Update on Giving

We are pleased to report that as of 11/30/07, pledges made to the campaign have totaled $504,021, and of this amount, $224,637 has already been received! We thank God for this amazing blessing and are constantly seeking His wisdom on how best to conduct the campaign and put the money to use most effectively in accomplishing these building renovation and renewal projects.

Our ultimate "Beacon Goal" remains $600,000, and we'll need to raise at least this much in order to complete the entire list of renovation projects. Our hope is that as more projects begin to take shape and as ministries and the church as a whole continue to grow, we will be able to grow our base of pledges to fill this gap. Please be praying that the giving process would continue to bear fruit, and that God would enable people to fulfil their pledges, maybe even increasing their pledges when possible.

A few renovation projects have already been completed, and the Campaign Team is busy laying the groundwork and planning for many other projects. Some people have inquired about why more projects aren't currently underway. Due to the amount of manpower available to plan and manage the individual projects, the team's capacity is limited to juggle more than a few projects at once, but rest assured that we will continue to complete the additional renovations as quickly as we can. If you would like to help in any way with the campaign, please contact us.

New hallway drinking fountain

Richard Lammers installed the new drinking fountain in the main hallway last week, and it looks great. Below are the BEFORE & AFTER photos:

BEFORE:

AFTER:


BEFORE:

AFTER:

Chapel Lobby is 90% complete

The lobby of the chapel has been completely repainted, the new chandelier has been installed, and the seating is in place. The impression upon entering the chapel at night is stunning and dramatic:

Creative Destruction

Last week we removed the entire suspended ceiling from the future Gallery hall and were thrilled to see that above it were nicely laid-out concrete structures and beams. Instead of putting in another less than desirable suspended ceiling, we now plan to leave the ceiling exposed for a much more dramatic effect. The current maze of electrical conduits will be rerouted to run along the concrete beams and have an orderly appearance. New track lighting will be mounted on the beams to illuminate the artwork on the walls below.


Carpentry work has been continuing inside the chapel, where the stage has been extended out several feet and an elevated platform along the north wall is being constructed where some of the old pews will be re-used as high table seating.

matthewschapel Update

Work at the chapel has encountered a minor delay while we sort out whether a building permit will be needed to make some of the larger changes that are needed. It's a hassle, but something we can certainly work through. The question also involves uncertainty about whether a second fire exit is needed or whether the chapel's current setup with one large double-door exit is "grandfathered." Even people in the city's building department have conflicting opinions on it so it's been hard to get a straight answer! We've enlisted the help of an architect to help navigate the process and get us a final answer on how to proceed.

Please be praying that work in the chapel would be able to move forward soon, and that any remaining obstacles would be removed.

Meanwhile, we're excited that some of the new chapel lobby furniture has arrived. (pictures coming soon!)

New Drinking Fountain

Richard Lammers is planning to install the new drinking fountain in the main hallway very soon. We'll be sure to post before-and-after pics once it's complete. The current one is an old-style tower fountain that is about the size of a 10-year old child standing on the ground, while the new one will gracefully extend from the wall like an arm. Instead of being a gray, gun-metal color, the new one is an antique bronze color that should blend into the main hallway a lot better.

We also received the new drinking fountain for the Narthex, but it unfortunately arrived with some shipping damage so we are awaiting the replacement's arrival.

How can I help?

A lot of people ask the campaign team members how they can help with construction in The Chapel arts venue. We will have plenty of opportunities (needs!) for volunteer help during the months of September and October on various aspects of the renovation. Below are a few of them:

• Helping to lay and install bamboo flooring
• hanging and taping drywall
• painting walls
• hanging light fixtures
• laying and grouting tile
• drop-ceiling demolition (who doesn't like tearing stuff apart?)

If you will be available during September and October to help with any of these items, please let us know!

Sharpening the Tools

"Sharpening the Tools," a newsletter providing updates on the progress of the campaign has been distributed to church members and will be mailed out to Memorial's extended church family this week.

The newsletter features information about:
-The parlor renovations
-matthewschapel arts venue renovation and ministry plans
-Proposals for a new "play garden" and entrance to the Chapel
-List of upcoming projects
-Update on current state of giving

Click here to view a PDF of the newsletter

What's happening in September?

Here are a few updates on what to expect in the campaign this month (September):

• New drinking fountain being installed in the main hallway
• Additional accessories for the parlors to be discussed
• Meeting with the fire marshall to discuss ways to improve emergency egress in various spaces in the church
• Newsletter being published with campaign updates
• Carpentry work by Memorial member, Youth Director, and Master Carpenter Todd Crusey, to expand the stage area in the chapel. He's also going to be constructing a platform along one side of the chapel for the remaining pews and high tables to be positioned along the wall.