ANNOUNCEMENT: Bethel will only hold a 10:30 AM worship service at Bethel Fergus Falls today. All Sunday School, confirmation, ministry activities and other worship services are CANCELLED at BOTH CAMPUSES.

Current Sanctuary Renovation Update and Plans

Click image to download a PDF file of the design.
Bethel Church, below is a message from Bethel Chairman, Daryl Synstelien regarding some updates and plans for our current Bethel Fergus Falls sanctuary.Plans for a temporary worship space during the renovation will be communicated as soon as a decision is made.

Hello Bethel Family,

At our Business meeting on Tuesday evening, we approved a plan to proceed with the renovation of our Sanctuary - removing the pews, creating level flooring for the seating areas, new flooring, and purchasing 400 cushioned chairs. This plan will allow us to achieve maximum flexibility for COVID-19 responsive seating capacity before we enter the fall ministry season. Remember, the Sanctuary Renovation was already planned for, approved, and budgeted into the Make Room Project at our October 2019 Business meeting as part of the third and final project phase. The decision on Tuesday approved moving the Sanctuary Renovation to first priority, and completing the renovation this summer, with cash, up to $200,000.00.

We now have a schematic design of the renovation concept.
(Download the PDF file of the schematic design to view the concept. Also, follow along on the MAKE ROOM page for future updates) The most compelling element of this design is that there are two (2) level seating zones, separated by an 18” height differential. The two levels are traversed by multiple ADA ramps and steps. There are tremendous benefits to this design:
  • Lower Cost, Faster completion.
    > The front platform will NOT need to be rebuilt (modifications/improvements may be featured)
    > The side doors in front will NOT need to be raised.
    > Much less fill is required.
    > The Organ will not be disturbed.
  • Project Completion: 4-6 weeks.
  • Provides a visually defined and aesthetically attractive area for more intimate services in the front section (estimated: 184 seats).
  • Higher total seating capacity (total estimated: 379) for larger services using both levels.
The permit from the city has already been acquired to perform the renovation. There are numerous discussions being held right now with subcontractors to determine their availability to do demolition, saw cutting, concrete, electrical, flooring, and furnishings. No work will be started until we have a commitment for every component necessary to complete the project before the start of the fall ministry season.

I want to express my great appreciation for those who stepped forward in faith earlier this year in the initial phase of the Make Room Capital Campaign by making a commitment to bring the gospel to our communities by Making Room in your finances - it is because of your generosity that we will already have the capital funds necessary to complete this renovation, this quickly - with cash!

If you are still considering your 3-year financial commitment to the Make Room Mission, jump onboard any time (online commitment card)! It is a tremendous joy to belong together in mission with the body of Christ. Contact Kate at the Bethel Office for more information on how you can join us in this mission with your commitment.

Daryl Synstelien
Bethel Chairman
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