As
a result of strategic planning of Vision Day 2001 and the creation
of the
Vision Day Strategic Plan, the Church
Council appointed the Facilities Taskforce. Since that time the
Taskforce has looked carefully at Trinity’s existing facilities and
examined the congregation’s hopes and dreams for the future. A short
history of our activities goes something like this:
· February 2003 –
Trinity Lutheran Church Congregation approves expenditure to employ
David Kane of Kane and Johnson, Architects to determine and
prioritize needs of the congregation and translate into a plan for
the future.
·
March 2003 –
Over 60 members of the congregation and staff meet with David Kane.
Discussions included a historical perspective as well as “Dare to
Dream” thinking about future possibilities and needs for Trinity’s
physical structures.
·
April 2003 –
David Kane meets with over 100 members of Trinity to share the
results of his initial visit.
Those in attendance had a number of comments about Trinity's
facilities. Several comments about the sanctuary were heard.
Observations included the beauty of the sanctuary, as well as
limited visibility and handicapped accessibility to the chancel.
Classroom space was also mentioned several times. Several
participants asked about the historical and future membership growth
of Trinity.
·
May and
June 2003 – The Facilities Taskforce continues meeting with Mr.
Kane to prioritize the needs assessment of space including the
Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall/Kitchen, Classrooms/Meeting Rooms and
Office Space and to go over the
Executive Summary
he prepared..
Based on all
we have learned during the last year, the Facilities Taskforce
continued to look carefully at four options for Trinity’s
facilities:
-
Stay at
present site and do nothing
-
Stay at
present site and build on adjoining property
-
Work a
dual campus utilizing our present site and a new site
-
Move to a
new site
·
September 2003 – Facilities Taskforce began speaking with
several professional firms that help congregations with fundraising.
Since all four of our options have a price tag, the purpose is to get
an early understanding of how the fundraising process works and to
inquire about their experience, approach, success and testimonials.
The council, upon recommendation of the Task Force, put RSI (a
national fundraising firm) on retainer for future needs.
·
Fall 2003 – Congregational meeting with David Kane. Results of
the congregational needs analysis and breakdown of future growth
options with the respective benefits and costs.
Winter 2003-04 - Town Hall meetings to gather congregational
input on the three options.
February 1, 2004-Annual Meeting
- The Task Force unveiled the
final recommendation,
Option C Phase 1, to the congregation for initial discussion.
Feb, March, April - Meetings will be held to answer questions
and provide the many details used to come to this decision. These
meetings will be an opportunity to discuss the benefits of the
recommendation and
why a move is
needed. To ask questions like,
"Is the sanctuary
really that full?" and to hear answers to other
frequently
asked questions.
May 2 - Congregational vote on the future direction of
Trinity's Vision and Mission.
VOTE RESULTS 476 - NO
374 - YES
These are
important times here at Trinity and the input of our entire church
family is important. For more information about Mr. Kane's report see
Trinity's website at www.tlcowatonna.org . For more information about
the process, contact any of the Facilities Taskforce Members listed
below. Please pray for wisdom and unity during this exciting time!
Jeff Valen,
John Ihlenfeld, Linda Karkhoff, Steve Larsen, Suzy Meneguzzo, Marilyn
Nelson, Lori Thompson, Mark Sebring
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