. We open it up multiple times a week to members of the larger community as a center for mission and ministry. We run a Kids Club in this space; we host a homeless shelter for one or two weeks per year; we host fundraising events for many non-profits in our community; we host a weekly Men’s Bible Study attended by dozens of men from around the community; multiple music groups use it regularly for rehearsal space, as well as performance space; we host coffeehouses in the winter; immigrant groups use it regularly; a Korean Mennonite Church uses it; and the list goes on.
• We consider it a moral and missional necessity to make this space safe and hospitable for all.

Is there anything I can do to help?

• This project cost us $1.5 million dollars. That is a daunting number! The high cost was caused primarily by the extensive and highly-specialized HVAC removal and replacement. We had $250,000 already on hand, thanks to some generous bequests. $1.25 million more needs to be raised to fully fund this project, in order to avoid saddling us with debt service for years to come and hampering our mission through our annual operating fund.
• We raised a significant amount in cash and pledges during our "Project Fresh Air" fundraising effort, and came close to the $1 million mark in total cash on hand and pledges. About $500,000 still needs to be raised.
• We as a congregation are doing all we can to pay this bill, but it is more than we can handle alone. Because our building gets used so often, and by so many beyond our walls, we are inviting others to consider making a gift—whether small or large.
• If you are open to being contacted about making a contribution, please use the "Contact Us" form on this website, and someone will be in touch with you.