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Walking through the building this week, the signs of progress are unmistakable. New ductwork stretches across ceilings where old tiles once hung, piping connects rooms that will soon enjoy reliable climate control, and electricians are wiring the infrastructure that will power it all. Week four of the Tomorrow First HVAC project is moving forward on multiple fronts — and the new system is starting to take shape in ways the congregation can see and appreciate.

What's Happening

Saw cutting for additional penetrations took place this week in the Couchland area and second floor, creating pathways for the new ductwork and piping to reach every corner of the building. Electricians are now on-site full-time, running conduit and wiring across the second floor and Hess Hall as part of the electrical rough-in phase. Meanwhile, old chilled water piping is being disconnected and removed from the mechanical room to make way for the new equipment. On the roof, subcontractors flashed in the ERV (energy recovery ventilator) roof curbs — the mounting platforms that will support the new rooftop ventilation units.

How the New System Works

If you've visited the Youth Rooms recently, you may have noticed new round ductwork running along the open ceiling. This offers a glimpse of how the new HVAC system will work — and it's quite different from what we've had before. The current system relies on multiple wall-mounted units in each room, each one heating or cooling a small area independently. The new system uses a single fan coil unit per room that distributes air through a network of ducts, reaching every part of the space evenly. Think of it like a home furnace that sends air through ducts to different rooms — except in our case, each large room gets its own dedicated unit and duct system, sized specifically for that space. The result will be more consistent temperatures, quieter operation, and much greater energy efficiency throughout the building.

What to Expect

Next Monday, March 23, the exterior electrical lines running to the building will be disconnected, removed, and replaced. This work requires a full-day power outage — plan for no power to the building that entire day. This is part of an approved change order to upgrade the electrical service that supports the new HVAC equipment. Construction continues Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with scissor lifts moved out every Wednesday evening for church activities.

Looking Ahead

The new chiller ships on March 23 — a major milestone as this is the heart of the cooling system. Fan coil unit installation begins later that week on the second floor. By late March, heating on the west side of the building may be temporarily shut off as old piping is disconnected and replaced. The project remains on track for completion by mid-July, with the hope of having cooling available in most of the building by June.

By the Numbers

As of this week, 110 households have committed to the Tomorrow First campaign, with $1,844,683 pledged and $890,253 received — 51% of our $1.75 million goal. Every gift, whether given all at once or spread over time, moves this project forward.

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."

This project is about more than equipment — it's an investment in the spaces where people gather to worship, learn, and grow together. Every duct, pipe, and wire being installed this week is part of preparing our building to serve this community faithfully for decades to come. Thank you for making it possible.