Our worship service live stream is an essential ministry for our church community, connecting us with over 250 viewers each week. This digital outreach extends beyond individual households, as we also have satellite ministries that gather to watch our services together at assisted living facilities. This ministry ensures that everyone can participate in our worship and feel a part of our church family despite distance or physical limitations. As our streaming ministry continues to grow, we are regularly adding new members and associate members to our church family.

Smoke Rise has made substantial investments in digital streaming services and equipment over the last several years. Although we have managed to tweak older sound boards so that they will work with the newer digital streaming equipment, we are reaching the end of the service life of our older boards. Our current sound boards and the wiring hub that supports each board are more than 20 years old. These boards run on a dated stereo/analog feed. After many years of patching things to extend the life our older sound boards, we realize the time has come to fully upgrade to a new generation of digital sound boards that will improve our sound quality in the sanctuary and for our online worship streaming for many years to come.

Our youth and children’s programs, including trips to Passport camp and retreats, require reliable transportation with the highest level of modern safety features we can reasonably obtain. The revitalized adult travel group demands dependable transport for day trips and events. A new fifteen passenger van will provide peace of mind for parents and leaders and will also expand our ability to offer diverse outings while ensuring safe and comfortable travel for all.

The church currently has only one 15-passenger minibus in service, which we continue to maintain to extend its life and use. A second mini-transit option for up to 15 passengers that includes safety and efficiency upgrades is needed and a third mini-transit down the road as our remaining 15 passenger bus comes closer to being taken out of service.

The Ford Transit 15 Passenger Van XLT model is an industry-best for safety and reliability and is currently a “go-to model” for congregations similar in size and with needs like those of Smoke Rise. The model we will purchase will be an upgrade from the base model to include a dual rear wheel add-on that significantly reduces rollover risk and increases stability on the highway, as well as having an extended capacity for luggage hauling on longer trips with youth and children.

A properly functioning HVAC system ensures a comfortable and welcoming environment for our congregation, staff, and visitors. Our services, community gatherings, and events rely on a well-regulated indoor climate, especially during the sweltering summer months. A reliable HVAC system not only improves the experience of worship but also supports our various ministries, educational programs, and outreach efforts. As we face the inevitable replacement of our aging chiller unit, investing in a new, energy-efficient model will help us maintain a hospitable atmosphere while also being stewards of our resources.

For the past 27 years, the church has relied on and maintained a large outdoor chiller unit for our HVAC system. A professional estimate on the remaining service life of the chiller is three years or less. The current HVAC chiller needs to be replaced with a more energy-efficient and environmentally safe chiller, as the current chiller is expected to reach the end of its service life. This upgrade will help lower utility costs against rising inflation for many years to come.

Our Building and Grounds committee is recommending that we replace 34 windows in the Memory Garden Courtyard area between the sanctuary building and the fellowship hall building with maintenance-free CPVC windows with insulated glass and new framing which will yield much improved energy performance. The present windows on the church office side of the sanctuary are original to the building and in serious need of replacement. The other windows, many of which are clouded due to leakage, are less efficient.

The new windows will enhance the architectural character of the courtyard, which will enhance the beauty of our columbarium garden area. Maintaining the beauty of our church memorial garden is essential for honoring those we remember and providing a serene place for reflection and solace. This garden serves as a sacred space where people can come to find peace and comfort. By preserving this tranquil area, we uphold the values of our community, offering a sanctuary of remembrance and a place of quiet contemplation for all who visit.

As we look to the future, we want to create a covered 2,400 square foot pavilion near our church playground which can facilitate outdoor activities and events for fellowship and worship. Initially, the pavilion project was a part of our Refresh Campaign of more than eight years ago. But more pressing needs meant the project was never completed.

The pavilion can serve as a gathering place for our church family and community members, whether sharing a meal during Octoberfest or enjoying coffee at our Easter parties. It offers a versatile space for worship, learning, and service, enhancing our ability to host summer activities for children and youth in a safe and engaging environment. By providing a dedicated outdoor venue, the pavilion will foster fellowship and strengthen our community bonds, enriching both the spiritual and social life of our congregation.

Hosting large community events such as the Dekalb Symphony Orchestra, the Brookwood Cluster Holiday Choir Concert, the Dekalb School of the Arts Choral Concert, and others presents Smoke Rise with a wonderful opportunity for our church to support and engage with our community. Since these events draw significant crowds, it is essential that we have all our parking spaces safe and available to accommodate our guests.

To ensure this, we are planning necessary repairs and maintenance for our bus barn parking lot. This project will include sealcoating all asphalt surfaces with two overlapping coats of premium PolyTar Polymer-Modified Coal Tar Sealer, restriping all markings with durable acrylic latex traffic marking paint, and filling cracks between 3/8” and 1″ with Deery hot-applied crackseal material. These improvements will help maintain the longevity of our parking areas and ensure a safe, well-maintained space for our congregation and guests, reinforcing our commitment to a welcoming and accessible environment.