Sanctuary Refresh
U P D A T E
Sanctuary Refresh
2026 Update
Construction Begins March 10
The Design
(1) Rooted Worship
The goal is to refresh our sanctuary in a way that reflects our heart to bridge our ancient faith with today’s modern world. Our worship is reverent and sophisticated yet casual - championing our historic Christian faith in a way that feels accessible to all. We need a space that feels historic yet timeless. We are not a cookie-cutter church, and our space must reflect that with integrity.
(2) Perception of Volume
Our ceiling is low and can feel limiting and stifling. The challenge: Create a feeling of volume within the space that we’ve been given, maximizing a sense of beauty and wonder while at the same time feeling intimate and at home. This tension reflects a God who is both transcendent (Isaiah 55:9) and immanent (Acts 17:27).
(3) Functionality & Flexibility
Removable altar communion rails, lowered choir risers, organ relocation, better lighting, less clutter, handicap accessible seating, and an upgraded AVL (Audio, Video, Lighting) will all work towards a sanctuary that complements and facilitates our worship and vision. Moving screens from the foreground of the stage to the back wall will also maximize the beauty of our sanctuary.
(4) General Refresh
Our space will be injected with new energy and our passion for God and guests will show through with simple but larger tasks like fresh paint, updated side doors, new fixtures, new carpet, and a general refreshing of surfaces. We’re in our 50th year of ministry and it’s time to prepare the way for the next 50 years.
This refresh isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about removing barriers and making room for worship, discipleship, and the next generation.
One church in one room: both services worshiping in the same space.
Families closer together: the 10:30 service will be nearer to Sound Kids check-in and pick-up.
Easier access for everyone: no one has to worship in a second-floor space that requires stairs or an elevator.
More room for students: our growing youth group gains the Worship Center.
Honoring God with our best
How we prepare for worship shapes how we understand worship. Caring for our sanctuary is an act of worship—and it disciples our hearts to glorify and magnify the Lord.
Resonating with our community
By harmonizing with the neighborhood’s character, we present the church as a welcoming, steady presence—a place set apart for prayer, peace, and proclamation. We also communicate that we believe this church’s presence in our community is worth investing in.
Preparing for the future
Some traditions are inherited. Others are started. This refresh is a “new wineskins” step—doing something today that blesses the people God will bring tomorrow.
What This Unlocks:
Mark Verret & VG Architects
We’ve enlisted the help of Mark Verret, owner of VG Architects. Mark has worked with churches in our area, lives locally, and brings the strength of his expertise and passion that’s also matched with accessibility to give us a greater return on investment. We’ve asked Mark to update our design and bring us forward to completion.
Mark has met with several of our leaders, long-term planning committee members, ministry staff, and board members. He’s been on location several times to understand the heart, personality, and vision of April Sound Church. Mark has met with contractors to develop a plan that maximizes beauty and utility within our budget.