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In July, the, Council appointed, AV Task Force presented a proposal for a major Audio/Visual update to the Bethel building and are asking for the community’s response.

Why do we need an AV update?

In the Sanctuary, our current speaker system is old and insufficient for the size and use of the space with a limited spectrum of frequencies, which reduces sound clarity. We also have no built-in visual system and must wheel in a portable screen that is undersized for the space.

The Narthex, CLC, Youth Room, & Pods (Center & East) all have old ceiling speakers not providing quality audio as well as outdated projectors, screens, and other media equipment.

What is the proposed AV update?

In the Sanctuary

  • 2 15” Loudspeakers and an 18” Subwoofer would provide improved sound quality and expand our experience of audio frequencies across the spectrum. Improved microphones will better suit the sanctuary space and will greatly decrease wireless microphone issues. Improved hearing assistance equipment with Bluetooth capabilities will provide better audio experience for those who might benefit and the capacity to sync audio directly to their hearing aids.
  • 2 Large Venue Laser Projectors and 2 165” Fixed Frame Screens would provide high resolution images with expanded color pallet that can be seen and read from all locations in the sanctuary, creating possibilities to easily share images and text on screen during worship and presentations (See image for visualization of what this could look like). Additionally, 2 Mirror Monitors will be installed at the back of the Sanctuary to assist worship leaders and presenters.

Remaining Building Highlights

  • Narthex & CLC - New ceiling speakers, providing higher quality audio.
  • Youth Room & Center Pod - Again, new ceiling speakers. New projectors and screens, providing high quality images at a scale that better fits the space. Updated equipment in the media racks connected to easy-to-use, wall mounted touch screen controllers.
  • NOTE: The East Pod update was cut from this proposal to compensate for other desires shared by the community.

This proposal comes from Excel AV Group, a division of the Aufderworld Corporation (Plymouth), which designs and installs sound, video, and lighting systems, specializing in churches, business conferences, and schools.

In total the AV update would be $174,000. The updates in the Sanctuary would be $131,000, with the remaining updates in the Narthex, CLC, Youth Room, and Center Pod being $43,000.

Note: No money has yet been paid nor committed to Aufderworld.

When would we have to make a decision?

If we sign the contract with Aufderworld end of September, the proposed prices are locked in, and we’d have until January 2025 to pay 60% ($104,000) to move forward with the project.

Without a contract, prices are revisited twice a year in July and January, generally increasing 1—3% ($1,740—$5,220) each time. We have already avoided a July price increase.

Once 60% is paid in January 2025 or before, Aufderworld would order items for the project. A few months later, work would begin and would be completed in March—April 2025 (in time for Easter). Upon completion of the work, the remaining 40% would be due ($70,000).

Next Steps

You can watch this Info Video created by members of the AV Task Force.

Once you have attended an Info Meeting or read the content of this page and watched the Info Video, please fill out and submit an AV Update Response, unless you've already completed a paper form. This helps Bethel leadership gauge the congregation’s support of the proposed update. 

Thank you for contributing to Bethel's discernement of this possibility!

9/25/24 UPDATE: This response gathering period has closed. Please, look to future communication for more updated information.

 

A more detailed AV Task Force Timeline can be downloaded below.

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