CHURCH GETS USED TO HOME

JACKSON -- Staff at New McKendree United Methodist Church are busy getting used to their surroundings.

Church staff began moving Monday into Cox Memorial Hall -- formerly Jackson City Hall and the Jackson library -- as part of New McKendree's expansion.

"I think it's going to be really nice," said Pastor Scott Lohse. "It's kind of warm over here, but we're getting that taken care of."

The church bought the building in January. It will house the church's office space, a banquet facility and other areas, and will free up room in the church itself to expand Christian education programs for adults, Lohse said.

"Today we're unpacking boxes," he said Tuesday. Staff were also busy acquainting themselves with the new phone system.

Cox will also house a phone bank for a crisis hotline for the church's new Stephen Ministry and an expanded food pantry, he said.