3 more Edmond churches progress on buildings

Pastors provided building updates for the other three established United Methodist churches in Edmond: Acts 2, First UMC, and Chinese International.

Previous stories in Contact have featured each of them.

Acts 2 UMC

The steeple will be placed this month on the sanctuary under construction for Acts 2, according to Pastor Mark Foster. The UM Cross and Flame will mark the building’s front.

In February, workers were framing the sanctuary space and working on parking lots.

"Building is progressing nicely," Rev. Foster said. In 2013, worship attendance averaged 440 people.

First UMC

With major remodeling ongoing to its main building, First UMC has relocated offices temporarily to the Christian Activity Center (CAC).

A new toddler playground is complete near the CAC, and a new elevator is in service in the CAC.

Ground has been leveled for the biggest change: a two-story expansion at the east side of the main building. It will include a large multipurpose room, catering kitchen, and adult classrooms. Also, the youth area and offices will be renovated in the current main building, with electrical and environmental system improvements.

Senior Pastor Bert Potts said the church hopes work is completed in 18 months. Worship attendance averaged 392 people last year.

Chinese International UMC

Architect’s drawings are complete and fundraising is advancing toward a multipurpose building for Edmond’s Chinese International Church.

This growing faith community has overwhelmed the existing structure on its property, acquired in 2009. In 2013, worship attendance averaged 141 people.

A children’s class meets in the kitchen. The young adult Sunday School moved off campus to gain more meeting space — in the Wesley Foundation house at the University of Central Oklahoma.

The church wants to build within three years. "We cannot wait too long," said Pastor Puong Ong Lau.

More outreach

Also offering Christ to people in Edmond are two new UM congregations, Connect and Summit. And a satellite of OKC-St. Luke’s will launch soon.