Church is the People; the Building is the Blessing

Honoring over a Century of Faith, Care, and Commitment

Last summer, during one of our regular property work evenings, a hidden gem resurfaced—a vintage sign that once stood proudly on our lawn along France Avenue. Though it had been tucked away in storage for some time, its message still rang true: a reminder of who we are and who we’ve always been.

While today’s electronic sign flashes bright messages to the 15,000 cars that pass by daily, the rediscovered sign speaks to our enduring spirit. It now hangs above one of our vintage pews just outside the heritage room on the lower level, greeting passersby with a quiet sense of history—just after they walk past photos of our senior pastors and generations of confirmation classes, outdated hairstyles and all.

Our church building holds over 100 years of stories, worship, and witness, and we continue to care for it as both stewards and storytellers. The rediscovered sign reminded us that this sacred space—while not the church itself—is a gift we’ve been entrusted to maintain. And that’s exactly what we’ve been doing.

Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, our grounds continue to flourish. Weekly work nights (weather permitting) have kept gardens weeded and refreshed with mulch, while faithful hands water the flowers and plants that welcome guests year-round. More recently, we’ve invested in updates both large and small: work is being done refurbishing the North 48th Street door, repainting entry doors and plaza bollards, and pouring new concrete on the plaza.

Inside, updates continue: fresh coats of paint across several areas, improved lighting for Camden Promise volunteers and in the parking lot entryway, upgraded outlets in the Fellowship Hall for our quilters, and a sanctuary lighting upgrade that brings energy efficiency and better control. Each project—big or small—is an act of gratitude for the building we’ve been blessed with, and a continued sign of life from the people who call it home.

The list of projects doesn’t end here—if you would like to be involved as we move forward faithfully, there is always work to be done. Come join us.

Written by Mark Halvorson, Director of Congregational Ministries