St. Paul's Lutheran Church

Feasibility Presentation

View slides from September 25/26 feasibility presentation.

SPARK video update

SPARK Feasibility Brochure

The brochure includes exterior and interior renderings and is accompanied by a letter from Pastor Schneider.

Drawings from AHTS architects

The drawings involve removal of the Parish Hall and offer alternatives for some of the concerns about the original plan expressed by members of the congregation. The new plan is still preliminary, and congregational feedback will help guide further changes. Based on congregational feedback, some changes have been made to the plan since these drawings were created.

Feasibility study findings

Dear Members of St. Paul's,

We encourage you to read carefully the SPARK Feasibility Study findings summary. The study, produced by The James Company, addresses the status of building proposal and other issues in the congregation.

We thank the Holy Spirit that people were honest and frank in the confidential interview process. Representatives of The James Company stressed that comments were charitable and were shared out of a love for the congregation. That's a foundation for us to build on as we address the recommendations on many levels.

Copies of the full feasibility report are available in the church office for reading.

What is a feasibility study and why is it important?

The purpose of a feasibility study was to assess the readiness of the congregation for a capital campaign, determine the capital stewardship potential, identify leaders and volunteers, all while testing the initial case for support. The process of conducting a feasibility study involved fact finding, composing an information pamphlet to outline the vision for ministry and proposed building/expansion of programs, seeking congregational input, conducting a member survey and personal interviews, and preparing a presenting a finalized report.

Vision Statement

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School – a welcoming environment for all, bringing God into our lives through worship, intergenerational Christian education, outreach, and enriching ministry for families and youth

Timeline

Spring/Summer 2011	Work with AHTS Architects to refine our building plans.
Spring/Summer 2011	Work with The James Company to prepare for a feasibility study.
Summer/Fall 2011	Conduct the feasibility study under the direction and assistance of The James Company.
Summer/Fall 2001	Share the results of the feasibility study with the congregation.
Fall/Winter 2011	Congregational decision on a design concept and a Capital Fund appeal.
Fall/Winter 2011	Select a firm to assist in the Capital Fund appeal and prepare for the Capital Fund Appeal
Winter 2011/Spring 2012	Conduct the Capital Fund appeal
After a successful Capital Fund appeal:
Spring/Summer 2012	Work with AHTS Architects to prepare bidding documents and put the project out for bids.
Summer/Fall 2012	Congregational vote to approve bids and authorize construction
	Begin construction.

Strategic Direction for Buildings & Grounds

As St. Paul’s strives to grow in faith through Christian community for Christ's service, we have identified the following long-range planning goals for building and grounds:

Create a more welcoming environment

Develop an easily recognizable primary entrance to the church
Improve indoor and outdoor signage to guide visitors into and through the church
Design a drop-off area for church and school
Consider special parking area for visitors and design parking areas to funnel people to the primary entrance
Provide ample space near the church entrance, where people can gather, greet each other, and enjoy fellowship
Offer conveniently located restrooms
Create accessible facilities for the physically challenged, including those with hearing and vision impairments
Emphasize good lighting

Develop a dynamic family and youth ministry program

Design facilities that support and enrich family and youth programs for all ages
Ensure adequate space for the needs of a wide variety of large and small groups, including Sunday School and Confirmation
Provide areas for family and youth recreation, including space for games, movies, indoor sports
Accommodate a growing meal ministry

Enhance worship spaces

Provide facilities that support a variety of worship formats and music styles
Design spaces that make people feel comfortable
Offer space for alternative worship
Determine a convenient location for the nursery
Provide a quiet spot for prayer and reflection

Support the educational ministry of St. Paul's Church and School

Provide space to accommodate an educational ministry that is multi-generational, provides opportunities to discuss tough subjects in faith-based dialogue, expands understanding of the Bible, and deepens faith
Design facilities that can accommodate school lunch, activities, and indoor recreation without impacting the church schedule for luncheons, funerals, weddings, and other events
Integrate St. Paul’s facilities into a campus environment that supports the ongoing interaction between the church and school

SPARK Committees

Project Management

John Wuertz, Chair
Brent Steere
Jean Buckingham
Hank Bagelmann
Josie Beckstrom
Don Meyer
Jennifer Sassman
Russ Jerome
Jerry Elsamiller
Alan Johnson
Dot Bahlman
Scott Ramker
Ron Zelle

Financial Management

Rod Drenkow, Chair
Hank Bagelmann
Don Meyer
Mike Brown
Ed Droste
Beth Olson

Communication Management

Linda Moeller, Chair
Chris Knudson
Rachel Wohrlin

Prayer

Barbara Zemke, Chair
Intercessory Prayer Committe