Update on the Building Project – July 8, 2025

Dear Church Family,

Thank you for your questions, ideas, and thoughtful engagement about the future of our building and our church. I’m grateful to be in a community so committed to discerning a sustainable, faithful path forward. Here are a few important updates:

  1. State funding update:
    We did not receive the funding we applied for from the state legislature. That means we do not need to vote on how to move forward at this time.
  2. New opportunity with the City of Bend:
    We are applying for affordable housing funds from the City. If awarded, these funds would allow us to begin pre-development work, including:
    • Environmental and infrastructure feasibility studies
    • Architectural assessments
    • A structural review of our current sanctuary to explore whether it can be integrated into a future housing project
    • A comprehensive community engagement process
  3. Upcoming press coverage:
    An article about our proposed project will appear in tomorrow’s Bend Bulletin. Please note: the drawings included are conceptual only — they are not a finalized design. They are simply illustrations of what could be possible on our property.

Our hope is to design a project that thoughtfully honors the historic character of the neighborhood. Planning within the framework of the historic district — through a careful merger of our existing structure with new construction — strengthens the project. It allows future residents to integrate into the life of the neighborhood, rather than creating division or tension.

We want to emphasize: no decisions have been made.
We are exploring a range of opportunities, and every decision will be rooted in our mission and values. At the heart of it all is our commitment to be a grace-filled partner in building beloved community here in Central Oregon.

With gratitude and hope,
Rev. Jen Stuart

Want to learn more about what is happening with Bend Church and the future of the building? Watch this video for the origin of the discussion. For the full sermon, go to our YouTube page and watch the online service for June 1, 2025.