Chardon United Methodist Church

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Sanctuary Renovation PDF Print E-mail

“Grateful for the Past, Hopeful for the Future”

Recently, several of us saw a video comparing a grocery store to a church over a period of 50 years.  In the video the church did not change – but – the grocery store continually made updates and advancements in the marketing and sale of food.  Most of us who saw the video recognized our sanctuary as it has not changed or been upgraded since it was built in 1967, 43 years ago.  It has the same carpet, lights, sound system, pews and furnishings.  Imagine for a moment what it would be like to shop in a store that had not changed since 1967.  Yet we expect the younger generation and newcomers to our church to step back into an era they cannot even remember whenever they enter our church.
   
The Worship Committee and the Board of Trustees have envisioned a plan to renovate and upgrade our Sanctuary.  This is not a complete plan as it will take significant time and resources to bring our Sanctuary up to a modern equivalent of a state-of-the-art worship experience.  Nevertheless, we believe that we can begin and complete Phase 1 by this October.  Plans were presented to, and approved at, the June meeting of our Church Council.  And, here is what we believe we can do!

  • Relocate the choir from the balcony to tiered seating behind the Altar.  Yes there is enough room for the choir to sit up front.
  • Extend the current 18” high platform where the Altar now sits to include the entire Altar area giving more room for seating and movement in front of the Sanctuary.  Bring the pulpit and lectern to this same level.
  • Move the wonderful concert grand piano from the balcony in order to see as well as hear Pam play the great music performed each week.
  • Attach permanent handbell tables to the front divider allowing the bell choirs to always perform from the front of the church.  These tables will be folded down when not in use.
  • Upgrade the sound system replacing a very old amplifier and the necessary wiring needed to connect to our sound board.

Most of this work can be done with funds that have been contributed for memorials and 2nd Mile gifts.  We anticipate much of the labor will come from within our congregation.  More can be done if donors like the plans and desire to contribute to the renovations.  As Phase 1 is completed we hope to unveil plans for future phases and the needs required for funding of these future improvements.
   
We are not changing our product we are just upgrading our packaging and presentation.
Pastor Dan