Graced by God……......Called by God
Amazing Grace Lutheran Church
Lawrenceville, GA
Summer 2008
It is taught among us that this faith is bound to bring forth good fruits and that
it is necessary to do the good works commanded by God.
Article VI, Augsburg Confession
From it’s beginning in 1987, through both good and difficult times, our congregation
has remained faithful to God's call to witness. Through the grace of God and the
hard work of our people, our congregation has shared God’s Amazing Grace in the
Lawrenceville metro area for more than 20 years.
We serve in many ways – Christian education, music and liturgical activities. In
our outreach efforts we have made our facilities available to a wide variety of
community groups over the years. We have housed Cub Scout, Boy and Girl Scout groups.
Also the Gwinnett Young Singers, Al-anon and many others. Our facilities are used
by the Gwinnett County voters office as a polling facility. Our building has been
there for weddings, baptisms and confirmations, youth group parties and celebrations
of many kinds. We have been there for funerals and memorial services.
Properly speaking, the Church is the assembly of saints and true believers.
Article VIII, Augsburg Confession
We are grounded in Word and Sacrament, not in bricks and mortar. Our mission is
to proclaim the Gospel. The building in which we assemble enables our mission to
flourish. It is where we worship and celebrate God's gifts.
Our building was constructed in 1989/90. The beautiful nave is now over 20 years
old. It was constructed with the love, labor and riches of our members. Members
cleared the land, drew up the plans and did as much of the construction work as
possible back then. Over our history we have been blessed to have members that have
given of their time, riches and talents to provide for the upkeep and upgrades we
enjoy here at Amazing Grace.
Some of the projects completed at Amazing Grace since it was built are finishing
the basement, finishing the youth room, remodeling the choir loft, remodeling the
Pastors offices, remodeling the Narthex, building the children’s Sunday School rooms,
remodeling the kitchen, building the coffee clutch, replacing the carpet, painting
various areas, building sidewalks, installing new signs and driveway patching and
repair.
The amazing thing about all this is that all of it was done by members, with individually
donated funds or out of AGLC’s operating budget and with lots of volunteer labor.
We have never had a building fund or done a capital drive!
But there are projects that are beyond our dedicated individual members. The cost
in time, labor and expertise are just too much for us to do all the work that is
clearly necessary now.
We should fear and love God in order that... Article I, Small Catechism
Luther reminds us that we follow the will of God not only because it is his will,
but also for the blessing he promises us in doing so. A strong vision exists for
the future of our congregation, but we must have facilities in order that the vision
can be pursued. We must shore up and rebuild our facilities in order that we may:
- • have suitable spaces for children and adult education and group meetings
- • prepare and serve meals
- • provide suitable offices for existing staff
- • enable new ministries and staff
- • provide a space for music storage and equipment
- • accommodate a larger worshiping community
- • cultivate small-group worship opportunities
- • be more visible and welcoming to the community
In 2006 a dedicated group of our members came together to formulate a long range
plan for Amazing Grace. As part of that plan they included the following suggestions
for our building.
Develop and execute a comprehensive building maintenance program.
This goal involves
- 1) a realistic look at the challenges that we face with our current facility;
- 2) a fund-raising effort to raise extra-budgetary funds to repair problems and
replace aging equipment;
- 3) a plan which identifies a time-line for work and people to do the work, whether
hired or volunteer.
In the fall of 2007 pastor Jason reviewed the results of the long rage planning
committee report and put a group together of past and present facilities chairmen
and council officers to plan a strategy to implement the suggestions made in that
report.
That group formulated a list of needed improvements and renovations, obtained cost
estimates, planned an implementation time line and researched consultant firms to
assist Amazing Grace raise the funds necessary for this drive.
Our plan and recommendations
- First, our desire and plan to renew our facility recommends that we not incur
unnecessary debt. We want our resources to be put to use in our mission rather than
repaying loans.
- Secondly, we recommend the completion of the projects as soon as we raise the
funds. We will not wait for the capital drive completion to start our work.
- Third, we have included in our proposal funds for Luther Ranch/ Luther Ridge.
As a member of the Southeastern Synod and with a desire to use these wonderful facilities
we believe we should support this exciting ministry.
- Finally and most importantly we believe that this project will help prepare our
facility and congregation for the future and assure our continued sharing God's
Amazing Grace in our community.
Attached is the list of projects we believe are needed for our facility with the
estimated costs. We ask for your financial support to help us turn these projects
into reality.
Amazing Grace Lutheran Church Facility cost estimates
August 2008
Phase 1 – Urgent
- Roof and gutter replacement ...............................$17,000.00
- HVAC system replacement...................................$27,000.00
- Replace front doors..................................................$5,100.00
- Replace street sign....................................................$6,000.00
- Clean, repair and paint exterior.............................$6,500.00
- Clean, repair and paint sanctuary..........................$1,400.00
- Clean, repair and remainder of property..................$600.00
- Luther Ranch drive...................................................$1,500.00
- Kiros and appeal budget.........................................$22,000.00
- Contingency – phase 1.............................................$15,000.00
Total Phase 1............................................................$102,100.00
Phase 2 – Put us in good order
- Sewer hook up and county impact fees...............$15,000.00
- Sewer hook up trenching and construction...........$7,600.00
- Exterior wall repair/ planter...................................$2,000.00
- Repave parking lot.................................................$33,200.00
- Replace Sanctuary doors.........................................$3,200.00
- Replace sanctuary seating........................................$8,000.00
- Replace sanctuary flooring......................................$6,000.00
- Luther Ranch drive..................................................$1,500.00
- Contingency – phase 2............................................$15,000.00
Total Phase – 2........................................................$91,500.00
Phase 3 – Moving forward
- Facilities reserve fund/ mortgage pay down........$240,000.00
- Luther Ranch drive...................................................$1,500.00
- Contingency – phase 3...............................................$9,000.00
Total phase – phase 3.................................$250,500.00
Grand total........................................$444,100.00
Summer 2008
Dear Amazing Grace members,
We are asking all members of Amazing Grace Lutheran Church for their support and
help by participating in our upcoming capital campaign. We believe it is time to
address our much discussed needs to repair, remodel and enhance our church space.
Along with this letter we are are sending you detailed information about our recommendations
and plans.
A great deal of effort by a number of member volunteers is reflected in our recommendations.
We have discussed facilities issues at numerous congregational, council and planning
meetings.
Our recommendations include three phases:
Phase 1 – Must do
Phase 2 – Getting our facilities in order
Phase 3 – Moving forward We recommend, with member contributions allowing, completion
of all phases without considering borrowing money.
We need your financial support to make these plans a reality. Please prayerfully
consider what you can do in his effort to help our congregation share God's Amazing
Grace.
Sincerely submitted,
Capital campaign Executive committee
Richard Lee
Wayne Linkie
Bob Mackinnon
Lee Bennett