EXTREME MAKEOVER: Sanctuary Edition
This summer, our Sanctuary is getting a much-needed facelift and we need your help to make this transformation a reality! Phase I of EXTREME MAKEOVER: Sanctuary Edition has already begun with the removal of our pews for repair and refinishing down in North Carolina, painting in the wings of the Sanctuary (which has already lightened up the space noticeably) and the installation of new flooring (a combination of carpet and luxury vinyl planking to “liven-up” the room acoustically). The pews are scheduled to be re-installed in mid-July in time for Vacation Bible School with our new pew cushions arriving in August.
Meanwhile, we are also beginning significant AV upgrades that will remove a lot of our audio and visual “clutter” from the Sanctuary, relocate production equipment to Room 108, install four wall-mounted cameras to provide greater coverage of our worship services and include new hanging mics for the choir. We are taking advantage of the flooring being up to run conduit and cable in the Sanctuary both for present and future needs. The Worship Team will also get new in-ear self-adjustable monitors to replace the bulky black boxes that are all over the Chancel area right now. The AV phase of our project will begin this summer and continue through the fall.
Next year, we will begin Phase 2 of our EXTREME MAKEOVER which will be a long over-due total refurbishment of our pipe organ. This will include pipe, leather, keyboard and other repairs; the addition of a new midi-synthesizer that will greatly increase the instrument’s capabilities; electronic upgrades (we are currently functioning on very old and out-of-date technology!); and the addition of new digital stops. The result will be an organ that is both much more user-friendly and versatile for Nicola and our other gifted musicians and a listening experience for worshipers that is markedly enhanced. We can’t wait!
Funding for the Project
We project that the costs for all of these upgrades will be right around $400,000. The breakdown is as follows:
Pews, Flooring & Painting: $112,000
Audio-Visual Upgrades: $115,000
Organ Refurbishment: $160,000
The good news is that we have money in hand to begin the project. We have committed at least $100,000 from our Capital Reserve Funds to the overall renovations. Additionally, the Endowment Fund will contribute $32,000. Our Lead Donor Group committed $108K and currently contributions and commitments already total $162K of the $300K we are seeking to raise. For the balance of the funding, we will be relying on the direct generosity of the congregation and friends of our church along with some small fundraisers which are planned (a benefit concert, T-shirts & sweatshirts, etc.).
How You Can Participate
Give Online or by Check: You can make an electronic donation by icking this link to our Tithe.ly giving portal and choosing “Extreme Makeover Sanctuary” as your fund option in the upper right corner. You may make a one-time donation or set-up a recurring contribution online. You can also give by check either in the offering plate, through the mail, or by dropping off your donation in the Extreme Makeover box at the Welcome Desk or the lockbox on the front porch after hours. Be sure to include Extreme Makeover in the memo section.
Make a Commitment to Give over the next 18-24 months: It may be better for your personal financial situation to distribute your gifts over the next year or two. By making a commitment to this project, it will help us budget responsibly and anticipate cash-flow. If your financial situation should change and you would like to decrease (or increase!) the amount you have committed, just let us know so we can adjust our records.
Make a Stock Donation or Minimum Distribution Contribution: You may be in a situation where you have accrued significant capital gains over the last few years or have IRA minimum distributions that you have to take by law. Giving in this way can be a win-win for you and for us. Talk with our Church Treasurer Lynne Chaput about these alternative ways to give.
SHOW SOME LOVE! The SPUMC Music Team has designed Maryland flag love-logo short-sleeve ($20) and long-sleeve ($25) T-shirts, hoodies ($40) and quarter-zips ($40) to help promote our Sanctuary renovations in a fun way and as a small fundraiser for the project. Sizes range from Youth Medium to Adult 5XL. Order forms are available at the Welcome Desk and online.
