Building Renovation Updates
Update from Edie Dutton, 8/4/2025
Our renovation project is well underway! The demolition is complete, and framing, electrical and plumbing have begun. After both services on August 10th, we will be hosting a walk through for all who would like to see the progress in person. I think you will be amazed at the light and space in our new sanctuary area. For those who are unable to attend, we will be sending out a virtual tour.
Behind the scenes, many people have been utilizing their expertise to make this endeavor excellent. Our architects, Fisher Heck and contractor, Pugh Constructors, continue to impress. Tony DiGiosia, Lance Mayes and David Sharp are respectively corralling A/V, IT and Security vendors and issues. Mary Russell and Steve Martin are making sure our hospitality needs are addressed in the deacon/security/hospitality room. Kieran Shinkins and Eric Conard spent many hours moving the children’s classroom furnishings to new homes during the construction. And Pastor Garrett learned how to cut stained glass.
A huge thank you to everyone in the CMOPs class and the nursery/children’s departments for your flexibility as classrooms, entrances and pathways change. Lisa Shinkins and Lisa Massar have been instrumental in making sure this all runs smoothly and safely!
This is an exciting time in the life of our church!
***For safety reasons, the contractor has recommended that if you use a cane or walker or if you have small children you take advantage of the virtual tour.
UPDATE 07/28/2025
The builders have begun working on preparing the ground outside the sanctuary for the new foyer addition. You can see the old concrete cleared away in the top left picture.
The top right picture shows the baptistry. They have taken down the cross. They will re-attach the cross with light behind it. The cross will be about 6 inches off the wall. The wall will be various shades of blue tile. This will help accentuate the cross, which will be able to be viewed from more perspectives in the sanctuary because the opening to the baptistry has been expanded.
The lower pictures above are from the hallway that goes from the old foyer to the courtyard. The new bathrooms are framed. The hallway has been widened by about 6 inches, and the opening between the bathrooms where there will be a water fountain and family bathroom will give this area a spacious feel.
In July, we plan to take small groups into the sanctuary for a guided tour. Stay tuned.
BUILDING RENOVATION UPDATES
click on link to read report
June 16, 2025
April 19, 2025
Audio from Edie Dutton, Chair
Sanctuary Handout
May 19-21 - Flynn/Owens Library Collection moved to the conference room
May 25 - sanctuary chairs, hymnals, pulpit, and communion table moved to Maresh Hall
May 26 - sanctuary piano moved to Maresh Hall and tuned
May 27 - San Antonio Sound and Light removed technology and equipment from the sanctuary and began installing cameras and sound equipment in Maresh Hall
June 1 - Groundbreaking ceremony in the empty sanctuary after worship services
June 2 - Pugh Constructors begin renovation
Congregational Meetings about the Renovation Project
April 27
Quarterly Business Meeting, 12 pm, Sanctuary
April 28
Info Meeting, 10 am, Conference Room
May 1
Hybrid meeting (in-person and ZOOM), 12 PM,
Travelers Classrom and ZOOM
Results of the Renovation Vote from May 4
There were three motions proposed to the congregation:
Revision of the Addendum to the Financial Policy;
Moving forward with the Renovation Project;
Capital Campaign to support the Renovation.
In Person Vote
87 - yes 43 - no
88 - yes 3 - no
87 - yes 4 - no
Online Vote
29 - yes 1 - no
29 - yes 1 - no
29 - yes 1 - no
Quarterly Business Meeting
April 27 at Noon
Discussion about the Sanctuary Renovation project and funding
Revision of the Addendum to the Financial Policy for Estate Planning and Woodland Church Legacy Fund (information only - this will not be voted upon until the next meeting on May 4)
Motions from Church Council to be discussed:
The Church Council unanimously recommends Woodland Church approve the amended renovation project at $3.8 million and move forward with the renovation.
The Church Council unanimously recommends Woodland Church approve a capital campaign with a goal of $1 million to cash flow the renovation project and to provide seed capital future projects.
Finance update
Approve Committee assignment
What's the deal with the Legacy Fund Policy?
On April 27, we will have the opportunity to review the revision of an addendum to the financial policy regarding our Legacy Fund. The policy revision enables the church to use the Legacy Fund for big projects like the renovation. The money in the Legacy Fund was an estate gift that was not originally given to be an endowment-- it was given for projects like this renovation we are planning.
We tried to revise this policy two years ago, but we lacked the resolve and purpose to complete the process. Now we have a purpose. The time has come. The purpose of the gift is clear, and we have the need to use it that fits clearly the reason the original gift was given.
This policy must be changed in accordance with the stipulations for policy changes in our Bylaws. A revision must be brought to a business meeting and then voted on at the next business meeting (whether it is a Quarterly business meeting or one called for that purpose). Our quarterly business meeting will be on April 27 after worship. We will have a special meeting on May 4 to vote on this policy addendum and the renovation.