A retirement community with Methodist roots in Chelsea, Michigan, marked the rededication of its newly expanded chapel and performing arts center, which will enhance worship and create a new venue for cultural activities.
Senior living organization Brio Living Services and UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation celebrated the opening of Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC)’s newly renovated and expanded Chapel & Performing Arts Center during a formal rededication ceremony in the new space on August 26, 2026. The space has more than doubled in size — from 3,300 square feet to nearly 8,400.
Nearly 150 people attended, including special guest Bishop David Bard, the presiding bishop of the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church, who led the blessing and dedication of the new space. Other speakers included Russ Ives, Chair of the Brio Living Services Board and grandson of Bishop Marshall Reed, who presided over the chapel’s dedication when it opened in 1952. Musical entertainment featured Brass Animals and a surprise video from actor Jeff Daniels, a Chelsea native.
An anonymous gift to the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, the charitable arm of Brio Living Services, has enabled the transformation and expansion of this space to enhance worship and create an inviting venue for cultural activities, including concerts, art displays, and lifelong learning. Key components include state-of-the-art technology to support hearing and vision needs, along with improved accessibility for all.
The CRC Chapel has embodied Brio Living Services’ faith-based mission for more than 70 years, according to Brio President and CEO Steve Fetyko. “This is far more than a renovation — it is a profound investment in the heart and spirit of the CRC community,” said Fetyko. “This space will become a cornerstone of daily life at CRC. It will be where individuals deepen their faith, where our community gathers in meaningful ways, where we honor and remember loved ones, and where the arts bring joy, inspiration, and connection. The impact of this gift will be felt in countless moments — both quiet and celebratory — for years to come.”
Building on a foundation established by Methodists in 1906, Brio Living Services, formerly United Methodist Retirement Communities (UMRC) & Porter Hills, has maintained a faith-based commitment to serving older adults from the start. Brio Living Services is Michigan’s second-largest nonprofit senior living organization and serves the most economically diverse population of older adults.
Kelli Smith, CFRE, President & CEO of the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, spoke about the shared vision that came to life through the expansion and renovation of this space. “Worship, prayer, remembrance, storytelling, and performances in this space give voice to life experiences,” noted Smith. “In our community, it is especially meaningful. Our residents care deeply and carry deep wisdom, history, resilience, and stories of their own. This space allows for those stories to be shared, celebrated, and passed on. In that way, this Chapel & Performing Arts Center is not simply a building, but a living expression of a song’s message, a place where community gathers, voices rise, hope is renewed, and people of every age and generation are reminded that glory is found in faith, perseverance, memory, music, and togetherness.”
In his dedication, Bishop Bard said, “There are places and spaces that have been important in our own spiritual journeys. This can be such a place, where we hear one another well and listen deeply for the voice of the Spirit. May you find strength here to engage the world with love. May your hearts be tranquil here, blessed by a peace the world cannot give. . . . May you find comfort here. May you be challenged here. May you laugh and weep and sing here. May you hear the whispers of God here. May the gentle breeze of the Spirit whisk your soul here.”
Fetyko added, “What moves me most is the lasting legacy this space creates. It reflects our faith-based roots, strengthens our sense of belonging, and elevates the quality of life for everyone who calls CRC home. The donor’s generosity will touch lives in ways that are both seen and unseen, shaping experiences and memories across generations. I cannot wait to see all the joyous life and wonderful works that will happen in the decades to come in this amazing space.”
An internal event for CRC residents was held on Sunday, August 23, with entertainment by the Detroit Youth Choir.
Last Updated on September 15, 2026