Renewing For God's Mission
RENEWING OUR FACILITIES & PARTNERSHIPS
In the Heart of the City
Since 1911 First Lutheran has been situated at the corner of Third Avenue and 10th St. ; over 100 years serving as a worship center and mission post in what is now the heart of Cedar Rapids.
A facility constructed in three phases (1911, 1956, 1996) over 100 years comes with a lot of upkeep, and is subject to a lot of wear and tear.
The congregation was determined to remain in downtown near ministry partners and with mission at our doorstep, so in 2014 we started structural assessments and feasibility studies to rehabilitate and restore our facilities setting us on a track for the next 100 years on ministry.
Breaking it Down
The maintenance list was extensive. From wiring to brick tuckpointing, roof leaks and an organ that was literally falling down in places, it was decided to tackle the project in two phases.
In 2017 we started fund raising and architectural planning for Phase 1: starting with the oldest sections of our facility renovating our worship space in the original 1911 structure.
Phase 1: The Worship Space
In our first phase we restored the ceiling to its original open beam structure. Energy-efficiency was addressed with new insulation and modern heating and air conditioning systems as well as modernizing electric and AV wiring throughout. Improved (yet less power-hungry) lighting and restoration work on our large stained glass windows brought a new brightness to the space. Outside all sloped roofs received new shingles and some small flat roof areas were replaced.
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A brighter, refreshed worship space.
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New roofing ended old
battles of leaks and patches.Type the content for this list item here. This is just example text to show you what it will look like when you enter text content into this list item. Your unique, authentic, and appropriate text will be filled into this section. Once you click into this text area, you will see the filler text disappear.
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A new pipe organ from Parsons in Canandiagua, NY capped off the project.
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The Pandemic Pause
We completed Phase 1 in February of 2020, just as the world was coming to grips with the Co-Vid 19 pandemic. We held worship just a couple times in the renovated space before pausing
in-person worship. Thanks to the new AV systems put in place, we were immediately able to start streaming weekly worship and creating other video devotion content to stay connected to the congregation. With so much financial uncertainty during the pandemic years, we put a pause on the second phase plans.
Time for Phase 2
In 2023 the timing felt right to pick up on the work for phase 2. Ballooning materials and construction costs led to revising some plans, but our mission was set: to renovate our welcoming, hosting, and learning areas and their mechanical systems to match the warmth and welcome of the refreshed worship space.
2025: Phase 2
In the Spring of 2025 with the congregation voting to fund phase 2, work began to renovate the rest of the facility. Major portions of the work focused on new wiring and mechanical systems as well as significant repair of flat roofs and brick tuckpointing not tackled in Phase 1. We made major improvements to our Children's and Youth areas as well as modernizing our main lobby and dining hall. New carpet, fresh paint and improved lighting throughout the facility were the first updates in 30 years for some areas!
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Gathering for refreshments in our main lobby.
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Kids playing in our refreshed PreSchool Room.
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Serving up root beer
floats in the refreshed
Youth Room.Type the content for this list item here. This is just example text to show you what it will look like when you enter text content into this list item. Your unique, authentic, and appropriate text will be filled into this section. Once you click into this text area, you will see the filler text disappear.
The Project is Complete,
The Purpose Continues
All along it was never really about the building; it is about providing a solid foundation from which to launch our next 100 years of worship, learning, serving, and hosting for our community.
Whether for the hundreds we serve with our weekly free meals, or a packed house for a concert, First Lutheran serves as a community hub for basic needs and special events alike.
With a renewed foundation, and a commitment to Discover More: Together we are ready to be a beacon of God's love for all in the heart of the city for years to come!
The Archive:
Details from our Phase II launch are below for even more in-depth context.
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Throughout the Winter and Spring 2023/24 the Building Committee held several forums as well as publishing articles and a pamphlet outlining the needs of our facility and the options we had to meet them. Initially a new entrance was considered but removed from the proposed project due to inflated costs in spring of 2024.
At a congregational meeting on June 9, 2024 the Congregation authorized the Church Council to contract with The James Company to conduct a capital campaign to raise funds for the following: -
Purpose #1: 2025 Annual Stewardship. We are asked to support the everyday mission and ministry of the church with our annual stewardship commitments. We do every year, and it is vital for us as a congregation.
Purpose #2: Capital Campaign. We are invited to support the capital campaign with a three-year commitment that is over and above our regular annual stewardship giving, with the purpose to:
+ Repay debt on sanctuary project.
+ Repair necessary building items, including flat roof, AC, and worn carpet and finishes.
+ Renew how this building welcomes people. Children’s Ministry Area, Expanded Youth Room, Parking Lot, Welcome Area using current entrances.
+ Reach out beyond ourselves with substantial gifts to targeted ministry partners as outlined below.
Hear your fellow members Mark & Marti Marz talk more about Priorities
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1. Pay off the remaining balance from the sanctuary project of $545,000 and any additional interest.
2. Address necessary repairs and maintenance including:
a. Replace the flat roof facing the parking.
b. Replace aged-out AC units and necessary HVAC repair.
c. Repair brick and mortar at bell tower and exterior of sanctuary.
d. Repair rust damage on exterior surfaces and replace leaking window seals.
e. Replace wind damaged entrance doors at 3rd Avenue and Drive-Through.
f. Refurbish the elevator.
g. Replace worn carpet/tile areas on all 3 floors.
h. Paint walls and stain doors/trim woodwork to match new sanctuary décor.
3. Renew Key Ministry Areas:
a. Parking Lot
b. Narthex/Welcome Area
c. 3rd Floor Ministry Area for Children
d. 1st Floor Youth Room.
e. Using existing entries, provide clear welcome for newcomers.
4. Reach Out. Our Church Council approved our H3GO (Outreach) Team's recommendation to give a total of $100,000 to two designated ministry partners: a $50,000 to our Lutheran global partner congregations in Samé Tanzania for three building projects and a $50,000 grant to Wellington Heights Community Church in Cedar Rapids for identified necessary repairs for their buildings and a Flourishing Community Index project to support the neighborhood. Find out more about our Outreach component here.
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May 18, 2025 - Full congregation votes at 10:10 a.m. Sunday, May 18 on finalized budget in order to move ahead
May 19, 2025 - Construction Begins
2025-2027 Congregation fulfills 3-year commitments
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Join the Mission! We invite you to prayerfully consider how can support the work of this congregation with a pledged or unpledged gift during the duration of the project to help meet our goals. The Renewing for God's Mission project is funded over and above our regular annual giving to the mission and ministry of First Lutheran Church.
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This will complete our 7 year effort to renew the building from end to end without incurring any new debt. The possibilities are endless for ministry moving forward into the future.
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An Idea is Born Read about it here.
Congregation Votes to Move Ahead Read about it here.
Project Kicks Off Read about it here.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – ALL AREA MEDIA
For more information or interviews contact:
Pr. Craig Brown, Lead Pastor for Outreach
First Lutheran Church
1000 3rd Ave SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
(319) 310-6888 Cell
Details: Join us for a brief ribbon-cutting at 3-3:30 p.m. Friday, May 1 at First Lutheran Church at 1000 3rd Ave SE Cedar Rapids to celebrate the completion of our $7 million renovation project. There will be brief remarks by Senior Pr. Steve Knudson, Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell, and a member of the Cedar Rapids Economic Alliance. We will have appetizers, a ribbon, a giant pair of scissors, and YOU! No RSVP is necessary. This event is free and open to the public.
Overview of Renovation Project at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids:
+ Recently reinvested $7 million into SE Cedar Rapids with building renovation
+ Vital part of the Med Quarter, hosting large-scale events for medical community
+ Provides worship for 500 people from 30 miles in every direction weekly
+ Meal site for up to 200 people in need every Saturday
+ Produces $400,000 in meals a year to the wider Cedar Rapids community
+ 20 outside groups use the building for their meeting space
$7 million renovation is completely paid for debt-free by our members in two phases:
Phase 1: (2017-2020) “Renewing God’s House”
+ Renovate the sanctuary with custom built pipe organ, new chancel area, real hardwood floors, modern lighting, and raise the false ceiling.
+ Replace the pitched roof from end-to-end of the building.
+ Install energy-efficient heating and cooling in sanctuary.
Phase 2: (2024-2026) “Renewing for God’s Mission”
+ Repair necessary building items, including flat roof, AC, and worn carpet and finishes.
+ Renew how the building welcomes people. Children’s Ministry added sensory room & expanded preschool area, doubled Youth Room, leveled parking Lot, and renovated Welcome Area.
+ Reach out beyond ourselves with a gift of $50,000 for three building projects in Samé Tanzania and $50,000 to Wellington Heights Community Church in Cedar Rapids for building upgrades to the Paul Engle Center and support to the neighborhood.
Dedication Weekend Details:
Friday, May 1:
3-3:30 p.m. Ribbon-cutting by the Cedar Rapids Economic Alliance outside on our new sidewalk with brief remarks by Rev. Dr. Steve Knudson and Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell.
We will have appetizers, self-guided building tours, a ribbon, and a giant pair of scissors.
Saturday, May 2:
4:30 Saturday Evening Meal Program
5 p.m. Traditional Worship
Sunday, May 3:
9 a.m. Traditional Worship
10-11a Scavenger Hunt
10-11 a.m. Guided Building Tours
11 a.m. Contemporary Worship.
11:15a-1p Indoor Picnic Downstairs
12:15 p.m. Prizes awarded for Scavenger Hunt
History of Renovation to First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids:
In 1868, just 22 years after Iowa became a state, Pastor Cephas Baird and 30 charter members organized First English Evangelical Lutheran Church and constructed a building at Third Avenue and Third Street (near Guaranty Bank today). From its start, the language of worship was English and diverse ethnicity was First Lutheran's intention, unlike most Lutheran parishes of northern European extraction.
In 1911 the church moved to its current site. In 1958 a major expansion was added to create our foyer and classrooms, and in 1996 we expanded again adding offices, music, and utility spaces.
The interior of the worship space has seen three major remodels over the last 100 years to maintain the upkeep, add technology, and capture the majestic feeling of a space dedicated to God for each generation. Our dining hall has seen two major revisions, and has served millions of meals to our community for over 50 years.
Each of these improvements has allowed us to serve our community in new ways and establishes our commitment to being a place to Discover More Together in the heart of Cedar Rapids.
Contribute to our Growing Community! Renewing for God’s Mission means providing a place of welcome for all people, just as Christ welcomes us into God’s grace. It's about sustaining the incredible ministries of the church, taking care of our building, and setting the stage for the next chapter of growth. We are always being renewed by God. We are always renewing our ministries and facilities to be more effective in making a difference.
Renewing for God's Mission
Meet the Team!
Thanks to our incredible church members serving our entire congregation as part of our Renewing For God's Mission Core Team. They are... Co-Chairs: Lois Buntz and Tom Schamberger. Pacesetter Team: Doug Pauls, Tom Wolle, and Bruce & Judy Barnes.
Events Team: Brent & Dawn Foss, Jenny Bosking, Dan Baty, Mark & Marti Marz, and Mary Van Houten. Communications: Chris Ackmann, Devin & Kristen Wagner, Michelle Kline, and Mark Fersdahl. Children/Youth: Rachael Cogdill, Matt Moore, and Nicole Keating. Prayer Team: Edna Mator, Suah Borsay, Bill Klein, and Linda Klein.