Frequently Asked Questions About the Renovation

SUNDAY MORNING

What will worship look like?

Beginning Sunday, April 12, we will offer two identical worship services at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. in the Main Hall of the Edinburgh Building. These services will blend elements from both Sanctuary and Main Hall worship.

  • Each service will include the same liturgy, scripture, and sermon.
  • Worship will be led musically by our choir, choir members and OnPoint musicians.
  • Bulletins, hymnals, and on-screen texts will be provided at both services.

We anticipate returning to the Sanctuary in late fall or during Advent 2026.

How do I get to Main Hall?

Signage will be posted throughout campus, and deacons will be available to help direct you. Entrances will be accessible through the Courtyard to the Connector, as well as from Oberlin Road and Colonial Road.

Please note: Depending on the stage of construction, some entrances, like Carol Copeland Courtyard and Geneva, may be temporarily limited.

Will there be overflow?

Yes, as needed, Pickard Hall will be set up for overflow. However, during the sprinkler install this space will not be available.

Will worship services be live-streamed?

Yes. Both services will be available via livestream on our website, Facebook and YouTube.

Will the nursery be available during worship?

Yes. Nursery care will continue to be available during both services. The Calvin Building will be used for nursery care during sprinkler installation.

How will accessibility needs be accommodated?

By entering through the Oberlin Road Courtyard, you can gain access to the elevator which will take you to Main Hall. The Colonial Road entrance has a ramp that will lead you into Main Hall.

How can I stay informed about construction updates?

You will find current information available on the website (whitememorial.org) and we will provide updates in our weekly e-news blast and monthly newsletter.

SHOULD I EXPECT ANYTHING DIFFERENT
DURING THE WEEK?

After Easter, the Sanctuary and Jane Bell Gathering Space will be closed. On May 22, 2026, the Weekday School will close for the summer and Knox and Luther will undergo renovations.

During this time, campus activities will have limited space choices. Movement throughout the Hub/Connector, Geneva, and Pickard Hall will be mostly accessible except during times of life safety upgrades.

SIGNAGE

Throughout the week and on Sundays, campus signs will guide you and provide updates on closed or restricted areas. On Sundays, Deacons will be around campus to help guide you as well.

 

 

 

 

Proposed Timeline
(key highlights – subject to change)

FRIDAY, MARCH 27: Preliminary sprinkler work begins in The Connector

SUNDAY, APRIL 5: Easter and last service in Sanctuary before renovation begins

MONDAY, APRIL 6: Begin move out in Sanctuary to prepare for renovation

SUNDAY, APRIL 12: First shared worship in Main Hall/Edinburgh Building at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

SUNDAY, MAY 17: Last day of Sunday School

FRIDAY, MAY 22: Last day of Weekday School

TUESDAY, MAY 26: Life Safety upgrades begin in Knox/Luther buildings

THURSDAY, JULY 9:  Work begins in Pickard Hall

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5: Pickard Hall re-opens

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21: Sprinkler work begins in Geneva Hall

MONDAY, AUGUST 24: Weekday School Teachers begin preparing classrooms for fall classes

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8: Welcome! First day of Weekday School

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10: Begin moving back into Knox

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13: Kickoff Sunday

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14: Knox re-opens

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2: Begin Organ and A/V install in the Sanctuary

SOMETIME BETWEEN FALL 2026-ADVENT 2026: Sanctuary re-opens

Please note: We will provide updates throughout the renovation project on our website and through emails and bulletins.