Opening Doors: Welcoming
We know that vibrant and welcoming space is important to people of all ages and stages of life who worship, learn, volunteer, and seek refuge in our building. More than 1,500 people come through our doors on a weekly basis, but our aging infrastructure doesn’t always allow us to look our best. We have identified several building and furnishings challenges that we plan to address.
Challenges
- Worn and tired teaching and fellowship spaces
- Dated and inefficient technology and projection systems
- Inadequate and inefficient heating and cooling systems
- Inconspicuous and dated street side and wayfinding signs
- No showers for overnight guests
- Uncomfortable folding chairs and aging tables
- Limited outdoor play space for children
“I am proud that our church building is a busy place every day of the week. Our campaign projects will make Immanuel even more welcoming and hospitable for community and Immanuel activities. I rejoice in that!”
John Urbanski, recent Immanuel Council President
Click for larger images
Door # 1 aligns with our value of welcoming hospitality.
Who benefits? Thousands of people who walk through our doors, both from our congregation and the larger community.
The money will be used to address the following significant improvements to our building and grounds.
Building
- Remove the beautiful stained glass windows currently in Luther Hall and repurpose them as inspirational wall art in the Fellowship Hall, Luther Hall and in the common area by the Library.
- Install modern, unobtrusive projection and video technology to enhance teaching and worship in Luther and Fellowship Hall and the sanctuary. This will open the door to a more vibrant and engaging worship experience and allow us to share the experience with others via live streaming of images/video for weddings, funerals, special events and
community events
- Paint and re-carpet our Sunday School wing, Music Room, Nursery, Office
- Replace our aging HVAC systems
- Add showers for use by overnight guests
- Install a tasteful and welcoming digital signage near our Welcome Desk to greet and guide people to meetings and activities
- Purchase attractive tables and comfortable folding chairs for use at meetings and gatherings
- Reconfigure existing storage space off Luther Hall for musical rehearsal space
- Upgrade west main entrance doors, south entrance door, and install programmable key-card entry for the north main entrance door to enhance security and eliminate the need to circulate keys
Grounds
- Install tasteful and welcoming electronic sign that introduces us to passersby on Eden Prairie Road, conveys important information, and draws people in
- Build a play area to serve children age 3 - elementary school between the expanded parking and the south property line
- Build a much-needed storage garage