Remodel and Construction News

10-10-2026 Creeping Along

It is always difficult to write an update on weeks like this because many things seem to only creep along, or even get delayed.  However, we continue to make progress in big and small ways. (Yes, I realize that is the same introduction I put a month ago ... sigh) 

The 1-minute read

- Updated plans for the new serwer and electrical layouts were originally submitted in September, but there were several questions that the city had.  Updated plans with various notes were resubmited and  over the past week our architect and engineers have been engaged in disucssions with the city. 

- Hall interior work continues.  Hall finishes continue - with the wood wall now in place!   Also, detail electrical and other work were completed (still no power to overhead lights as we wait for city approvals).

- Kitchen work continues.  The epoxy flooring was put in, and looks amazing!

- Electrical upgrade:  The switchgear was bolted down and the interior fitted out with the final equipment.  Preparations to pull the final power line were put in place.

- Sanctuary Addition work still awaiting final building permit.  Our Architect met again with the city regarding the latest comments, so we continue the back and forth discussion on these plans.

The longer version

There is still a giant hole outside the kitchen!  No change.

You may have noticed the giant hole outside the kitchen ... still.  Yes, weeks ago we dug a hole and placed the new sewage "grease interceptor" in place. However, in that process we hit an unknown water line, which led to its own week long disruption.  Additionally, this required us to change some plumbing.    This means that the plans previously approved by the city do not match our current set up.  As a result, we can not get an inspection of the grease interceptor system until the inspector has approved plans to work from.   So we began the process of updating the plans and submitting them to the city for approval - unfortunately, the city process is very ... very slow.  Although we submitted them on 8/26, we only received notice this past week that the plans had been assigned for review.   At that point they estimated we would have a response by this week.   Truthfully, we took the opprotunity to update everything we had changed, including some minor electrical and other adjustments.  None of these changes are significant in actual function, so we don't anticipate any issues. However, we never know how a reviewer will look at them and it seems a new, unexpected issue pops up with almost everything we submit, so please pray for a quick and understanding review.

While we have a solid financial pool to cover the basic work, we are aware that several factors have impacted costs since we started down this path over a year ago—so we hold the overall plan loosely and leave it in God's hands.  Please pray for the team as we navigate this process, since many key decisions remain.