Following today’s worship service, First Mennonite Church began the first step of  “Flooring to Flourishing,” a renovation of its sanctuary.

Volunteers moved pews from the sanctuary into the fellowship hall and several classrooms. This week, Lima Pipe Organ will remove the organ and pipes for the duration of the work.

When the project is complete near the end of summer, the sanctuary will have been painted, new carpeting and wood floors installed, larger hymnal racks underneath the pews, and a redesign of the steps in the chancel area.

The current carpet was installed in 1981 and nearly 40 years later, shows signs of heavy wear and usage. The congregation began considering updates several years ago and while studying its options, considered cost, safety, acoustical, aesthetic, environmental and good stewardship when making a decision to develop a combination of carpet and wood flooring.

Beginning Sunday, June 24, the church will hold worship services in the Bluffton Middle School cafetorium. Sunday school classes will continue in the basement of the church, which is located at 101 S. Jackson St. The project is expected to be complete by late August.

First Mennonite’s pastoral leadership includes Wanda Stopher, pastor of formation, and Theda Good, pastor of connections.