You Can’t See It on Sunday—But It’s Happening If you’ve wondered what’s happening with the Growing in Faith building project, we’re excited to give you a glimpse of Behind the Walls. Much of the construction is taking place in and below the gymnasium, where the future Children’s Ministry Wing is being developed. Because this is an active […]
You Can’t See It on Sunday—But It’s Happening
If you’ve wondered what’s happening with the Growing in Faith building project, we’re excited to give you a glimpse of Behind the Walls.
Much of the construction is taking place in and below the gymnasium, where the future Children’s Ministry Wing is being developed. Because this is an active construction area, access is restricted for everyone’s safety. That means most of us can’t walk through space and see progress firsthand.
But there is a lot happening.
Construction Is Moving Forward
Framing is complete in areas of the project, and fireproofing and door-support work are underway. Site preparation continues as crews prepare the building for the next stages of construction.
Although these changes may not be visible to the congregation, they represent important steps toward transforming the areas in and below the gymnasium into the future Children’s Ministry Wing.
A Look Behind the Walls
The photographs accompanying this update provide a rare look inside the construction area.
What may appear to be an open room, exposed concrete, pipes, structural elements, and construction materials is actually the beginning of a significant transformation.
The work being done now is preparing the building for the classrooms, ministry spaces, gathering areas, and other improvements that will serve Bethel for years to come.
See More Construction Photos
We’ve created a Growing in Faith Photo Gallery where you can see additional photographs from the construction project and follow the transformation as it continues.
View the Growing in Faith Photo Gallery
We’ll continue adding photographs to the gallery as new milestones are reached.
Important Work Is Taking Place Behind the Scenes
Several important developments have occurred since our last Build Team update.
Steel Has Been Released
Because of long lead times, steel has been released to ARC. The remaining Phase 2 scope is also being repriced based on updated county permit comments and civil drawings.
Civil Drawings Have Been Submitted
The civil drawings have now been submitted to the county, beginning the anticipated three-month plan-review process.
Transformer Application Has Been Submitted
The formal application for the new transformer has been submitted, and the team is awaiting the utility’s response. Transformer relocation is an important milestone because Phase 2 demolition cannot begin until the transformer is relocated and the new preschool building is re-energized.
Good News on Water Pressure
A field test at the kitchen hose bib showed 80 PSI, which was an encouraging result. Additional testing is still being planned before a final determination is made regarding the water line.
Looking for Responsible Savings
The Build Team continues to look for opportunities to reduce project costs while maintaining the goals of the project.
One example involves the HVAC design in the youth, stage, and storage areas. Barringer has proposed eliminating dedicated ductwork and utilizing the gym’s existing units instead.
Phase 1 Schedule
One of the most encouraging developments is that Phase 1 remains on track for a December 30 turnover, followed by a short move-in period.
This Is Just the Beginning
There is still much work ahead, but the Growing in Faith project continues to move forward.
Some of the most important work happening right now isn’t something we can see on Sunday morning. It is happening behind closed doors—in the walls, beneath the floors, and throughout the infrastructure of the building.
As construction progresses, we will continue sharing photographs, project updates, and explanations of what is happening so that our entire church family can follow the journey.
Visit the Growing in Faith Photo Gallery often to see the latest photographs from behind the walls.
Visit the Growing in Faith Photo Gallery
The work may be happening behind the walls, but the vision for the future of Bethel is very much alive.
Thank you for your continued prayers, generosity, patience, and encouragement.
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…”
Ephesians 3:20
