First Impressions Gathering Charts Course for Building Improvements

The future of McPherson First United Methodist Church's facilities took center stage as members gathered on January 12 to discuss proposed heating and cooling infrastructure improvements. The two-hour session brought together more than 65 participants who engaged in table discussions and shared individual feedback about the project's potential impact on church and community life.

Working in small groups, participants explored practical considerations while imagining new possibilities for expanded community service. Discussion topics ranged from immediate concerns about system reliability to long-term visions for enhanced ministry opportunities. The gathering's format encouraged both practical planning and creative thinking about how facility improvements could better serve McPherson.

The Building for Tomorrow planning team will use this feedback to refine project plans and develop next steps. Members interested in learning more about specific table discussions or providing additional input can review the complete documentation available in the church office. Watch for updates about future engagement opportunities as planning.

First Impressions Gathering Feedback Summary

Building for Tomorrow: HVAC Infrastructure Project

Thank you to the more than 65 participants who attended our First Impressions Gathering on January 12, 2025. The discussion revealed strong support for the proposed heating and cooling infrastructure project while raising important questions to guide our next steps. Your thoughtful engagement demonstrated our congregation’s commitment to careful planning for our church’s future. Complete documentation of individual responses and table feedback is available in the church office.

What Excites Us About This Project

The enthusiasm shared focused on both practical improvements and how this project demonstrates our commitment to our church's future and mission. Many noted how this project could unite our congregation around a common goal.

• Improved Comfort and Reliability
  • Consistent temperatures with individual room control
  • Reduced noise, particularly in Hess Hall during services
  • Better seasonal transitions throughout building
  • Prevention of system failures that could close our facility
  • Enhanced comfort for staff, congregation, and community partners
• Stewardship and Efficiency
  • Energy conservation and significant cost savings
  • Proactive planning instead of emergency repairs
  • Modern technology for better building management
  • Responsible resource management for future generations
  • Reduced maintenance and operating costs
• Ministry Impact
  • More welcoming environment for worship and gatherings
  • Better support for staff and community partners
  • Opportunity for congregational unity and growth
  • Demonstration of our commitment to serving McPherson
  • Pride in maintaining our facility for God's work

Key Questions Raised

Participants thoughtfully engaged with ensuring good stewardship and understanding implementation impacts, showing careful consideration of resources and ministry needs.

• Financial Planning
  • Project costs and funding strategies
  • Available grants, incentives, and payment scheduling
  • Impact on operating budget and other ministries
  • Options for community support and partnerships
  • Contingency planning and cost management
• Implementation
  • Timeline and impact on building use during installation
  • Contractor selection and quality assurance
  • Phasing considerations and priorities
  • Staff training and system management
  • Maintenance agreements and warranties

Future Possibilities

Participants envisioned enhanced ministry opportunities that reflect our commitment to being a servant church in McPherson, focusing on both current ministry improvements and new possibilities for service.

• Emergency warming/cooling center for community needs
• Expanded community gathering and training space
• Year-round ministry consistency and programming
• New ministry possibilities like childcare or youth programs
• Resource reallocation from utility savings to ministry
• Improved hosting for community events and partnerships
• Better environment for worship, learning, and fellowship
• Increased building utilization in all seasons