The new family restroom is complete and the Vertical Platform Lift is awaiting state inspection!

The Vertical Platform Lift (VPL) has finally been installed and is awaiting a state inspection, which should be completed in time for worship the weekend of March 18/19. Now only one small step at the door will present an impediment to those with limited mobility. And plans are already in the works to eliminate this step.

A big thanks goes out to Van Risley at P.M. Fabricating generously donated his time and labor to rehabilitate and expand the railing to accommodate the lift and its platform. Church volunteers installed the railing as part of a church workday on March 4.

We are now waiting on an updated quote from a contractor to remove the portico driveway and replace and expand it to include a parking area limited to three or four spaces for those who require accessible parking. Once the driveway is complete, some using devices to assist (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) may still need some help with the door and an usher may be necessary to operate the new VP inside the door, but otherwise, our sanctuary will be fully accessible for the first time in nearly 70 years!

Repairs and other improvements

Thanks to the leadership of a couple of church members, damage to the plaster in the Chapel and front entryway has now been repaired. A contractor completed most of the work with church members assisting and providing oversight. Thanks to their generosity, both areas were also repainted.

Conversations are underway with the goal of transforming the chapel into a space that can be more effectively used for worship, study, visitations, receptions, and a host of other purposes. Working with congregational leaders, Pastor Albers is putting the final touches on a more comprehensive plan that reflects the input of dozens of church members. If you would like to be part of the conversation, be sure to give the pastor a call or just “corner” him after worship some weekend. Plans will be presented to the elders, trustees, and Governing Board at their meetings in March and April.

Fundraising continues!

Your financial support of this project will be CRITICAL. The total budget for these projects was $55,000, and through the end of February, a total of $46,047 has been donated for this purpose, including a $20,000 gift from St. John’s Thrift Shop to cover the cost of the VPL. While we have sufficient funds on hand to complete the driveway project, we must “pay” for these projects (through additional gifts) before beginning other projects.