For we are God's workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Epheians 2:10

A campaign to support our growing ministry. During 2009:

• 600 participants in weekly worship
• 300+ attend weekly bible study
• 180 monthly visits to hospitalized or home bound
• 125 new members
• 44 baptisms, including 6 adults new to Christianity
  
• 35 volunteers encourage a Washington Elementary student with a weekly visit.
• 30 families fed each month through our food bank
• 5 consecutive years of growth in ESM school enrollment

Our Story [who we are]

Space to help us care and share.

The features of the new addition emphasize who we are as a congregation and what we’re about. They directly reflect our ministry priorities and members’ input. Most importantly, the addition creates accessible, functional space that allows us to interact with each other in ways we simply can’t right now.

Picture a large, wide staircase that improves traffic flow as people leave the sanctuary and spill into a spacious and bright gathering area with plenty of room to welcome visitors, talk with friends and catch up over coffee and doughnuts. No more scrambling for chairs or hurrying people out of the sanctuary for Bible study to begin. Now, more large groups can meet and teachers will enjoy wireless technology and Smart BoardsTM. Everything -- including the balcony, convenient restrooms and all meeting rooms -- will be easily
accessible for anyone who is challenged by stairs. Drop offs and picks ups are also easier under the shelter of a canopy entrance.

The addition also includes a lower level with a kitchen and large room for serving dinner for over 100 people. This will be a great place to serve funeral dinners and host senior events. It also frees up our current activities center for much needed classroom space as ESM continues to see its enrollment climb.

Architecture that tells our story.

The architectural design of the new area intentionally reflects the contemporary stage of our congregation’s life story, just as the historic sanctuary tells about our roots and the 1966 Brandt Hall offers another distinct era in architecture and in our congregational life. While the overall design of the 2010 addition is contemporary with large areas of glass on the north and east elevations, it also uses materials like brick, limestone and slate elements to cohesively blend the three distinct phases of our building.

Inside, most of the existing exterior walls of the church and Brandt Hall will remain exposed as special features in the new space. We’ve also incorporated environmentally friendly construction including a geothermal heat pump system for heating and cooling and lighting controls that reduce energy use by taking advantage of natural light on the first and second floor assembly spaces.

Giving generously and joyfully:

2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (NIV)
1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their over-flowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.

Our Vision [where we are going]

The 10-year plan: where are we going? In 2008 our congregation approved a vision for our ministry over the next decade. This included plans to:

• Make our facilities accessible and inviting to all.
• Emphasize spiritual growth through expanded Bible study.
• Strengthen the ministry of Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School.
• Commit to outreach in our neighborhood based on Acts 1:8.
• Create a vibrant youth ministry.
• Celebrate and support our special blessing of multi-generational ministry.
• Develop our campus with these ministry needs in mind.

Our Purpose [how we get there]

Before the first brick is laid: this is about faith.

The numbers on the cover show our growth in 2009, but more importantly, they show a membership who takes the great commission seriously. The Lord is, indeed, using us to bring new people to faith and to strengthen the faith of one another. The Building Faith campaign is one example of this. This is not about numbers or guilt. God has led us to this point and we have an opportunity to respond sacrificially. In doing so, we are going to grow as Christians, spiritually together. If that is the only reason God is doing this, amen! However, we believe He has even more in mind and these building plans and financial gifts are just the means to accomplish His mission for Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

What happens next?

Prayerfully consider how God can use you and your gifts for “Building Faith.” Think of ways you can give financially to this effort, like giving up eating out one day a week. Or maybe going to the movies one less time a month. Think creatively about how you can increase your gift to the Lord. Remember “Building Faith” is not about equal gifts, but equal sacrifice.

In March you will receive a commitment card in the mail. This is your time to prayerfully consider how you want to respond -- in joy and with love -- to what God may be calling you to do. This sacrifice will mean something different for each of us, and in the same way, God is going to do something special through it, in each of our lives.

As you think about what to give, don’t go directly to a dollar figure. Instead, begin with scripture, listen to God, spend a few weeks thinking about the gifts you have and how best you can use them. Read more scripture, pray more, and involve your family in the discussion. Then you can best decide what gift will bring you the most joy.

On March 20 and 21, we will have special services where you will have an opportunity to confidentially share your three-year financial commitment.