Base chapel slated for renovations

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- The 100th Air Refueling Wing Chapel is getting ready for nine months of renovations, which will result in a more updated and welcoming place of worship and meeting. 

Renovations get underway in April and the chapel offices will move March 26. The main office will relocate to Building 233, on the top floor above the Ministry of Defence Police, behind 3rd Air Force Headquarters. 

"Everything is going to be updated, and will be much cleaner and brighter," said Emma Doel, 100th ARW Chaplain's secretary. "It's looking a bit tired at the moment, so the renovations will make it more inviting." 

Included in the chapel's new look are new heating and lighting, repainting, new carpets, extra office space, and a renovated kitchen and sanctuary. Renovations will occur in the interior only - the stained glass windows and exterior of the building will not be affected. 

More than 86,500 people have used the chapel in the last year, according to Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Michael Moore, 100th ARW Chaplain. In addition to housing worship services, it is used for holiday events, such as squadron Thanksgiving pot lucks, classes, and meetings. 

"Even though we're moving, we are trying to keep our programs going as much as we can," said Mrs. Doel. The last Sunday worship service is March 25. 

From April 1, Sunday worship changes as follows:
8 a.m. Protestant liturgical service - Building 212 dayroom
9:30 a.m. Protestant praise and worship service - RAF Mildenhall Theater
11 a.m. Catholic Mass - RAF Mildenhall Theater
12:30 p.m. Protestant gospel service - RAF Mildenhall Theater
5 p.m. Catholic Mass - Building 809, 100th Operations Group conference room
Holy Week services are as follows:
Holy Thursday, April 5 - 6:30 p.m. Catholic Mass, RAF Lakenheath Chapel
Good Friday, April 6 - 11:30 a.m., (Catholic) Stations of the Cross, RAF Lakenheath Chapel
Good Friday, April 6 - 3 p.m. (Catholic) Passion service, RAF Lakenheath Chapel
Good Friday, April 6-12:30 p.m. Protestant service, RAF Mildenhall Chapel
Easter Vigil, April 7 - 8 p.m. Catholic service, RAF Mildenhall Chapel 

"When all's said and done, this is going to be a first-rate facility which will continue to provide premier spiritual care to the base and community," said Chaplain Moore. 

Editor's note: The chapel telephone number will remain the same, at DSN 238-2822.