Faith's New pavilion

"A blank slate with infinite possibilities."

Construction Updates

Check back here for videos throughout the construction progress!



Why a new pavilion?

  • The current tent has been too small to accommodate a number of ministry events in the past two years, such as the FCCNS Open House, Sunday Night FLY events, Fundraisers, concerts, and other events.
  • The current uneven ground presents a safety hazard.
  • The pavilion will more than double the size of the current tent (800 sq ft vs. 1800).
  • The utilization of ceiling fans for hot days and patio heaters for cooler days will extend the period of time we can utilize the space. 
  • Electricity, lights, drop-down projector screen & outdoor speakers will expand how the space is used. 
  • Ease of setup and flexibility of usage.

How will it be used?

  • Every ministry team will be able to use it!
  • Events that have been & could continue to be hosted in this outdoor space with more ease, greater functionality and improved safety are:
  • Daily FCCNS program events
  • FLY events & FUNdraisers
  • Summer worship services
  • LIFT events
  • Children’s events, such as VBS, Trunk or Treat, etc…
  • Outdoor music concerts
  • Rise Against Hunger

Pavilion Design

  • 30’x60’ open-air structure on concrete located where our current tent is setup.
  • Manufactured by Smith Steel Works in Utah.
  • Beautiful glulam beams that match our Auditorium (the original Sanctuary).
  • Tongue & groove deck.
  • Maintence-free steel roof.
  • Includes lights.

Timeline of the project

  • In Oct. 2022, Pastor Peter shared the vision with church staff and was then supported by staff and the Property Board. 
  • In Nov. 2022, the vision was proposed to the Faith Leadership Board. FLB sent a document of questions back to the Pavilion Team, consisting of: Pastor Peter, Kay Gerlach, Kurt Finkbeiner, and Mari-Beth Schembri. 
  • In the winter, contractors were contacted and quotes were received by the team. 
  • In Feb. 2023, answers to FLB’s questions were submitted. FLB approved up to $12k to hire an architect/contractor for the project and provide a cost estimate.
  • In March 2023, a financing strategy for the project was finalized for the proposal. 
  • On May 18, 2023, the Penfield Town Zoning Board of Appeals approved our application for an area variance and conditional use permit for the new pavilion. 
  • On May 30, 2023, FLB approved the project and the pavilion kit was ordered in June.
  • On Feb. 4, 2024, the congregation approved the project at our Annual Voters Meeting.
  • On Apr. 7, 2024, the congregation broke ground on the new pavilion which is expected to be completed in June 2024!

How soon will it be completed?

  • We had a Groundbreaking Ceremony on Sunday, Apr. 7, 2024 (see photos below).
  • Construction of the pavilion will be completed by the end of June 2024.
  • We will dedicate the pavilion later this summer!  Date/time TBD

What Did it cost?

$86k for Pavilion Kit (Smith Steel Works)

$116k for Concrete & Construction (Andrew Fedick Contractors Inc) 

$48k to cover the cost of upfront fees, gutters, and walkway; plus a cushion for unanticipated costs and price increases. 

Total: $250k


Extra Items: $50k for heaters, fans, tables, AV tech, and other needs to be determined once the pavilion is in use.

How was it funded?

  • $10k - Leadership Board Designated Funds ($12k from Ministry Expansion Reserve offset by $2k funds raised in excess of the $300k goal)
  • $43k - Memorial Fund authorized to be used at discretion of the Faith Leadership Board
  • $124k - Anonymous donations to be used to match contributions by congregation members or allocated from a loved one's Memorial Fund
  • $34k - Memorial Funds allocated with family's permission
  • $77k - Contributions from church and FCCNS households
  • $12k - Support from donor restricted Special Gift, FCCNS & FLC Ministries
  • $300k TOTAL PAVILION FUNDING SUPPORT

Thank you from our Pavilion Team:


Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, “This how is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful."


We had over 160 households participate in the Pavilion Capital Campaign whose generosity helped us to meet our $300,000 goal for this ministry project.  Our Finance Team has received some questions as to whether the Pavilion Capital Campaign impacted giving to Faith’s general operating fund by our members.  Our contribution data supports that the households that contributed to the Pavilion Capital Campaign have also provided year-to-date gifts to the general operating fund that are collectively above and beyond what they gave to Faith as of the same time last year.  In addition, the pavilion project brought 30 new givers to Faith!  Look at what God can do!   


 Thank you for your generosity and for choosing to be a part of this exciting next chapter of Faith’s history that will bless children, youth, and adults for years and decades to come.  May God continue to bless you as we serve God together and move ministry forward!


 *A special thank you to our “Pavilion Team” for working hard on this project alongside our Faith Leadership Board. The Pavilion Team is: Pastor Peter Johnson, Kay Gerlach (Director of Finance), Mari-Beth Schembri (FCCNS Executive Director), and Kurt Finkbeiner (Building & Grounds Manager).  


Contact Pastor Peter Johnson or Kay Gerlach (Faith's Director of Finance) if you have any questions or comments.