Celebrating 60 years of God’s kindness.

Building for Tomorrow

Campaign Progress and Planning

A three-year campaign (July 2026 – July 2029) investing in URC’s building and the Fellowship Program.

Campaign

Progress Toward Our Goal

$0$650,000 stretch goal
Committed
$885,212
Of $600K goal
148%
Remaining to goal
$0
  1. 1. $60K — Fellowship Program & Church Planting
  2. 2. $600K — Building Savings Fund
  3. 3. $650K — Playground / Courtyard

What’s Been Done, and What Is Planned

Building Improvements

  1. April 2026

    Easter Flood Response

    Complete

    Pump rentals, carpet remediation, and emergency supplies to defend the building against major rainfall and a city sewer backup event.

    Volunteers running water pumps beside the church after floodwater covered the walkway and grounds.
    View from the church porch of utility equipment standing in brown floodwater during heavy rain.

    Photo 1 of 2

  2. May 2026

    HVAC Unit Replacements

    Complete

    Installed two new HVAC units serving the back hallway, rooms, and Chapel.

    Cost: $53,720

    A crane lifting a rooftop HVAC unit into place at University Reformed Church.

  3. June 2026

    Wetlands Clearing

    Complete

    Removing felled trees and brush from the wetlands area. Will improve water retention capacity, sightlines into the woods for safety, and reduce wildlife and insect concerns.

    Cost: $1,700

  4. June 2026

    Manual Sewer Isolation Valve

    In Progress

    Allows us to temporarily isolate the church from the city sewer system when East Lansing’s system is over capacity, preventing backflow into the building.

  5. June–August 2026

    Drainage Strategy & Permitting

    In Progress

    Initial surveying and contractor proposals for new drainage strategies and required permitting.

    Cost: ~$20,000

  6. July–August 2026

    Basement Mop Sink Closet

    In Progress

    Addressing a known vulnerability: breaking up concrete to investigate a leak, installing a sump well and pump, and possibly adding a shutoff valve.

    Cost: ~$6,000

  7. 2027–2028

    Courtyard / Playground

    Planned

    Turning an underused stretch of our grounds into a welcoming outdoor space for conversation, coffee, and kids at play.

    Cost: $75,000

    Courtyard patio with tables, chairs, and umbrellas, looking west toward the playground.
    Playground with slides, swings, sandbox, and climbing boulders, looking west.
    Playground and courtyard looking north, with play equipment in the foreground and patio seating by the building.

    Photo 1 of 3

Potential Spending Next Decade

Upcoming Improvements & Maintenance

All items are best estimates and will change in both cost and timing. Our orientation is toward prudent maintenance and extending the life of our systems as long as we can without undue risk or any threat to the safety of our occupants.

Next 1–2 Years

  • Flood Prevention

    ~$50,000–$100,000

  • Handicap ramp at front entrance and covered walkway over Children’s Wing entrance

    Building a covered walkway to provide a better experience for members being dropped off — especially in rain or snow. Possibly an incorporated bike rack.

    Installing a handicap ramp to provide an accessible entrance for guests in wheelchairs, walkers, or for whom stairs are a challenge.

    ~$120,000

  • Elevator Upgrade & Code Compliance

    A mandatory state-required update due in 2027.

    ~$27,000

  • Courtyard / Playground

    Turning an underused stretch of our grounds into a welcoming outdoor space for conversation, coffee, and kids at play.

    $75,000

  • HVAC

    Emergency and unanticipated equipment replacement.

    ~$75,000

2–5 Years

  • Carpet Replacement

    Likely batched into phases: (1) Sanctuary, (2) Foyer and Fellowship Hall, (3) Chapel.

    ~$140,000

  • HVAC Units

    Contingent on unit failures. The sanctuary unit is likely next in line.

    ~$100,000

  • Lighting

    ~$50,000

5–10 Years and Beyond

  • Roof — Membrane

    Replacing the EPDM rubber membrane roof covering most of the building. Likely executable in 3 phases or sections.

    ~$350,000

  • Asphalt / Parking Lots

    Both lots will eventually need re-grinding. The main west lot also needs re-grading for better water management and new light pole installation.

  • Kitchen

  • Roof — Shingle

Pledge to Building for Tomorrow

The online pledge form remains open for those
who still want to give toward this work.

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