A Summer of Focused Stewardship: Temporary Changes to Building Access at FCCBC
Over the years, First Congregational Church of Battle Creek (FCCBC) has embodied a deep commitment to radical hospitality—from our open-door building practices to compassionate care for the wider community. Church leadership has worked to faithfully align the use of time, financial resources, and people (both staff and volunteers) with the congregation’s stated values.
This summer, we are entering a short season of focused stewardship—of time, energy, and space—that will temporarily shift how our building is accessed and how our staff work.
From June 1 to September 2, FCCBC will not maintain open business hours.
During this period, the building will remain closed to unscheduled visitors. Staff will continue their work in service to the congregation and community partners, but will be available by appointment, email, or phone only.
The Welcome Center phone line will be staffed Tuesday–Thursday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and we encourage anyone with church-related needs to begin there or reach out via email.
Why This Change, and Why Now?
This decision was made with input from staff and church leadership in response to three intersecting realities:
A historic building with growing maintenance needs
Limited staff capacity and increased burnout
A need to refocus on the ministry of presence, not just operations
Hospitality is not merely about keeping the doors open—it is about being fully present: spiritually, emotionally, and practically. This becomes difficult to sustain when staff are stretched too thin or asked to meet expectations that no longer align with our current resources.
Staff have often found themselves caught between the demands of behind-the-scenes responsibilities and the attentive, people-centered work that the ministry of presence requires. This shift creates breathing room to prioritize what matters most.
No staff members will lose pay due to this change. Instead, they are being invited to reallocate their time toward rest, clarity, and high-impact service. Weekly staff meetings will continue to ensure that member needs and essential building operations remain well-supported, even as daily routines change.
What This Means for You
Members & Attendees
Please help us spread the word: this is not a closure—it is a realignment. If you need to reach staff, please call or email. If you stop by and the building is locked, know that it reflects care, not exclusion. Memorial services, member weddings, and other scheduled church events will continue with staff support.
Building Tenants
You will continue to have access as needed. We are available to discuss any adjustments that may impact your operations. A follow-up email will provide additional details.
Building Users & Event Organizers
Building Users & Event Organizers Events already scheduled through the end of the year will proceed as planned. However, we are not accepting new reservations for general building use that require FCC staff support (setup/cleanup) until further notice. Please plan accordingly.
General Public
FCCBC remains committed to the broader Battle Creek community. If you need support, please reach out by phone, email, or via our website or social media channels. Our Medical Equipment Lending Library will continue to operate. Please give us a call to check what we have in stock.
Looking Ahead
This summer is a time of reflection, rebalancing, and reset for our building operations. In August, FCCBC will host conversations with those who work in the building during the week, including staff, tenants, volunteers and program leaders. These conversations will explore how faithful hospitality can look in the next season, with a focus on those most directly impacted by building operations and the communities they serve.
We thank you for your grace, prayers, and partnership as we navigate this season together.
– The Staff and Leadership of FCCBC