The Prairie Ridge Reformed Church fellowship hall renovation subcommittee presented its preliminary Phase 1 budget to the full session Tuesday evening, marking the first time a specific dollar figure has been attached to the renovation project in eight years of discussion. The session received the budget. Several elders reviewed it. One asked a clarifying question about the flooring line. Elder Hoffstead called the total “responsible.” This is the second most positive word Elder Hoffstead has applied to the renovation project since 2017. The most positive was “proceeding,” used in July.

Elder Thomas Langley, who has advocated for the renovation since 2017 and has tabled, reintroduced, and carried the motion through six consecutive postponements, received the budget presentation with what sources describe as studied calm. He did not visibly celebrate. He asked one question about the timeline for Phase 2 planning. He took notes. He has been waiting eight years for this meeting. He has apparently decided to behave as though eight years of waiting is a normal interval.

Caleb Mercer, attending his fourth session meeting as an observer and his first since completing the 1992 constitution, raised his hand during the budget discussion to ask whether the constitutional amendment process — specifically his proposed revision to Article IX — needed to be formally resolved before any Phase 1 expenditures could be authorized. The room was quiet for a moment. Elder Langley quietly closed his notebook. Elder Hoffstead said that Article IX concerned the definition of extraordinary circumstances and was not directly applicable to budgeted capital expenditures. Caleb wrote this down. He has a follow-up question. He is holding it for the coffee meeting, which has been rescheduled twice since August 12th.

Nathan Briggs’ coffee station proposal — originally submitted as a four-page standalone document in July — has been formally incorporated into the Phase 1 budget as a line item described as “kitchen and beverage infrastructure.” The line item does not specify a pour-over station, a commercial burr grinder, or what Nathan’s proposal called “a grinder that reflects the congregation’s commitment to excellence in all things.” Nathan considers the line item a win. Susan considers it a line item. The subcommittee has not confirmed which interpretation is correct.

Brandon Keyes submitted a written suggestion to the subcommittee requesting that the renovated fellowship hall include “a designated area for theological reflection and content creation — perhaps a small reading nook with adequate lighting and a surface suitable for recording.” The subcommittee chair confirmed receipt of the suggestion. Elder Hoffstead, when informed of the content creation language, reached for his coffee before responding. His response was not recorded. It is described by those present as brief.

AT PRESS TIME: The Phase 1 budget has been approved in principle pending a final subcommittee review of the flooring bid. Phase 1 begins September 15th. Elder Langley has confirmed this date three times in the past week to three different people. Each time, he has done so without visible emotion. The Dispatch notes that this level of restraint, sustained over eight years, constitutes its own form of sanctification.

DEVELOPING: Haley Novak confirmed this week that the Tallow & Theology autumn collection is in production. The line will include two new products. Travis Novak confirmed he has “identified additional storage.” He did not specify where.