Renewing for God's mission

Vote at 10:10 a.m. THIS Sunday, May 18 in the Luther Fellowship Center downstairs on our newly received detailed budget to get started with the project.  Votes must be cast in person in accordance with our First Lutheran Church Constitution.  We will vote to approve the overall budget of the project, to enter into a contract with Rinderknecht Construction, and to approve the expenditures of our direct costs such as furnishings and partnership tithes which are outside the scope of Rinderknecht's work.  Though many details have been ironed out, these items have had no significant change since presented at the Annual Meeting.


Renewing for God’s Mission means providing a place of welcome for all people, just as Christ welcomes us into God’s grace.  It's about sustaining the incredible ministries of the church, taking care of our building, and setting the stage for the next chapter of growth. We are always being renewed by God. We are always renewing our ministries and facilities to be more effective in making a difference.

Make your pledge here today,

or scroll down for all the details.

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Find out how our project will help us reach out to the community and how you can help make a difference below.

  • Throughout the Winter and Spring 2023/24 the Building Committee held several forums as well as publishing articles and a pamphlet outlining the needs of our facility and the options we had to meet them.  Initially a new entrance was considered but removed from the proposed project due to inflated costs in spring of 2024.


    At a congregational meeting on June 9, 2024 the Congregation authorized the Church Council to contract with The James Company to conduct a capital campaign to raise funds for the following:

  • Purpose #1: 2025 Annual Stewardship. We are asked to support the everyday mission and ministry of the church with our annual stewardship commitments. We do every year, and it is vital for us as a congregation.

    Purpose #2: Capital Campaign. We are invited to support the capital campaign with a three-year commitment that is over and above our regular annual stewardship giving, with the purpose to:

    + Repay debt on sanctuary project.

    + Repair necessary building items, including flat roof, AC, and worn carpet and finishes.

    + Renew how this building welcomes people. Children’s Ministry Area, Expanded Youth Room, Parking Lot, Welcome Area using current entrances.

    + Reach out beyond ourselves with substantial gifts to targeted ministry partners as outlined below.


    Hear your fellow members Mark & Marti Marz talk more about Priorities

  • 1. Pay off the remaining balance from the sanctuary project of $545,000 and any additional interest.


    2. Address necessary repairs and maintenance including:

        a. Replace the flat roof facing the parking.

        b. Replace aged-out AC units and necessary HVAC repair.

        c. Repair brick and mortar at bell tower and exterior of sanctuary.

        d. Repair rust damage on exterior surfaces and replace leaking window seals.

        e. Replace wind damaged entrance doors at 3rd Avenue and Drive-Through.

        f. Refurbish the elevator.

        g. Replace worn carpet/tile areas on all 3 floors.

        h. Paint walls and stain doors/trim woodwork to match new sanctuary décor.


    3. Renew Key Ministry Areas:

        a. Parking Lot

        b. Narthex/Welcome Area

        c. 3rd Floor Ministry Area for Children

        d. 1st Floor Youth Room.

        e. Using existing entries, provide clear welcome for newcomers.


    4. Reach Out. Our Church Council approved our H3GO (Outreach) Team's recommendation to give a total of $100,000 to two designated ministry partners: a $50,000 to our Lutheran global partner congregations in Samé Tanzania for three building projects and a $50,000 grant to Wellington Heights Community Church in Cedar Rapids for identified necessary repairs for their buildings and a Flourishing Community Index project to support the neighborhood. Find out more about our Outreach component here.

  • May 18, 2025 - Full congregation votes at 10:10 a.m. Sunday, May 18 on finalized budget in order to move ahead

    May 19, 2025 - Construction Begins

    2025-2027 Congregation fulfills 3-year commitments

  • Join the Mission!  We invite you to prayerfully consider how can support the work of this congregation with  a pledged or unpledged gift during the duration of the project to help meet our goals. The Renewing for God's Mission project is funded over and above our regular annual giving to the mission and ministry of First Lutheran Church.

    Pledge Your Support Today

  • This will complete our 7 year effort to renew the building from end to end without incurring any new debt. The possibilities are endless for ministry moving forward into the future.

  • An Idea is Born Read about it here.

    Congregation Votes to Move Ahead  Read about it here.

    Project Kicks Off Read about it here.


Proposed New Plaza Guiding People to Existing Main Entrance



Proposed Youth Room combining current space with Room 111 next door



Proposed Narthex eliminating unneeded columns and raising ceiling to 10 feet


Renewing for God's Mission

Meet the Team!

Thanks to our incredible church members serving our entire congregation as part of our Renewing For God's Mission Core Team.  They are... Co-Chairs: Lois Buntz and Tom Schamberger. ​Pacesetter Team: Doug Pauls, Tom Wolle, ​and Bruce & Judy Barnes.​

Events Team: Brent & Dawn Foss, Jenny Bosking, ​Dan Baty, Mark & Marti Marz, and Mary Van Houten. ​Communications: Chris Ackmann, Devin & Kristen Wagner, Michelle Kline, and Mark Fersdahl.​ Children/Youth: Rachael Cogdill, Matt Moore, and Nicole Keating.​ Prayer Team: Edna Mator, Suah Borsay, ​Bill Klein, and Linda Klein.