Images from the construction
site Interior shots from the new building.
Posted on 3/30/05 More interior shots (From May 10, 2005) Exterior shots (From May 10, 2005)
Building Campaign
A Progress Report on the
Building Program
FINAL REPORT ON THE BUILDING PROGRAM—MAY 2005
An Explosion of Divine Energy!
Pastor Garrels said that when he first walked into the completed new
church that his reaction was, “So this is what God can do!”
The building of this beautiful new house of worship with its inspiring
sanctuary was truly guided by God’s hand, and we can only offer
praise and thanks. During one of Pastor Garrels’ Sunday sermons,
he described what is happening at Immanuel Lutheran Church as an “explosion
of divine energy.” He was referring to the expanding ministries
of the church as well as the building program. As important as building
our new church is, it is even more important to recognize that we are
now starting an exciting new era of ministry to the congregation and
the people of the Big Rapids area. At the same time, it is very difficult
to leave our present church where we have worshiped and shared fellowship,
where family members have been baptized, confirmed, and married, and
where funerals have been held for loved ones. We will now go through
the process of “letting go” of this beloved place and making
it a part of our heritage. Without question, we are “building
on our roots and growing in Christ.”
Accepting the New Church and Receiving the Keys
On Tuesday, May 10, the new church was officially accepted from the
general contractor, Orion Construction, and the keys were placed in
the hands of Ellen Haneline, president of the congregation. The building
architect, Bruce Dilg, guided the process and recommended the acceptance
of the building. This special event was held at the beginning of the
May meeting of the Church Council, and was witnessed by members of the
Steering/Design Team and Council members. A milestone indeed!
Completion of the Punch List
Although we accepted the building and have a temporary certificate of
occupancy, there is still some remaining work to be done to put the
new church in final shape. This work will be completed before the first
worship service on June 12 and will not interfere with any interim plans.
Final Building Program Budget
On April 24, the congregation unanimously approved the final building
program budget in the amount of $2,380,050. What a marvelous re-affirmation
of the commitment to the building program and the future of this congregation!
Bonded in Faith Plus Program
As a part of final budget approval, the congregation also approved the
$78,000 Bonded in Faith Plus program as a means of balancing the building
program budget without additional commercial borrowing. Members will
be given the opportunity to make personal loans to the church at an
interest rate of 4.25 per cent. Members will receive 5-year bonds from
the church which will be repaid with interest. Members will be receiving
a letter from the Church Council regarding this program during the first
part of June.
Gifts and Memorials Campaign—A Reminder
Members are encouraged to fund items for the new church that are not
currently budgeted. Many of these items will make wonderful memorials.
Unbudgeted items include the canopy, the bell tower, stained glass windows,
chairs and tables for the fellowship center and the education room,
LBW hymnals, WOV hymnals, sanctuary video cameras and computer projection,
screening for the prayer alcove, and healing garden landscaping, irrigation,
and walkways. Please let the church office know of your interest.
Reminder on Final Building Program Dates
Thursday, June 2, 4:00 to 7:00: open house and ribbon-cutting at the
new church; Sunday, June 5: farewell service at Linden Avenue church;
Sunday, June 12: first worship services at the new church (8:30 and
11:00).
