Potential Worship Center Audio and Lighting Renovation
Our Overseer Board is proposing that we spend up to $2,100,000 to invest in upgrades of critical systems in our Worship Center. A Q&A session and vote are scheduled to occur in a Called Church Conference on Sunday, April 13, at 5:00 p.m. in room W-200. This project will include:
- New window shades
- The replacement of all lighting (platform and house) with LED fixtures
- Replacing the sound console and associated equipment
The $2,100,000 includes all equipment, shipping, design costs, labor, set-up, training, and contingency amounts.
This renovation would be a church-approved expenditure from the Capital Reserve Fund, which has an effective balance of $2,784,743. When this project is complete, we anticipate still having a Capital Reserve Fund balance of not less than $650,000.
Our Worship Center is the space on our campus where the largest number of people gather. Over the last fiscal year, we averaged 2,001 worshipers on Sunday mornings. Additionally, our Christmas Presentation drew the most people ever this year – 11,375. We use our Worship Center to host “bridge” events like high school commencements as well as large conferences and concerts. Functioning equipment, along with high levels of excellence, is important for us to continue to make disciples.
FAQs
- Why must the church approve this? Our bylaws state, “The Church shall approve non-budgeted expenditures exceeding 5% of the annual budget” (Section VI, A, 3). For the current fiscal year, 5% of our $8,000,000 budget is $400,000, so this project exceeds that threshold.
- When will the renovation occur? Assuming church approval, we anticipate this installation will take place over two to three weeks in the fall. We will still be able to meet in the Worship Center during the installation.
- Will this change the overall look of the Worship Center? No. This is a replacement for internal systems that will improve the audio and lighting in the room. The window shades will look very similar in appearance.
- Who will do the work? Paragon360, a company in Springfield, Missouri, will complete the work. They have been thoroughly vetted and have a stellar reputation in the field of church renovations.
- What is wrong with the equipment? The window shades have not been functional for almost two years and are beyond repair. A new shade system is necessary. Our sound console and associated systems are no longer supported by the manufacturer. With the advent of LED technology, incandescent bulbs are becoming very difficult to locate when replacement bulbs are needed.
- What about other spaces throughout the church that are in need of updates? There are a number of areas of our facility that could benefit from some updates. We are currently working with Paragon360 to master-plan renovations in other spaces. When the details of this plan become clearer, we will share them with the church family.
- What is an “effective balance” of the Capital Reserve Fund? Given our vast campus and facilities, we always have some smaller maintenance, repair, or upgrade projects happening that are expenditures from the Capital Reserve Fund. The effective balance takes our overall balance and subtracts any expenditures remaining in pending projects.
With the affection of Christ,
