Faith UMC Building Project Facts:

1. The Faith construction project has almost doubled the church’s size by adding over 25,000 square feet to the existing building, (which was 29,000 square feet), for a total of over 54,000 sq ft. The original church was built in 1960 and has undergone three additions. Over 100 community groups use the facilities during the year.

2. Construction of the new building took a year and a half and the remodeling of the existing space took an additional six months.   Planning for the new additions began ten years ago with the architect, Gorski,Reifsteck Architects of Champaign,   being hired seven years ago. Construction management was provided by Zion Church Builders of Michigan.

3. The new additions, consisting of the “Worship and Life Center”, “The Gathering Area” and the “Education Wing” were dedicated by Bishop Sharon Christopher in a ceremony on September 17, 2006.

4. The project will be the first LEED certified building in Champaign-Urbana and the first church in Illinois to be so designated.  LEED certification is granted through a continuing process from inception to completion by the U.S. Green Building Council.  Faith was also the first church in Illinois to be awarded a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Foundation for innovation in the environmental design of the new facility. 

5. What does it mean to build a “green” structure?
   It means a building with long life and low maintenance.
   It means using materials with high recycled content that are themselves recyclable
   It means designing for energy efficiency (2007 usage -4% electricity, -21% gas).
   It means providing a space that is comfortable and healthful for the occupants.
   It means showing concern for the surrounding community.
   (For more information see “Growing Faith: A project of Faith UMC” handout)

6. The Worship and Life Center will comfortably seat up to 650 people and hold 450 people for banquets.  The Worship and Life center is the sanctuary for the contemporary worship, “Fusion” service and also incorporates a basketball and volleyball court for expanded recreational programs.

7. Traditional worship continues in the North Sanctuary, which was built in 1984.
   Between the two sanctuaries is the new Gathering Area which is used for our Sunday morning fellowship hour, youth club dinners and numerous gatherings throughout the week.
   

     8.   The new kitchen is a full commercial grade kitchen with ample space to prepare
            food for a large banquet.  Near the kitchen are new restrooms with showers.

9. The new Education Wing has fifteen new classrooms for ages two through adult.

      Also featured is a completely remodeled and expanded nursery area.

    10.  Other remodeled areas include new offices, a new choir room, a new teen meeting
            room and a recarpeted South Sanctuary, which is home to our Saturday evening

            Service and  “Inglesia Cristiana San Pablo”, a Spanish speaking church which
            meets at Faith on Sunday morning.  Also being remodeled is a new home for the
            church library

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