Accessibility to the church building had been brought up numerous times over many years at Hope United Church. For various reasons, the project was never completed. But we felt the time was right. Our little church is thriving with more attending worship, more children attending Christian Education, more community outreach through our Kids’ Summer Sack Lunch Program, and more collaborative events with community groups such as hosting the Hope 4 U Suicide Awareness Walk. We want to share God’s love with all and do more in the community we love so much and this was a fundamental step.

The congregation voted in May 2019 to proceed with the project, hiring architects Lien and Peterson and capital campaign consultant Charles Blaisdell, Regional Mission Interpreter with the Church Building and Loan Fund (CBLF) of the United Church of Christ. We broke ground in May 2020 and construction was completed in October 2020!

We fell slightly short of our campaign goal and continue to work to pay for the accessibility addition. We thank everyone who has donated to this ambitious undertaking, but if you feel moved to make a new donation we welcome the support. We are so pleased with the work done and happy to be able to embrace all and continue to expand our outreach and community fellowship.

Embracing all of God’s people means to see and to welcome everyone. Here are some of the blessings that come with accessibility/addition:

• Ground level entry directly off parking lot (220 Sq. Ft.); from here one could enter the lift OR use the new stairways to reach all areas of the building

• Vertical platform lift (will feel like a small elevator) allows ALL to access EVERY level of the building

• Makes room for flexible seating in part of the sanctuary to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers

• Accessible restroom with shower on sanctuary level

• All people can enter the same door, no singling out of some folks by having a separate entrance for those with mobility issues

• Total new construction about 900 Sq. Ft.

• The excavated space would expand: The kitchen toward the parking lot about 12’, adding a new 8’x12’ area; The friendship hall about 14’x 14’ on the east side

• Room for 3 additional tables, approximately 24 more people

• Additional space off kitchen will provide storage and allow better utilization of existing serving space

• Host funerals, weddings, or family events

• Serve fundraising dinners such as the Chili Supper

• Have more room for Children’s God2L classrooms and activities

• Host other community events, accessible to all, giving Cochrane/Buffalo City area people a welcoming space to gather socially

• Allow for more than one person to work in the office at a time

• Provide room for a sleeping couch to accommodate a pastor’s occasional overnight need

Let us know if you have any questions or comments. We are happy to provide more details. Please email us 24/7 or call us to learn more.