LCEF Art and Architecture Award

And I thought there was nothing else to write about . . .

Today we received a special mailing from LCEF (Lutheran Church Extension Fund) informing us that we are the recipient of the 2008 Triennial LCEF Art and Architecture LCMS Educational Facility - Large Award for the expansion of our church and school facility.

The letter went on to say, "the award jury recognizes and commends your outstanding achievement in religious art and architecture in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The jurors were particularly impressed with the completeness of the design and the successful execution of the design concept through the entire project. Your achievement will stand as an example and encouragement for others in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to purse excellence in religious art and architecture in the construction and adornment of church and school facilities."

To God be the Glory!

Courtyard and Garden

One of the quiet places on campus is the new garden courtyard between the existing school building and the new fellowship hall. Marty Thomas has done a wonderful job landscaping the space so that over time we will have a wonderful garden space. A large portion of the space is covered and the benches donated in 1994 by Jane and the late Robert Schoen have found a new home.

Youth Room

The "coolest" space in the new building is the youth room. This state-of-the-art room has plenty of space for our youth (junior high and high school) to live and learn. The new furniture will be arriving later this week and use of the space will begin. High end AV means our youth can watch moves (projection TV), play Wii on the 60 inch flat screen, or just listen to music (a very nice JBL system). The room has a warm "warehouse" feel and promises to be the "coolest" room on campus. No adults allowed!

Infant Wing

The newly designed infant wing offers clean and colorful spaces for learning and development. The five classrooms are for our youngest children (six weeks to twenty-four months). The space also includes both indoor and outdoor play spaces.

Music Room

The main music practice room is allowing for the continued expansion of our growing music program (choirs, handbells, orchestra, band, etc.) The strong A-frame windows bring back the rhythm of the original sanctuary (over which the new music room sits). The lighting and acoustics make this a marvelous space for learning and living the church's song.

Covered Walk

One very nice addition is a covered drop-off located on the west side of the sanctuary. Through the years we have often been left out in the rain (people sprinting into the sanctuary or walking in slow procession with a casket to the hearse). How nice to have a space where we can load and unload and move between building without being out in rain.

Fellowship Hall

The fellowship hall is the "nicest" addition to new facilities. This formal space is quickly becoming the gathering space for study, food, and fellowship. As a space that we haven't had in the recent past, this hall offers the ability to host large and small events for the congregation and community.