CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
WHERE WE STAND THIS MONTH
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WHERE WE STAND THIS MONTH |
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
In January of 2024, The Peoples Church congregation voted overwhelmingly to launch a capital campaign to raise money for essential repairs and upgrades inside of our aging church building. Since then, plans have been moving forward for three sequential phases of renovation along with an outreach program that will benefit the larger community while we upgrade our facility. The capital campaign has a fundraising goal of $4 million. Here are the latest developments.
Phase I: Renovation of the Social Hall and new air handlers for the Sanctuary. This phase was completed in December 2025. It addressed the previous Social Hall’s need for a safe and accessible stage, a new HVAC system, new lighting, and new audio/visual capabilities for a variety of services, creating a welcoming and functional venue for both church events and community groups. New air handlers for the Sanctuary were included in this phase. Wieland Construction served as the general contractor. A church-wide celebration was held in January 2026 to officially reopen the hall.
Concurrent with Phase I: Community Outreach Project. The church partnered with Lansing Intentional Communities (LINCS) and Habitat for Humanity Capital Region to renovate a house in Lansing for young people with developmental challenges to live independently while creating community connections. The house renovation was completed in September 2025. Church members supported this outreach project with their physical labor and their financial contributions.
Phase II: Sanctuary Modernization. This phase addresses the need for a safer, more accessible and extended chancel that allows for wider steps, an integrated ramp, a safer and integrated choir loft, and realigned pews that are more accessible and comfortable. The Capital Campaign design committee is currently reviewing architectural plans and budgets for moving forward with this phase in 2026.
Phase III: Renovating and Revoicing the Pipe Organ. This phase, designed to address many age-related problems we’ve had with our pipe organ in recent years, began in 2025 and is making steady progress toward completion. The goal is to restore the organ to full function, expand its versatility, and assure many more years of reliable service. A more ergonomic console for the organist has been built and reconnected to existing pipes powered by a new organ control system and blower. Specialists are currently adding more pipes and will eventually revoice the entire instrument.
Take a peek at the architectural renderings to see our vision for the church’s Sanctuary!
SOCIAL HALL COMPLETED |
SOCIAL HALL COMPLETED |
Phase 1 of our Capital Campaign — the renovation of Snider Social Hall — was completed in December 2025. Phase 1 transformed our Social Hall into a modern, well-lit space with an uplifting interior design, air conditioning (for the first time!), a new stage, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, and a new labyrinth inlaid into the floor.
To mark the completion of this project, about 200 church-goers filled the Social Hall on Sunday, January 11, 2026, for a joyous reopening celebration. Attendees enjoyed short performances by various Peoples Church musical groups; words of gratitude for the work of contractors and church volunteers; and a special blessing of the new space by our clergy.
The photo above shows The Peoples Church House Band performing during the celebration: Sarah Dymond, Joshua Barton, Declan Biedenbender, David Biedenbender, Kyle Dymond, and Shanna Johnson.
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE
Click the button below to learn more about making a financial contribution.
DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION
Click on the buttons below to read through the campaign brochure, case statement, and the capital campaign resolutions that were voted on by the congregation on January 21, 2024. Click the “Renderings” button to see how various church spaces will look when the planned projects are complete.
CONTACT US
Do you have questions about the capital campaign, how to get involved, or how to contribute? Feel free to contact either of the capital campaign co-chairs.
Nancy Danhof: nancydanhof@gmail.com
Sandy Draggoo: sandybeach0606@gmail.com