Not leaving the rezone: the Berean Church renovation included lunch

Berean Bible Church
 2345 North 185th Street in Shoreline

Major renovation project nears completion with help from lunches being served

By Bob Junell

It’s not often when one sees the client serving the workers at a construction site but that is what’s going on in Shoreline in a rare show of gratitude in the construction business.

A more contemporary fireplace and upgraded windows were installed 

A major renovation project is under way at Berean Bible Church on N 185th Street as the church expands its interior space to more readily accommodate visitors and church goers. The church was built 55 years ago and includes the sanctuary, education wing, and a full-size gymnasium in addition to offices and children’s areas.

The interior lounge area was gutted for the remodel including removing interior walls and windows. 

 

The construction project has been underway since late summer and plans are that it will be mostly completed in time for Christmas services. The remodel includes renovation of the main hallway and lounge, updated restrooms to provide greater accessibility and expanded staircase from west parking, all to better serve the congregation and community.

The west entry from the parking lot was remodeled
to be more welcoming and have easier access. 

 

Craig Chaney, primary architect for the project from Merrick Lentz Architects stated, “We worked with the Church to realize their vision, transforming a small lobby and narrow hallway into a large, light filled gathering space that presents a welcoming and comfortable environment to everyone who visits."

Some of J.M. Riley’s construction crew enjoying one of the weekly lunches
provided by volunteers and Panera Bread Alderwood Mall.

The construction crew, of course, takes time for lunch every day but the uniqueness of Wednesday lunch is that it is served by volunteers who prepare and serve a meal for the workers just to say thanks for their workmanship. Recently, one of the volunteer families was unable to host due to medical treatments, so they invited Panera Bread of Alderwood Mall to substitute for them and provide the full lunch for the crew.

Manager Marty McIntyre from Panera Bread at Alderwood Mall provided a wonderful spread
of their famous lunches for the construction crew.

General Manager Sabrina Walton and Marty McIntyre, Associate Manager, stepped up to donate and deliver the meal for the twelve-man crew last week. Panera Bread Alderwood has provided catering for the church in the past and is a favorite after-church meal stop for churchgoers and friends.

The superintendent for the principal contractor, JM Riley, Kevin Kimler commented, "The lunches have gone a long way to create great relationships with the workers and church, and the church certainly knows that sometimes the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!”

Merrick Lentz Architects' rendering of new Commons area of Berean Bible Church 

The “Open Doors - Open Arms” theme for the renovation is keeping in mind that with the rezoning of 185th Street the population around the church will grow dramatically. The church is preparing long range to better serve the community as well as its own membership, including very active children’s and youth programs.

"I have had the privilege of being part of this church family since its conception,” stated Senior Pastor Jim Shemaria, and as pastor for the past 25 years I’m looking forward to Berean serving this community as it undergoes great changes with the new Light Rail coming near us. We have been on this corner for 52 years and look forward to the next 52 years with our newly remodeled facility.

"The renovation project started at the end of July and is on schedule to finish in time for Christmas services on December 23rd. We invite the community to join us for the celebration of Christmas and to enjoy our new remodel project.”

Volunteers provided much of the labor for painting the interior, including
Senior Pastor Jim Shemaria who earned his way through college by working for a painting contractor. 

The nearly one-million-dollar project is completely self-funded with some of the work, such as interior painting, being provided by church volunteers. 

Berean Bible Church is located at 2345 North 185th Street in Shoreline, just two blocks east of Meridian Avenue. The Church is just across from the Senior Center at the Shoreline Center at 1st NE and NE 185th which can be used for additional parking.