Design Focus Groups

Persons who signed up to be part of our Design Focus groups have been working to develop ideas for the various ministry areas in our new facilities. The results of their efforts will be given to an architect so that they may be considered for inclusion in the design of our new facilities.

The ideas posted below are from: Children's Ministry, Communications, Computer Requirements, Kitchen Design, Library Design, Music Suite, Office Space, Sanctary, Special Needs, and Youth Building.

Children’s Ministry Proposal for

League City United Methodist Church’s

New Church Campus

April 30, 2008

Introduction

This proposal is divided into two parts: Nursery/Weekday Ministries and Children K-5. This was a collaborative effort by Barbara Hammons, the Weekday Ministries Staff, Cathy Schmitz, Lisa Whittle, Jami Wells, Jennie Urban, Andrea Pritchard and Tina Harrell. Members of the committee visited several churches prior to our meetings which gave us ideas as to what we would want (and not want) in our Children’s Wing. The churches that we visited include: Frazier UMC, Friendswood UMC, St. Luke’s UMC, FUMC-Round Rock, Hope Lutheran, Gloria Dei Lutheran and Southeast Church of Christ.

Our belief is that a well-designed Children’s Ministry area is vital to the growth of League City United Methodist Church. Our thought for this area is a two-story wing in which the Nursery and Weekday Ministries areas would be downstairs and the elementary area would be upstairs. We want a secure entrance and exit for the area, and access to the upstairs would be just inside the doors of the Children’s area. Not knowing the overall design of the new church facility, we do not know if this will be possible. However, it is important for us to have the Nursery, Weekday Ministries and K-5 areas in close proximity to one another without being down one long hallway, which would cause a great deal of congestion prior to and following Sunday School. We are aware that we will not get everything we want and hope for, but please keep in mind that our Weekday Ministries program is subject to licensing regulations by the State of Texas. There are some things that are not negotiable if we are going to continue with this ministry.

We appreciate the dedication of the Long Range Planning Committee and realize the enormous task that is before you in designing our new facility. Please prayerfully consider our requests and know that you will be in our prayers as well as you continue the process of building our new church home.

Part I

Nursery/Weekday Ministries Requests

1. Children’s Wing with secure entrance/exit-Safety is a priority for us; at the very least, we would like this area to be behind doors that can be locked in an emergency

2. Welcome Center area upon entrance to the Children’s Wing with a desk of some sort and a magnetic dry-erase board to be used as a parent information board

3. Two offices located in the Welcome Center area to be used by the Weekday Ministries director and an additional office to plan for growth

4. Kitchenette within Children’s Wing consisting of: refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, sink, and cabinets above and below countertops (*Justification: this would be an area that could be used by the church nursery and Weekday Ministries staff to heat bottles, prepare lunches, teach cooking lessons, etc.); We would also like to have a small washer/dryer in this area to be used for Nursery linens, children’s soiled clothing, Weekday Ministries needs, kitchen towels, etc.; this could be used by multiple groups;

5. 10-12 classrooms (2- Church Nursery only, 1-Infant, 1-Toddler-I, 1-Toddler-II, 2-2 year old, 1- 3 year old, 1-4 year old, 2-4 rooms for growth which could be used now for Chapel, Music or Spanish) each containing:

A. 2-part door that leads to the hallway that can hook to the wall with an observation window in the top half, or a one-way window next to the door to allow parents to see into the classroom (*Requirement for Weekday Ministries);

B. Shelf with hooks underneath for backpacks, coats, etc. (Placed at an appropriate height so that the children cannot run into the hooks)

C. Cubby space (4 rows of 4) to be used by children enrolled in Weekday Ministries or for storage space for teaching materials or toys

D. One wall (not necessarily the entire wall) of cabinets above and below countertops, allowing room for a diaper changing station at one end of the countertop as well as a sink area containing a faucet and a water fountain

E. A window to the outside (preferably one that opens) with blinds;

F. At least one wall made with material like the elementary schools use that allow for staples or a cubicle-type wall that would allow for staples, push pins or Velcro (*Justification: we want to be able to display Sunday School materials, children’s artwork and teaching materials used by Weekday Ministries; “approved wall adhesives” do not hold materials and when the humidity rises inside the classrooms, the displayed materials fall down; we want our new building to be nice, but also usable);

G. A large, magnetic dry erase board (No chalk!) mounted to the wall (no trays for holding markers as this is a hazard for children) that could be used for teaching;

H. Cushioned linoleum in the classroom-No carpet! (*Justification: Carpet is not good for the preschool area since many children are still potty training and urine is not easy to clean up nor is it sanitary; Cushioned linoleum is our preference since toddlers and preschoolers trip and fall frequently as they learn to become more coordinated);

I. Approximate size: 31’ x 19’ (*Justification: This is the size of the current 2 year old Sunday School classroom.

There is plenty of space in the room to set up centers, have a teaching area and a work area. Children need plenty of room to work and play, and we also want to have room for all the new children who will call LCUMC their church home.);

J. Phone System in every classroom that would include an outside line along with some way to reach the Weekday Ministries Director’s office, Children’s Ministries Director’s office, and the main church office;

K. Separated light switches with dimmers so that 1 light switch does not control all of the lights in the classroom; We’d also like ceiling fans in the classrooms;

L. Several outlets (at least 3) on each wall;

M. In the 2 Nursery only rooms, we would like them to be connected with a 2-part door that can hook to the wall, as well as connected with a bathroom (see below); We also would like to have a small dry-erase board by the classroom doors so that we can share important notes and reminders with our parents (*Justification: We need to have 2 Nursery only rooms so that we can offer child care for weekday Bible studies-we currently do not have that capability because all of our rooms are used by Weekday Ministries M-Th. We also need them to connect with a 2-part door so that if we are short nursery staff, we can still comply with our Safe Sanctuary policy if children need to be separated because of their ages.);

N. We would also like ceiling mounted TVs with DVD capabilities in the 2 Nursery only rooms so that the children and nursery workers can participate in the worship service too;

Between every 2 rooms should be a bathroom:

2-part doors that lead to the classrooms with the capability of hooking to the wall
2 child-sized toilets with a divider between the toilets (No playing in the bathroom!)
2 child-sized sinks
appropriate placement of soap and paper towel dispensers;

6. 2-3 large storage rooms for classroom materials and supplies to be used by Nursery, Weekday Ministries and Children’s Ministries

7. 2 small rooms to be used as Nursing Rooms (no observation window!) *If it’s not possible to have separate rooms, then we’d like them to be included in the Nursery only rooms as long as it does not compromise the play area within the classroom;

8. A small office for the Nursery Staff which would include the time clock, storage area, filing cabinet, small desk unit, and a place to store personal belongings while working;

9. Adult men’s and women’s restrooms located within the Children’s Wing;

10. Kid-sized water fountains in the hallway;

11. A large playground area that can be divided into two areas-one for smaller children and one for preschool/elementary aged children; The Consumer Product Safety Commission just recently updated their Handbook for Public Playground Safety (CPSC-325), and this can be found on their website: www.cpsc.gov;

12. A covered drop-off/pick-up area close to the Children’s Wing;

13. Gym area with large storage closet for riding toys and gym toys;

14. Storage room (interior or exterior as long as it is a permanent fixture) close to the Children’s Wing for the large buggies used by Weekday Ministries for outdoor rides;

15. Workroom (approximate size: 25’ x 25’) close to the Children’s Wing to be used by Sunday School teachers, Nursery Staff, Children’s Church leaders, Weekday Ministries Staff, and Youth; This workroom should be a large, usable space that would contain:

A. Large hanging filing cabinets for resource material for Biblical thematic units

B. Built-in bookshelves along one wall to be used for construction paper, scissors, glue, crayons, markers, colored paper, teaching materials, etc.

C. Copier for use by the groups listed above;

D. Utility sink;

E. 2 large islands (4’x 8’x 34”) with storage underneath and workspace above

F. Built-in cabinets with counter space along one wall

G. Area within workroom to place the carts containing the bulletin board paper;

H. One storage room (from item 6 above) to be attached to workroom for the Weekday Ministries’ thematic units;

16. Classroom supplies that will be needed for the new facility:

A. 2 tables with built-in seats for the infant and toddler rooms

B. Child-sized tables and chairs;

C. Kidney-shaped tables for teaching in the 3 and 4 year old rooms (in addition to regular tables and chairs);

D. We will need 2 tables per room as well as 16 chairs per room (not needed in Nursery I room or Weekday Ministry Infant room);

17. We would also like thematic murals painted in the hallways of the Children’s Wing that would tie in the classrooms, but we do not want murals in the classrooms;

Part II

Children K-5 Ministry

1. Our vision is a 2-story building, with the children in grades K-5 being upstairs from the Nursery and Preschool area; 2 sets of stairs; elevator to meet ADA guidelines;

2. Welcome Center (smaller version of the downstairs area) upon entrance to the 2nd floor of the Children’s Wing; we would like some type of desk area and a magnetic dry-erase board to be used as a parent information board

3. Office space for Children’s Director (The extra office space downstairs could initially be used for the Children’s Director, but as our Weekday Ministry program and staff grow, we will need an office upstairs so the Children’s Director will have office space in the future.)

4. Central gathering area (an open, multipurpose space) close to the stairs and Welcome Center; This area would be used for Children’s Church, Children’s Music, Sunday School Assembly, Weekday Ministries Chapel and programs, etc. We would like a retractable screen mounted from the ceiling along with a projection system. The approximate size would be similar to the size of our current FLC-not necessarily as tall as the FLC; this facility would also need tables and chairs;

5. Classrooms around the perimeter of the gathering area

A. 6 large classrooms (approx. 30’ x 30’) with dividing walls (floor-to-ceiling magnetic dry-erase walls) so that each large room could be divided into 12 smaller rooms as our children’s program grows;

B. Each large room would need 2 doors with observation windows, so that there would be doors in each of the smaller rooms;

C. We would like 2 windows (with blinds) to the outside in each of the large rooms;

D. We would like the walls within the classrooms to be made with the same cubicle-type material that is used downstairs so that bulletin board material and children’s artwork can be displayed (same justification as 5F of Part I);

E. Each large room would need cabinets similar to those downstairs (without tall locker section) on both ends of the large room so that when divided, all rooms would have some type of storage space; these cabinets don’t necessarily have to contain a sink area

F. 2 phones in each of the large classrooms (one on each end);

6. Small, central work area (could be in a nook; doesn’t have to be a separate room) containing:

A. Large utility sink (for rinsing out paint brushes, etc.);

B. Cabinets for storage-Kleenex, paper towels, extra consumable items to grab in a pinch, etc.

7. Girls and boys bathrooms (2 each) containing at least 3-4 toilets/urinals and sinks;

8. Kid-sized water fountains in hallways;

9. Separate room for Children’s Library with one wall of built-in bookshelves; windows to outside and inside; small table and chairs, rug, bean bags or big, comfy chairs for kids; this room could be used by children on Sunday mornings, as well as the Weekday Ministries children for library classes or story time

10. One large closet for storage;

11. One A/V closet for TV/DVD players and any other A/V equipment;

Conclusion

We believe that a well-designed Children’s Area is vital to the growth of League City United Methodist Church. With the many programs we have and the ones we will develop and expand in the future, our church can minister to not only the children and families who are currently members of LCUMC, but also to those who may not know Christ or have a church home. If this area is not designed with growth in mind, we will grow out of this area soon after it is built. This Children’s Area has the capability of being used for so much more than just Sunday School and Weekday Ministry class space. It can be used for Children’s Church, the Children’s Music Ministry, Vacation Bible School activities, as well as Girl Scout and Boy Scout activities. God has a plan for League City United Methodist Church, and through prayer and faith that God will guide us along this journey of building a new to church in which we can continue to praise and glorify Him, we can carry out our mission within League City and the surrounding communities: To serve, share, worship and win Disciples for Christ. Again, we appreciate your prayerful consideration of our requests for the Nursery, Weekday Ministries and Children’s area of our new church campus.

LCUMC

Design Concepts

Communications Team

April 2008

Overview

In today’s world, technology is an integral part of our lives and has become an effective method for churches to communicate with their members, prospective members, and their community. We recognize that LCUMC is making a bold commitment toward our new facility and that it is necessary to balance the immediate and near term needs against meeting our budget limitations. Toward these thoughts, the Communications Team is balancing our desires against the budget reality.

In order to accomplish this while still keeping technology growth realizable, this document is proposing what we believe to be a reasonable initial capability while insuring the physical infrastructure is in place to allow technology growth as the congregation desires it. Therefore, physical floor space, proper power availability, and lots of cables and cable runs will be emphasized. Small considerations such as lighting, acoustics, camera views, and projector angles can reap great returns in future growth.

Approach

We recognize that this initial effort is to establish a baseline for an architect. However, in order to fully understand what the architectural requirements are, we have included detailed information that may be more applicable to the design phase. Therefore, several TBDs (To Be Determined) remain in the document where the data is not needed by the architect.

The Communications Team is proposing the following

Worship Center

We are assuming one Worship Center that will accommodate Traditional, Contemporary, and Blended services. Modern churches include the capability to enhance services via good lighting and lighting control, acoustics oriented toward traditional services, contemporary services, and performances (different requirements), modern sound systems, projection systems, and the ability to record audio and video. The heart of this capability is a Control Room.

Physical aspects: The control room should be at the back of the sanctuary, facing forward. It must be isolated physically from the congregation (i.e. not in a balcony shared with congregation). It must be open to the sanctuary so that sound can be monitored, but must have sound absorption acoustic properties so that the controllers can communicate. The ability to close this opening may be required for security, depending upon the final layout. The room must have a lock on the door(s) so that expensive equipment can be protected, and equipment settings preserved. The floor level of the room needs to be elevated approximately 4 to 5 feet above the sanctuary floor in front of it so that video and photography can be performed without obstructions and good sound quality from the sanctuary is heard. The room needs to be centered. Minimum floor space is 300 sq. feet and the minimum frontal area should be 15 feet. Power requirements are TBD kilowatts. All power must be on circuits dedicated to this room. Power should be available at the wall and on the floor. Separate air conditioning is required so that week day work in the room can be accomplished without air conditioning the entire sanctuary. A phone should be included in the control room.
Audio system: The system should be stereo. Audio connections should be at a multitude (TBD) of locations throughout the sanctuary, especially in the chancel area. These connections include microphones and speakers. Removable monitor speakers should be available on the chancel and any other performance areas for performances and contemporary praise bands, and should include capability for ‘personal mixer systems’ (such as the Avion product). An audio support system for hearing impaired should be included. A wireless microphone system is required to support pastors, speakers, lay readers, etc., and a few performers/singers (about 10 – TBD). THE FOLLOWING IS A POTENTIAL DISCUSSION ITEM. Acceptable Sanctuary acoustics can potentially be in direct conflict with other worship needs and coordination is required to insure that good acoustics are available for all sanctuary uses. The architect must have an acoustical consultant. Speaker placement for the congregation is a critical part of this activity.
Lighting system: The sanctuary should have controllable lighting suitable for all service types and suitable for videography. A lighting control system should be in the A/V control room, but normal control at the floor, fore and aft in the sanctuary must operate when the A/V lighting control panel is off. Fixed lights plus stage lighting/spot lights are needed. All lighting should be of the same technology such that the same color spectrum is produced. The color temperature should be suitable for videography and photography (TBD). Remote control spots are a growth item and the physical, power, and control cables should be included. THE FOLLOWING IS A POTENTIAL DISCUSSION ITEM. External windows can have a positive or negative effect on videography and photography, such as window placement relative to sun angles, as well as colored windows. We need to be a part of the discussion on sanctuary windows. The architect and/or building designer needs to be instructed to address this issue. The lighting system implementation is an area that potentially will be under two separate contracts – building contractor for the actual lights, and the A/V contractor for lighting control. This is a potential contractor problem area.
Projection system: The projection system consists of at least two projectors with large screens (size dependent upon sanctuary dimensions) at the front of the sanctuary and sufficient video monitors facing the chancel so that the pastors, speakers, and choir can see what the congregation sees. Review of several churches has led us to go ahead and specify that these should be Rear Screen projectors. These projectors and monitors will be driven by a computer in the Control Room and capable of displaying PowerPoint, Easy Worship, Media Shout, etc. type data and video. It is desirable that the projectors and the projection screens be aligned orthogonally in all axis so that parallax correction is minimized. The projections must be easily viewable in all lighting conditions.
Video System: Video may be a growth item if cost proves prohibitive, and it is very important to accommodate video in the sanctuary design. There should be attach points in the sanctuary for remote control cameras, along with video and control lines. (TBD). Shooting video from the control room floor must be accommodated.
Audio/Video/Data (projection)/Lighting Control: The control room will need to have an audio console for audio control, a video console and related equipment (TBD), a computer system for projection control, and a lighting control panel. Audio amplifiers, power conditioners, recording equipment, wireless microphone control, hearing impaired system control, and TBD equipment will also be required. The audio amplifiers may be located at a different location if need be.
Remote audio/video: There are key locations (TBD) throughout the church where it would be desirable to be able to listen to and view the service. Audio and video should be available in the narthex, nursery, baby cry room, office suite, chapel, etc. Additionally, an overflow capability in the Family Life Center is a growth item, and wiring should be included for audio and video.
Television: A wiring path to the roof from the control room should be included to allow the addition of satellite television or a local TV antenna.
A/V editing/duplication: A growth item is equipment for audio duplication, video editing, DVD/CD duplications, etc. Floor space, power, and cabling for this capability is required.

Family Life Center/Education/Office, etc.

Family Life Center Audio/Video. We are assuming that the FLC will at times be used for worship and performances. We envision a growth item as a sanctuary overflow facility with audio/video projection. We also assume that there will be a stage area separate from the regular floor area (that can be isolated, at least via a curtain). We would like to see a minimization of external windows with relatively easy way to shade any sunlight entering. The following are growth items for which infrastructure should be in place:

Lighting: Similar to current facility, with capability for spot light growth item.
Projector system: Growth item, but the design should consider dual screen locations with dual projector locations. Front projection is OK.
Remote Sanctuary link: Growth item should include audio and video links to Sanctuary.
Performance stage
An A/V storage room.

Sunday school rooms / meeting rooms

Growth item: location in each room set up for a wall mounted TV/monitor. The TV/Monitor should have coax link back to office area. Ethernet links should be provided for future growth. Power and data connections must be high on the wall behind the monitor attachment, with at least one per room.
Lots of power outlets on each wall.

Electronic Bulletin Board System (EBB). At key locations throughout ALL buildings, flat screen monitors should be included to allow PowerPoint type presentations, and video of the sanctuary service to be presented. These monitors will located in hallways, foyers, etc. and power and data connections should be located immediately behind the monitors. The architect should consider the placement of these monitors as part of overall design.
Paging system for parents/nursery.
Web maintenance (work station, etc.)

Desktop workstation, dedicated to communications tasks.
Location in the office area

Signs

Internal: All rooms have signs. Signs throughout building helping people find any room from any area.
External: Move our Cross and Flame from old building. An electronic sign would be nice, but minimally a sign of the size of our current external sign. Needs work. We need signs helping visitors find parking, visitor parking, and identify directions to the Sanctuary, Office, and Sunday School/Meeting rooms.

Office space (parts may be physically part of A/V control center)

File storage: Storage for equipment manuals and Communications records.
Data (A/V/IT) storage: Storage area for archival CDs/DVDs, Video tapes, and blank media
Equipment storage: Storage for TV cameras, spare equipment, etc.
Communications activity work area floor space and associated storage – 100 sq. feet.

Contract questions:

Our communications with some of the churches who have recently built new facilities indicates that multiple contracts were used – building contractor, audio/video contractor, and information technology contractor. If we choose to go this route (which the Communications Team recommends), then careful thought must be given to how the work is delineated. We would like to be closely involved in this process.

League City United Methodist Church

New Facility Design Concepts

Information Technology Team

April 2008

The Information Technology Team proposes the following

Dedicated Computer Server/Communications Room

The Computer Server/Communications Room will:

1. Accommodate the church network server, data mass-storage devices, and associated network hardware

2. Accommodate controllers for church HVAC System (Specifics TBD)

2. Accommodate the church telephone system

5. Accommodate church security system

6. Provide a terminating point for all computer network, telephone, security, and HVAC control circuits.

Key Features of this room will be:

1. Dedicated HVAC to maintain pre-set temperature on a 24/7 basis.

2. At least four dedicated 20 amp circuits to provide power for equipment in the server/Communications room. (Power will be scaled to provide for future growth)

3. Uninterruptible power supplies and power conditioning will be provided for all electronic equipment in the server room.

4. Adequate storage space for computer, security, and telephone hardware, software, and documentation (Square footage TBD)

5. Computer Electrical hardware will be rack mounted to provide for physical protection, adequate air circulation, and maximize space management.

General Church Wide Requirements

Every room should be pre-wired for computer network communications. Wiring conduit trays should be accessible and sized to accommodate future expansion.

All rooms should be pre-wired for telephone/intercom communications. Even if a campus wide telephone/intercom system is not immediately implemented, it would be more cost effective to pre-wire for it during the construction phase.

The network and telephone wiring should terminate in the Computer Server/Communications room.

Church Electronic Security

The church facility should be pre-wired for a security system. This includes providing for the installation of alarm sensors at all external doors and windows. Wiring will also be installed for motion detection sensors in key areas. (TBD) The church facility should also be pre-wired for video surveillance of complete exterior and interior areas. If a security/surveillance system is not immediately implemented, pre-wiring during construction will minimize the installation cost should either system be desired down the road. All security/surveillance wiring will terminate in the Utility room.

Weekday and after hours building access should be controlled with electronic key cards to open outside doors and key inside doors. The use of electronic key cards will make it easier to monitor and control access to the facility without the needing to track or recover keys. The church would also have a record of entry, the card keys can not be easily duplicated, and when a person no longer needs access, their key card can be removed from the computer. The electronic access system would also allow for the church office to remotely unlock doors to admit visitors. The up-front cost of an electronic access system should be offset by not needing to re-key doors when too many unaccounted keys are in circulation.

Church Staff Security (This may overlap with office team recommendations)

Where applicable, church staff offices should be grouped together in one area of the new church facility. This will increase staff efficiency and physical security. Not having the church staff spread throughout the facility will also make it easier to secure and minimize heating and cooling requirements for portions of the church that are unused during the week.

It may be necessary to locate the Weekday Ministries offices in the children’s education wing to control access to the school. Likewise, the Youth Directors Office may need to be located in the youth wing so that they can control and monitor access to that facility.

Money Counters

A secure and private area needs to be provided for the Sunday morning money counters. This area could be combined with the financial secretary’s office but must include a copy machine and computer access.

Alternative Approach: The money counters do not require a dedicated room. The counters could use a work room co-located with the church office. The church could have a workroom adjoining the office for the copier, storage, office supplies, the folding machine, etc. A large table in the center of the work room would make a good work area for the counters. This table would also provide a work area for the office volunteers and staff who are assembling mailings, bulletins, etc. The money counters will need computer access.

New Facility

Kitchen/Dining Design

“Feed them and they will come”

Current space:

Approximate kitchen space (wall to wall) is 22’x28’; 616 ft²

Pantry is approximately 5’x8’; 60 ft²

Dining (FLC) seating for about 250 to 300 (using 6’ rectangular tables)

Current usage:

There are currently at least 8 groups affiliated with the church that utilize the kitchen facility on either a regular or occasional basis. Other groups/organizations use the facility but fewer and less often.

Current furnishings:

1 six-top range with oven; 1 36” griddle top oven; 2 in cabinet ovens (sm.); 3 compartment sink with disposal and sprayer; standard double basin sink with disposal; 1 single rack commercial dishwasher; 1 single door refrigerator and 1 single door upright freezer (both commercial). 1 hand-wash sink. 1 Small ice machine. Service window directly into dining area.

Looking forward

Kitchen space(s) & size(s):

Suggest double the current size for the new main kitchen/storage. Layout would combine or connect the kitchen and storage area to allow easier access.

Foresee need for additional 3-4 kitchenettes/cubbies (60ft² with storage, refrigerator, microwave, possible standard oven/range, under-counter ice): Creative Corners/Weekday Ministries*, Youth*, (Scouts?) Equipment needs will vary depending on location and probable uses.

If there is an outdoor pavilion, suggest having concession/service area(s) built-in. Could service many events/activities: music festival, fall fest, others listed later in this report as well.

Suggest having a kitchenette located on each floor/wing of education (depends on layout and design of the whole facility if extra kitchenettes are needed or how many. Two are definitely needed for the ones listed above* and suggest having a formal parlor with kitchenette.

Service alcove or window for informal gatherings would be nice almost cafeteria style. Separation from main kitchen work space and dining is ideal to diminish noise pollution during events especially formal gatherings or conference type events with speakers. If smaller multi-purpose rooms are connected to main dining area, suggest having a service hallway or other access to them without traveling through main room.

Desired furnishings:

Stainless steel work counters with possible (1) butcher block counter

Island type work station(s) with easily accessible power outlets (down middle on top)

walk-in cooler/freezer

multi-compartment sink with disposal

larger capacity ice machine

hot/cold buffet on wheels (2)

knife drawer/cabinet with lock

warming storage (possible use of under table units)

no wasted space (possible rolling rack system in storage)

open rack storage for pots/pans/trays for easy access

low-hanging rack for cooking/service utensils (frees-up drawers or need)

efficient/commercial dishwasher

36” flat griddle* (possible table top# or as oven top)

24-36” grooved grill* (possible table top# or as oven top)

Top/bottom commercial convection oven*

Burners (2-6)*

Fryer (possible counter-top#)*

Good lighting

3-compartment sink with disposal (not as deep as current sink, depends on health code)

prep sink larger than standard house basin

vent hood with good lighting

*gas wherever feasible

# could be relocated to outdoor pavilion or tent for special events

Dining space:

Main dining area should be at least as large as current space. Suggest locating multi-purpose rooms near/next or connected to main area with moveable walls to create larger area as needed.

Floor plugs for a/v equipment as well as portable coffee pots, food lines.

Tile type carpet that can be replaced individually as needed.

Ideally, a standard set-up could be kept in place but then removed or rearranged as needed for individual events. Prefer use of round tables.

Adjustable lighting with numerous settings.

New Ministries/Justification:

With the right space, location and drive of both volunteers and leadership; ministry possibilities for the congregation and to the community are virtually endless.

Expansion of ministries available for the congregation to SERVE in, SHARING their talents with other members and the community, inviting the community to SHARE in our special events in a non-threatening WORSHIPful atmosphere will bring us closer to our goal of WINNING others to Christ.

A few possibilities: (some require a licensed facility which we do not currently have)

-Membership care meal preparation and storage (births, deaths, home-bound, etc.) could be expanded to have one ministry for preparing meals and another for delivery or even held for pick-up by a family member.

-More accommodating for receptions, family gatherings.

-Could be rented out for conferences/meetings (other churches, district, local organizations)

-Rented out to local caterers for use on occasional or regular basis, possibly in conjunction with other items listed

-Cooking classes (kids, teens, singles, couples, anybody)

-Theme nights/events (dinner and a movie; dinner theatre; singles mixer; coffee house with local music talent)

-Family cooking nights/days (have a set of rotating menus, have members sign up for what they would like to prepare and a time, buy food in bulk and allow the families to come prepare and package their meals-feasibly have at least 4 families represented in the kitchen at a time) could work in conjunction with membership care meals where they prepare a meal for someone in need as well or even a non-member in need. There are a couple businesses that do this, but it can be a little pricey. The recipes could even be from the congregation.

-Christ’s Kitchen Crew: assist with the development and maintenance of any of the afore mentioned ministries and new ones as well.

From: Library Committee

To: Long Range Planning Team

Date: 28 April 2008

Our current library facility is inadequate to handle the vision the committee sees for our new library. This vision includes having sufficient space for our collection; for a conference area; for a preschool class to meet in the library; for storage for books to be processed and supplies; for more than one computer; for comfortable seating; and for book checkout.

To meet these services, we need a multi-use facility of two connected rooms or one larger room that can be subdivided with a pull divider. The area needs to be at least three times its current size. Realistically, it needs to be four or five times its current size. Also the library needs a more convenient and visible location in our new facility. The room or rooms would have:

Library shelving, tall for adult section, short for children section
A conference table and chairs for 6 to 8 for small group meetings or small Sunday school class
Table with computers
Room for story time for a class of children
Leisure reading area with a couch and chairs
A checkout desk
A storage work area of built-in cabinets that lock with countertop or a separate librarian’s office

These suggestions do not include space for housing audiovisual equipment, curriculum materials currently housed in Dell’s office, or a church gift shop (an idea some people have expressed).

Library Committee members

Janel Salmen

Kristi Browning

Willie Crawford

Tina Sanders

LCUMC

Design Concepts

Music Suite Design

April 2008

Overview

In Christian culture worship through music is a vital and necessary avenue in which the modern world can grow in their worship experience. Praise and Worship is most certainly one of the most important aspects in the Christian Church today.

Psalm 100:4 says that we enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Psalms 22 says he that He inhabits the praises of His people. In the Old Testament people worshipped at Jerusalem in the temple. When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, He told her that the hour had come when all worshippers must worship the Father in spirit and in truth and that the Father even sought such worshippers (John 21-24).

As the design concepts committee for the music facility, we realize without addressing the growth aspect physically we will never be able to effectively communicate with the present and future communities in our Praise and Worship. Simply put, we cannot grow without having a place to put the growth.

The Music Design Facility Committee is proposing the following:

Worship Center:

We are assuming that this facility would accommodate all services whether being Traditional, Blended, Emerging, Contemporary, etc.

Music Suite:

We are asking that the entire music wing be placed at the back of the stage and worship area. This includes offices, practice rooms, workrooms, etc, and would be equipped with all of the modern conveniences that the communication committee has proposed.

This entire facility must be have restricted access as all equipment and other worship accessories (ie. robes, music, etc.) will be kept. All entrances would be monitored and secured at all times. We want the choir entrances to the platform be from the back as to access the platform from the music wing would allow people to exit and enter more conveniently.

After much deliberation, we have all decided that in order to allow music activities to occur when other activities are occurring, we are proposing that the entire music facility be sound proofed as we desire to eventually have more than one rehearsal at any given time.

As a committee, we desire a large enough room that is acoustically tuned to the same as the sanctuary with space that is equal to that of the choir loft with moveable seating in the choir room. We MUST have Music Library that holds all ministry music; children, bells, choir, etc, and would desire that it would be separate from said choir room so that it doesn’t interfere with the acoustics of the room, and is aesthetically pleasing. Also, we have decided that if we continue wearing robes that we would like to move to a black robe with more liturgical stoles, as to lessen the eye to “looking at us instead of God.”

We are looking to have the robes and the individuals folders lined up in the hallway of the wing.

I desire a large office for the Music Director with adjoining study that is able to also serve as a conference area for the rest of the music staff, and fellow support staff; I would also desire that I have a full bath as I would appreciate not having to be interrupted by the sea of people on services as I prepare for service.

Additional four offices to accommodate growth in ministry (five total including M.D. office; also sound proof; 1 for organist, children’s music director, and 3 separate offices that would serve as practice rooms until we need them as offices(Growth Area).

We desire that there be a band/orchestra rehearsal hall that is suitable for recording as we grow. Also, wanted to look at having a Mosaic rehearsal room/hall that is also equipped for recording.

As a team we deliberated on a way that we could have a common area that would be used as a gathering area so that people can have fellowship over a cup of coffee, and it be a place that we could have a Music work room with small kitchen, copy machine, table, cabinets, and storage. Also, we must have adequate place to store valuables, music stands, instruments and would like several storage places in the band hall to place these things, i.e. Timpani

In order for our Bells ministry to grow we need Separate bell rehearsal room with tables that remain set up with locked cabinets underneath; this is to mirror the sanctuary setup.

As we grow, and do musicals, weddings, etc, we are going to need Music dressing rooms with showers that would accommodate changes, and also serve as places for the grooms, and brides, bridal parties.

We desire that there be no carpet with the exception of the hallways, offices, and children’s rooms; wood floors in choir room. Nice tile for practice rooms; carpeted hallways except band hall

To acquire growth in our children’s music ministry, we need 1 or possibly 2 Children’s choir rehearsal room, with 2 practice rooms, that are equipped with Midi pianos and guitars for kids in 2nd large children’s music room to do programs, i.e. Kindermusik. Kindermusik is a program that can help this ministry and our church generate profit in the coming years.

As I don’t believe that we addressed this in the Sanctuary planning meeting, we would LOVE to have an electronic/pipe organ in the new sanctuary if at all possible.

Conclusion

We realize that we are not limited by size, and that our only real design challenge may be of monetary value, but believe that the things that have been outlined above would allow us as a ministry to go to the next level as we continue to pursue this area of our lives: worship.

SANCTUARY DESIGN GROUP

Participants: Bill Jenkins, Kay Alewine, John Senkar, Cindy Cook,

Doug Burdett, Jamie Hester, Carolyn Sturgeon

Premise: The input of other groups will impact our discussion.

Items considered:

Seating Capacity? (Current= 480 > 385 Comfortable Capacity @ 80%)

(3 Services at 385 = 1,152 avg. attend.)

The models call for us to go with 800

800 was decided on with the stipulation of creating growth,

or bonus, space with balcony and wings of sanctuary for expansion.

Our present attendance of 380 to 400 in two services could grow to 500 and still be dwarfed in an 800 seat sanctuary.

One Worship Space vs. Two Worship Spaces?

Two worship spaces were decided with one being a 100 seat Heritage Chapel for smaller services.

Should the Mosaic service grow beyond the chapel it would be moved into the sanctuary.

Chancel Area:

(Based on one area for Traditional, Contemporary

and Emerging Worship)

Central Pulpit vs. Divided Chancel?

Central Pulpit to bring the congregation in closer to the speakers.

Placement of Altar (permanent):

On floor level in front of pulpit with wide space for serving the sacrament.

Movable chancel furniture: All chancel furnishings to be portable except for Altar, this includes the altar railings.

Placement of Organ and Piano:

If one is movable placement may be determined by usage.

Central Choir loft vs. Offset: Central with space for 100 voices.

Bell Choir Loft: to be above Choir loft with 2 levels for compactness.

Sacristy: to be off the chancel area.

Concert Capability?

We decided that we want the sanctuary to be concert compatible.

Sturdy wood floors in chancel area.

10’ exit doors to accommodate staging equipment.

Doors should be aesthetically compatible with décor of chancel

and sanctuary.

Question: How much seating is needed for concert capability?

Design of Sanctuary: Center aisle with center double door entrance.

Design of seating: Four symmetric seating sections.

Split extra long pews with mini-aisles

Wheelchair and handicap Seating: have 10 to 12 shortened pews scattered throughout the sanctuary for wheel chair access out of the aisle.

(Hearing impaired being addressed by A/V Team)

Areas adjacent: A/V room: off to one side of center entrance

(15’ deep X 20’ wide)

Usher Room: next to A/V room with double door entrance between.

(15’ deep X 20’ wide)

Special Needs Celebration Room: Off to opposite side of center entrance with double door entrance between it and Cry Room. (15’ deep X 20’ wide)

Cry Room: off to the side of Celebration Room

(15’ deep X 20’ wide)

These measurements create a span of 104’ across the back of the sanctuary.

Two other double door entrances should be on either side of the sanctuary

near the chancel area.

Outside these doors would be a wide hallway with glass windows for natural light that allows access to the front of sanctuary and back of chancel area.

Sanctuary should be oriented north to south in the center of the property to buffer traffic noise on League City Parkway.

Main Entrance: desire that someone coming into the building would be able to tell where the entrance was and where to go once inside. This is more than a matter of signage but of architectural design.

Main entrance should make a statement about the church.

Lighting: It is important that lighting be easily serviced and that it be economical. If lift is needed to change lights the pews should be arranged so that lights could be accessed from the floor.

Orchestra: Space for an orchestra should be opposite the Praise Band.

Aesthetics of Chancel Area: A design was suggested for the chancel area and a picture was taken. The design included a movable modesty rail that would define the music areas.

Stain Glass: It was suggested that any stain glass windows would be back lit as the walls of the sanctuary would be all interior walls.

The idea is that heating and cooling would be more efficient if the space was not impacted by outside conditions.

Items desired to be taken to new building:

Panels on Communion Rail

Altar

Stain Glass Windows

Cross

Memorial Plaque

Cornerstone

SPECIAL NEEDS

If bars are more accessible than altars, if theaters are more welcoming than churches, if the producers of PBS are more sophisticated about communication access than our liturgists, if the managers of department stores know better how to appeal to those with disabilities than our church leadership, if the publishers of popular magazines are more knowledgeable about alternative formats than those who produce religious materials, then we have failed to meet Christ's challenge to us all.

(Reprinted with permission Mary Jane Owens, "The Wisdom of Human Vulnerability," The Disability Rag and Resources,

Vol.14, No.3 May-June 1993, pg.19)

Picture from http://www.religionanddisability.org/

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