We are coming home!
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Restoration Update - June 2026
As we enter the summer months, we wanted to provide another update on the restoration of our worship center following the ceiling collapse that occurred on February 3, 2026.
For the past four months, our church family has faithfully gathered in our Education Wing, which has served as our temporary "Pop-Up Sanctuary." While it has certainly been different from what we're accustomed to, God has continued to meet with us each week. We have been reminded that the Church is not a building—it is God's people. Still, we look forward to the day when we can once again worship together in our restored sanctuary.
We are excited to share that significant progress has been made.
The drywall work is now complete, and the sanctuary ceiling has been painted. Walking into the room today looks dramatically different than it did just a few months ago. What was once a space filled with debris, exposed rafters, and construction equipment is beginning to look like a worship center again.
In addition, approximately 75% of our lighting has been installed. Each completed project brings us one step closer to reopening the sanctuary and returning to the space that has served our church and community for generations.
While we are thankful for the progress, there is still a considerable amount of work that remains before we can move back in.
Over the coming weeks, we will be focusing on:
Installing the remaining lighting and electrical components
Completing insulation work above the ceiling
Cleaning and sanitizing the HVAC ductwork
Painting trim and finishing details
Deep cleaning the sanctuary and surrounding areas
Reinstalling and configuring technology systems
Setting up sound, projection, and livestream equipment
Returning furniture and fixtures to their proper locations
Completing numerous smaller finishing projects that are necessary before reopening
As many of you know, construction projects often reveal unexpected expenses along the way. While our original estimate for restoration was approximately $25,000, we are beginning to realize that budget may have been too conservative. Additional materials, labor, technology needs, and finishing costs have increased the overall expense of the project.
Because of your generosity, we have now received more than $21,000 in donations and pledges. We are incredibly grateful for every church, business, organization, family, and individual who has contributed to this effort. Your support has made it possible for us to reach this stage of the restoration.
Even with this incredible support, we anticipate additional costs as we complete the final phases of the project. If you have been considering making a gift, your contribution would help us cross the finish line and ensure that every aspect of the restoration is completed well.
One of the greatest blessings to come from this difficult season has been witnessing the unity of the Body of Christ. Churches from different backgrounds, local businesses, and countless individuals have stepped forward to help. People have volunteered their time, donated materials, provided financial gifts, and offered countless prayers.
What could have been a story about a collapsed ceiling has become a story about a united community.
We have seen firsthand that the Church is far bigger than any one congregation. Brothers and sisters in Christ have rallied around us, reminding us that when one part of the Body suffers, the whole Body responds with love, support, and encouragement. We will never forget the kindness that has been shown to Sweetser Wesleyan Church throughout this journey.
Most importantly, we ask for your continued prayers. Pray for wisdom as decisions are made, for safety as work continues, and for God's provision as we seek the resources needed to finish strong.
This journey has certainly been longer and more challenging than any of us expected. Yet throughout every setback, God has remained faithful. We are grateful for the countless volunteers, donors, contractors, churches, businesses, and community members who have walked alongside us during this season.
We believe the day is coming soon when we will once again gather in a restored sanctuary to worship, pray, celebrate baptisms, and proclaim the hope of Jesus Christ together.
Thank you for being part of this story.
With gratitude,
Pastor Andrew Kinney
Sweetser Wesleyan Church
As we enter the summer months, we wanted to provide another update on the restoration of our worship center following the ceiling collapse that occurred on February 3, 2026.
For the past four months, our church family has faithfully gathered in our Education Wing, which has served as our temporary "Pop-Up Sanctuary." While it has certainly been different from what we're accustomed to, God has continued to meet with us each week. We have been reminded that the Church is not a building—it is God's people. Still, we look forward to the day when we can once again worship together in our restored sanctuary.
We are excited to share that significant progress has been made.
The drywall work is now complete, and the sanctuary ceiling has been painted. Walking into the room today looks dramatically different than it did just a few months ago. What was once a space filled with debris, exposed rafters, and construction equipment is beginning to look like a worship center again.
In addition, approximately 75% of our lighting has been installed. Each completed project brings us one step closer to reopening the sanctuary and returning to the space that has served our church and community for generations.
While we are thankful for the progress, there is still a considerable amount of work that remains before we can move back in.
Over the coming weeks, we will be focusing on:
Installing the remaining lighting and electrical components
Completing insulation work above the ceiling
Cleaning and sanitizing the HVAC ductwork
Painting trim and finishing details
Deep cleaning the sanctuary and surrounding areas
Reinstalling and configuring technology systems
Setting up sound, projection, and livestream equipment
Returning furniture and fixtures to their proper locations
Completing numerous smaller finishing projects that are necessary before reopening
As many of you know, construction projects often reveal unexpected expenses along the way. While our original estimate for restoration was approximately $25,000, we are beginning to realize that budget may have been too conservative. Additional materials, labor, technology needs, and finishing costs have increased the overall expense of the project.
Because of your generosity, we have now received more than $21,000 in donations and pledges. We are incredibly grateful for every church, business, organization, family, and individual who has contributed to this effort. Your support has made it possible for us to reach this stage of the restoration.
Even with this incredible support, we anticipate additional costs as we complete the final phases of the project. If you have been considering making a gift, your contribution would help us cross the finish line and ensure that every aspect of the restoration is completed well.
One of the greatest blessings to come from this difficult season has been witnessing the unity of the Body of Christ. Churches from different backgrounds, local businesses, and countless individuals have stepped forward to help. People have volunteered their time, donated materials, provided financial gifts, and offered countless prayers.
What could have been a story about a collapsed ceiling has become a story about a united community.
We have seen firsthand that the Church is far bigger than any one congregation. Brothers and sisters in Christ have rallied around us, reminding us that when one part of the Body suffers, the whole Body responds with love, support, and encouragement. We will never forget the kindness that has been shown to Sweetser Wesleyan Church throughout this journey.
Most importantly, we ask for your continued prayers. Pray for wisdom as decisions are made, for safety as work continues, and for God's provision as we seek the resources needed to finish strong.
This journey has certainly been longer and more challenging than any of us expected. Yet throughout every setback, God has remained faithful. We are grateful for the countless volunteers, donors, contractors, churches, businesses, and community members who have walked alongside us during this season.
We believe the day is coming soon when we will once again gather in a restored sanctuary to worship, pray, celebrate baptisms, and proclaim the hope of Jesus Christ together.
Thank you for being part of this story.
With gratitude,
Pastor Andrew Kinney
Sweetser Wesleyan Church
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We continue to hold our Sunday worship services in the ministry hall. Pastor Andrew calls it our "pop-up sanctuary".
