Kitchen Renovation - Live into Hope

Psalm 18 was the verse of the day. David, the Psalmist, was surrounded by enemies. There was trouble on his left and trouble on his right. In the midst of his plight he looked forward to hope in God. He imagined the day when the festival banners would fly and the trumpets would be blown in joy. He knew that day would come because of God’s promise.  
 
Indeed, we may feel surrounded with trouble now. However, we know that our hope is in Christ and that we will be renewed with strength. We shall fly like eagles. We will run and not get tired (Isaiah 40:31). We will fly the festal banner. Sounds of worship will fill the church again!  We know God will make this happen!   

In a recent congregational letter, I gave you something
to look forward to as a church. The session approved the kitchen renovation project!  As I promised, I am sharing some more details. A task force was formed with Kevin Hoenig, Deb Sinclair, Al Memler, and Bryce Creager; along with help from Jack Becker, Char Hinrichs and Susan Farnsworth.

Again, the plan is to have it ready for Spaghetti Supper and Old Threshers! The estimated cost is $40,000 with a $4,000 contingency for changes. We plan to use funds from endowment and some memorial monies to pay for the project. Later, we will also have a celebratory fundraiser for the kitchen opening. All of these upgrades will also mean the kitchen is certifiable for commercial use. This is required if we prepare and serve meals once a week which we do. It may allow us to earn rental income too.  
 
 Here is the scope of the work. The floor is being replaced. We sent a sample in for asbestos testing which came back positive. That will have to be abated. We will put in a new commercial vinyl floor. We discussed polished concrete but the last vinyl floor lasted 40 years and concrete will need to be re-polished more frequently. 

The old double convection oven will be replaced with a double stacked residential oven. A commercial refrigerator will be purchased. We are adding two three basin stainless steel sinks. One fits the residential appearance of the counter area, while the other is a commercial style. The ceiling tiles will be replaced with washable tiles. The lighting will be updated to energy efficient LED, which will earn us a refund. 

The hanging cabinets and island counter between the dishwasher and stove are being removed. The island counter is being replaced with stainless steel rolling prep tables. This will make the area more open and flexible. Metal wire racks will be installed around the dishwasher for pots and pans storage. This will free up space in the pantry for the items from the hanging cabinets.
   
All of the “harvest gold” counter tops are being replaced in the kitchen and fellowship hall. The pegboard doors on the cabinets in the fellowship hall will also be replaced. The kitchen walls will be painted so they are smooth and wipe able. The cabinets will be deep cleaned and refinished. Hardware will be replaced as needed. (We decided against painting the cabinets after much debate.)   
    
That is the bulk of the work being done. We tried to think of everything. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions. A small team will clean out the cabinets in May. We have some dishes and kitchen items that they will make available to members. If we don’t have takers, we will donate them. The construction work will start in June.  This seems wild to do in our current climate; however, the kitchen is not being used right now. It keeps some people working. It also shows us living into our hope in God’s promised future!
                                                  Rev. Trey Hegar