Our Needs
BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS
Maintenance & Upgrades
HVAC Replacement
We can no longer depend on our Fellowship Hall, Worship Center, Chapel, and Early Childhood spaces being comfortable due to its 30-year-old HVAC system. The equipment is beyond its life expectancy, and its instability worries us that it may completely break down.
We make repairs, but maintenance is costly, and the old machines' parts are scarce and difficult to come by. The systems no longer cool efficiently, and in some cases, unsightly portable air conditioners are being used that drive up our energy costs.
Additional Solar Capacity
Our current solar system covers only about 50% of our energy needs. This leaves us reliant on traditional power sources and without opportunity for greater savings.
We would like to significantly reduce our energy costs, increase our sustainability, and move closer to energy independence to have a long-term impact on both our budget and our environmental footprint.
Our church is more than just a building — it’s a vibrant home. These spaces have been the backdrop for countless moments of faith, friendship, and transformation. As stewards of this sacred place, we are called to care for what we have and to dream boldly about how our facilities can grow with us. Keeping them strong and improving them for the future, we expand our ability to build meaningful community, launch life-changing ministries, and extend Christ’s love far beyond our walls.
Sanctuary Audio-Visual
Together we make a weekly investment in our spiritual formation by gathering in song, prayer, scripture, preaching, and communion around the way of Jesus. Unfortunately, our Sanctuary’s old audio-visual tools diminish our worship experiences and make it difficult for our musicians and ministers to consider any new, innovative ideas.
Overhead, the theatrical lighting system has 17 outdated lights that are not energy efficient and create ongoing maintenance problems and costs. They burn out so frequently that someone, using a lift, must work on them multiple times a month.
Also, our aging video projector struggles to clearly display anything. Its insufficient brightness, combined with the sanctuary’s abundant natural light, results in poor visibility for the congregation, especially those with poor eyesight.
Outdoor Issues
Parking Lot Repairs & Maintenance
Research shows that people decide if they will return to a church within six minutes of their initial visit. Their potential to return depends on their first impressions. The property and how a community cares for it, and the “feel” of welcome a property provides is key.
Saint Matthew’s first impression is our cracked and deteriorating North Parking Lot and a South Parking Lot that needs resealing to prevent further damage. Both lots have faded lines and barely visible handicapped symbols and safety zones. This makes navigation hard and can lead to confusion or non-compliance with ADA regulations.
Spaces For The Next Generation
Children’s Play Area
Saint Matthew is blessed with an abundance of children and young families. Our growing children’s ministry is a gift and a responsibility. While our lawn offers a beautiful gathering space, we lack a dedicated, safe play area for our youngest children.
Teen Center Outdoor Access
The Teen Center, a church favorite for sharing fellowship and community, hosted over 100 events last year! The room shows this heavy use, especially in the worn, stained, and faded carpet.
Also, center activities are limited to the indoor area even though people often want to move into the adjacent yard. Unfortunately, when this happens it creates a separation between the indoor and outdoor gatherings because moving back and forth is constrained by a narrow door. 