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Three weeks into the Tomorrow First HVAC project, the signs of progress are everywhere you look. What began with ceiling tile removal and preparation work has now shifted to active installation — new ductwork is going in on the second floor, piping mains are running through the hallway and Hess Hall, and the first major equipment shipments arrived this week. The P1 Service crew is working with impressive efficiency, and each Monday's progress meeting brings encouraging news about the pace of work.

What's Happening

The old ductwork on both the first and second floors has been completely removed, and new ductwork installation is now underway in Rooms 205–216 on the second floor. Walk through the youth rooms or the Hess Hall and you'll see new infrastructure taking shape above the ceiling line — a tangible sign that modern, energy-efficient systems are replacing the aging equipment that has served our building for decades.

This week also marks an important milestone: the existing chiller's refrigerant is being reclaimed, which means the old cooling system is officially being retired. The mechanical room will begin its transformation as old equipment is removed to make way for the new system. The decision to skip the seasonal HVAC changeover allows the P1 crew to stay ahead of schedule — the next time cooling runs in our building, it will be the brand-new system.

A fun local connection: the press-fit technology being used for pipe connections in our building is made by Viega, a company with a manufacturing facility right here in McPherson. It's fitting that a product made in our own community is helping build the future of our church home.

Electricians are now on site full-time, beginning the rough-in work that will power the new system. And the air handling unit — a key piece of the new HVAC system — shipped this week and is on its way to McPherson.

What to Expect

Construction continues Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Some second-floor rooms (particularly Rooms 205–216) will be temporarily unavailable as ductwork installation progresses. The Hess Hall remains in use for church activities, with scissor lifts moved out every Wednesday evening and Thursday morning to keep the space available. Later this month, heating on the west side of the building may be temporarily shut off as old piping is disconnected — more details as we get closer.

Looking Ahead

The next few weeks bring exciting milestones. Roofing work and ERV roof curb installation begin the week of March 16, weather permitting. Fan coil units — the individual room heating and cooling units — arrive that same week. The new chiller ships March 23. The project remains on track for completion by mid-July, and the crew hopes to have cooling available in most of the building by June.

By the Numbers

The Tomorrow First campaign has now received $888,068 toward our $1,750,000 goal — that's 51% of our goal, with 278 donations from 110 committed households. Every gift, whether a one-time contribution or a recurring pledge, helps make this investment in our church's future possible.

How to Give

Give online at mcphersonfirst.org/give (select "Tomorrow First"), by mail to 1200 E Kansas Ave, McPherson, KS 67460, or place gifts in the worship offering plate marked "Tomorrow First."

Every time you see a ceiling tile removed, hear the sound of work in progress, or notice new infrastructure overhead, remember: this is what faithful generosity looks like in action. Together, we are investing in spaces where lives are transformed, neighbors find hope, and God's love is experienced for generations to come.