Our Needs
Our family of faith is excited to be worshipping and joining together in fellowship again at our stately and historic campus. In 2016 we completed a capital campaign to make necessary updates to our facility that provided a firm foundation for our future in many ways. Yet, despite our accomplishments, some significant challenges remain. We need to continue to make campus improvements so our facilities serve us better today and for many years to come.
Main Entrance
Easily Identifiable, Central & Accessible Main Entrance
- Our lack of one main entrance and central gathering space inhibits building our faith community. We need one central place where everyone can join together before and after worship services and other events.
- Our current, multiple building entrances are unwelcoming to visitors because it is unclear which doors to use for worship, events, and meetings.
- Only one entrance, at 4th and Date Street, is handicap accessible.
- Without a central church office entrance our weekday visitors cannot be appropriately screened and greeted, and our only office waiting area is a bench in the hallway.
Indoor Space
Many of our meeting spaces, from the Assembly Hall to our small and medium size meeting rooms, do not serve our needs.
Expanded Fellowship & Large Meeting Space
- Our Assembly Hall is a passageway rather than a useful, large fellowship and meeting space because it is the only connection between the church offices and the restrooms, pastors’ and staff offices, and the sanctuary.
- Those who use the hall for a meeting or event have constant distractions from people passing through the area.
- The outdated hall looks tired and worn, which also discourages many from using it for meetings and events.
- We lack a convenient place to offer the hospitality of coffee and snacks before and after services and events.
Expanded Small & Medium Size Meeting Spaces
- Our small and medium size meeting spaces are not handicapped accessible. This means not everyone can participate in our ministries and activities held in those areas.
- Our street level spaces are accessible but are too large or not private enough for meetings and prayer.
Outdoor Space
Our existing courtyard is our only outdoor fellowship space and it is not as accessible, attractive or functional as we need it to be.
Expanded Fellowship & Meeting Spaces
- To access the courtyard is inconvenient and unwelcoming, people must use multiple interior stairways or the steep Date Street ramp that does not meet current accessibility codes. Therefore, many people, especially those using assistive mobility devices, are discouraged from participating in activities in this potentially wonderful space.
- The courtyard's poor access, functionality, and lack of appeal make it a lost opportunity for us to enjoy faith activities outdoors in our Southern California weather.
Accessibility
We need to considerably improve access into and within our building. Easy and safe access for all members and visitors is necessary to enable participation in the many, wonderful offerings we provide throughout our facility.
Easier, More Welcoming Building Access
Our only accessible entrance is the 4th & Date Street door which is the farthest from the parking lots and directly accesses the worship space. From there, access to other main level areas is a long way across the Narthex and breezeway.
All levels other than the main floor are only accessible by stairs, so, those unable to use stairs cannot:
- Meet with a pastor in the newly renovated Pastors' Suite with its beautiful stained-glass windows and sitting area.
- Meet with staff members in their upstairs offices.
- Participate in the events and ministries held in upper and lower level classrooms.
