Just about one year ago we officially launched our ELPC “Building our Future” renovation project. There was a short ceremony after worship, a time of prayer, and a cluster of doves released to celebrate this important event in our church’s life. Now the bulk of that work is completed. There are still details like “punch lists,” testing of new air-handling systems, hanging of pictures, and final cleanings to be done. But the project has been successfully navigated, generously funded, and patiently endured by staff and congregation members alike. Thank you!
From the beginning, this renovation work was intended to increase the sense of hospitality that greets anyone who enters our church building. Whether through new glass doors at three of our entrances, new meeting rooms to host community guests, improved restroom facilities, or enhanced lighting on the exterior of our church, this project succeeded in meeting the goal of Christian hospitality. We also wanted all the work to retain the architectural beauty of our church. The renovations needed to honor the “spirit of Gothic architecture” and any changes should primarily be small interventions, respecting the original intent of the 1935 builders, while bringing the facility up to current code and safety requirements. That goal also has been met.
Lastly, the majority of the work involved spaces where church staff works, church programs gather, and where community groups hold their events (as opposed to the worship spaces in our building). The guiding principle for these renovations was “long life, loose fit.” The hope was that our improvements would ensure the church’s rooms are able to accommodate a variety of uses—not just for today’s program needs, but tomorrow’s ministry opportunities. God isn’t done with ELPC yet! We need a building that can respond to the Spirit’s leading and the congregation and community’s needs well into the future. This goal also has been honored.
Now comes the fun part! Now we get to discern through prayer and conversation how to live into our renovated building. Committees are at work even now talking about how to organize the knowledge we’ve gained through this renovation work, so that we have a systematic plan for any future repairs and maintaining this wonderful structure. Subcommittees are working on things like artwork for the walls that reflects our diversity or fresh library resources being available in this age of both print and electronic media. And our Session and Deacons are continuing long-range planning, evaluating current ministries, and asking open-ended questions about what God would have us do next.
You are a big part of this next chapter. We are entering into the year just prior to our 200th anniversary. We hope you will continue to invite friends, colleagues, and neighbors to join you at worship or attend an event offering at ELPC. We are thankful for your financial support of our ongoing budget and our special renovation campaign pledges. May this next season be one of expectancy, creativity, and faithful responses to the Lord’s leading of our church. How appropriate that our upcoming renovation celebration is happening on May 20, Pentecost Sunday!
—Randy Bush