The Puff Back and Restoration

January 31 – March 12, 2026 · Milestone 31 of 39

An unexpected puff back, when the heating system’s burner misfires and blows soot through the building, spread soot through our church, leaving walls, stairs, and other surfaces in need of extensive cleaning. What followed was a demanding season of restoration, carried forward through God’s help and the care of everyone who supported the work.

♰ January 31 — Discovering the Damage

Soot covered the walls, stairways and the boiler room, and we saw the extent of the cleanup ahead.

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♰ February 2 — Checking the Sanctuary

We carefully examined the sanctuary to assess the effects of the soot and determine the work needed to care for our place of worship.

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♰ February 20–26 — Scaffolding and Cleaning

Scaffolding was erected so that workers could reach the high ceilings and upper walls. The patient work of cleaning began to reveal the beauty of the church once again.

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♰ February 26–28 — Removing Damaged Ceilings

Ceilings in the halls and kitchen were taken down as the restoration extended into the spaces that support our fellowship and service.

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♰ February 28–March 12 — Restoring the Finishing Touches

The work continued with repairs, painting, and finishing details, including the freshly repainted sanctuary ceiling. Its clean white surface became a hopeful image of renewal after weeks of difficult work.

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Together, these weeks tell one story, from the first signs of soot to a church lovingly restored. We thank God for sustaining us and for every person whose efforts helped bring this work to completion.

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:17