Building on a Legacy
In 1997, members of Immanuel Lutheran Church started on a journey taking stock of where we were and dreaming about where God wanted us to be. Early conversations led the church to develop a long range plan (PDF): a vision for the kind of presence and ministry we felt called to in our community. It soon became apparent that if we were to realize the dreams God had for our future, we would have to honor and renew the legacy of those who had gone before us. We needed more space and a renewed facility to realize the promise of our hopes and dreams for ministry in this place. And so the planning, the congregational conversations, the drawings and the decision to move forward with the building and renovation project began!
Building on a Legacy: 2002-2005
The first of the “Building on a Legacy” campaigns to raise support for the project began in March 2002. The renovation began with the sanctuary renewal. New paint, new sound and lighting systems, an upgrade of the organ, and more space between the pews! The renewal afforded us more flexibility at the same time that it honored the legacy of our Swedish ancestors by maintaining the traditional design and dignity of our worship space.
Breaking New Ground: 2005-2008
But we still needed room to grow! With financial support from the second capital campaign we were able to buy two properties – houses and all – on the north side of the church. This cleared the way for building a new children’s education wing and Luther Hall. The houses were carefully removed from their foundations and moved to a new location where they could be “recycled” and used by a new owner! Who can forget the sight of houses inching down the street as we created space for our expansion while preserving housing stock in the community? We have literally taken concrete steps in pursuit of the church’s long range plan. And we’re not done yet!
Realizing the Promise: 2009-2012
Our third capital campaign is under way and will last three years, from March 2009 – March 2012 with Commitment Sunday scheduled for February 22.
Even before the construction cranes moved on, we began to experience ministry possibilities that only a renewed and expanded facility could offer:
- 700 YouthWorks volunteers donated 28,000 hours of worship and service to Kansas City metro residents last summer because we had room to host them.
- Metro Lutheran Ministry served 1,000 families (3,000 individuals) because we had room to host them.
- Training workshops, neighborhood and community meetings, the Oromo worship community, UMKC student recitals, Synod Area 7 meetings, and Immanuel ministry opportunities have been hosted – all because we have room in our building and our hearts for ministry.
As we pay down our debt, we free ourselves to realize the promise for ministry of our people and space.
Goals of the Campaign
We need to pay off a loan approaching $1.5 million. Over the three years of the capital campaign, we hope the operating budget will grow sufficiently to assume some of the debt service burden. The goal of this capital campaign is to reduce our debt by raising at least $250,000 and engaging the participation of all our members.
- Participation Goals - We are seeking the commitment of every Immanuel household for any dollar amount and prayer support they can offer.
- Fundraising Goals - This is not a “bricks and mortar” campaign. Every dollar we raise to reduce the debt is a dollar toward our ongoing ministries—and more! We have set the following financial goals:
- $250,000 Foundation Goal
- $350,000 Entry-level-Goal
- $500,000 Bell Tower Goal
- A portion of all funds raised in this campaign will be used for benevolence ministries—just as we have done in the previous capital campaigns. But now, even the space itself gives back to the community as large and small community and ministry groups use our new facility.
| Join us!
- Become engaged in the campaign.
- Maintain your pledge from the past campaign, if possible.
- Increase your pledge, if you are able.
- Or pledge for the first time!
Please prayerfully consier what you can do. Then download and complete your pledge card (PDF) and then mail it back to the church or bring it with you when you come to worship and place it in the wooden box in the Narthex.
Join us! in praying for the ministries of Immanuel.
Join us! In realizing the promise and sacrifice of those who over the years have shared God’s abundant vision for Immanuel’s ministry — and pledge boldly.
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