This complicated project with multiple vendors and many moving parts is finally coming to completion. The new speaker array and retractable projection screen were both installed in the ceiling. Additional electrical work was completed to power all the various components (screen, speakers, window blinds, projector). The Chapel will have a new screen as well. We have begun integrating the new equipment with the current audio-visual systems (camera and soundboard).

This week it was very exciting to see the large screen deployed for the first time and hear sound from the speaker array. We are now working on the fine-tuning part of the installation. The Sanctuary has been a construction zone since mid-August. While lifts were rented to support the AV installation, additional maintenance work was completed in this space utilizing the equipment. Multiple areas of mold on the high ceiling were cleaned, sanded and refinished (see photo below of Edgar Proano working on the ceiling). Most of the room was repainted. A retractable window blind was installed over the large window above the storage area to allow for minimizing light on the new screen/projector. New floor outlets will be installed when the parts arrive. A large platform with a metal door hatch for the projector was built in the ceiling area above the sound desk (see photo below of Chris Egle looking out the projector window). At the same time, insulation that had been falling down is now secured to the roof. The media desk for the Tech Team was moved into the sound closet and linked to the new system.

Please know that safety is a concern throughout the process on multiple levels. Contractors and staff are masked, lift operators are harnessed, and load limits for all the equipment hanging from the ceiling have been certified by a structural engineer. The floors have been covered with ram board and plywood to ensure that the heavy lifts won't crack or scratch the wood floor.

We expect to transform the Sanctuary from a construction zone to a worship space by the end of this week. The large projector installation has been delayed due to supply chain issues, but should be functional in early October.

Once the full system is fully operational, the next step will be orientation and training with the new equipment for the Sound team, Tech Team, and Worship Team. While we are eager to move forward, we may be in learning mode for a bit as we learn how to adjust workflow for Sunday mornings.

We look forward to a time when we can all gather together safely in the Sanctuary once again. For now, we will continue to create live stream worship as we develop our capacity for multi-platform worship.