April 25, 2017

Dear friends and members of Luther Memorial,

This past Sunday, the congregation gathered for a special meeting to vote on the proposed renovation projects and approve a mortgage with Oak Bank. I am very pleased to announce that the motion to proceed with the project passed with a written ballot on a vote of 80-2 with one abstention.

The scope of the renovations will include:

East Wing – A full renovation of 3 of the 4 floors in the 1958 education “east” wing including: new space for infants, children, youth and Sunday school; offices; and a social ministry floor, potentially for a student-oriented food pantry and Caring Closet. Hospitality will be dramatically improved with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, updated and efficient heating and cooling systems, a new east wing roof, updated fire and security system, and a new elevator accessible to all 4 floors.

Nave – A new, free-standing altar platform to replace our decades-old “temporary” and ailing platform, and renovations to the rear balcony. Upgrades and improvements include a new sound system, air conditioning, lighting, and flooring.

Work on the east wing is scheduled to begin May 1 and work in the nave will begin June 19. The hope is that all work is complete by mid-October.

In addition to approving the project, the congregation approved a finance package. In broad terms, the project will cost the congregation about $4.5 million. $800,000 of which will come from a state grant for historic preservation and $1.6 million from pledges and gifts from the congregation. The remaining will be paid for through a mortgage. While this is a sizeable debt for the congregation to incur, I am impressed – and deeply moved – by the congregation’s willingness to embark on this path for the sake of the current and future mission of Luther Memorial.

Please watch for coming announcements and photos chronicling the renovation process! If you have any questions about the upcoming project, please speak to a member of the Phase I Building Task Force, Randy Burmeister – chair, or myself. Thank you again for your interest and faithful participation!

Yours in Christ,

The Rev. Brad Pohlman, Senior Pastor