PAGE 4 | INNOVATION 2021
Multiple expansion projects underway
Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church grows in Fergus Falls, Battle Lake and Africa By James Allen Innovation
INNOVATION
FRESH AND FUNCTIONAL: Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church was dedicated to creating spaces that would be able to be utilized for multiple purposes when determining how to design and expand their Fergus Falls location.
Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church on West Alcott Avenue in Fergus Falls is continuing their facility expansion project, which kicked off with a groundbreaking celebration in May. Kate Haus, director of operations, says Bethel has historically had a space problem, both in terms of parking and space inside the church. The campaign is called, “Make room: The mission of Christ in our generation,” and includes three expansions that are part of the project. The three components are the expansion of the Fergus Falls campus, acquiring a
facility in Battle Lake and mission work with a school in Boudamasa, Chad — a village in Central Africa. Haus said that in Fergus Falls, the project includes an extended parking lot and an expanded building. As a floor plan for the campus was conceived, they decided they wanted to be able to utilize the building Monday through Saturday in addition to Sunday programs and services. Church leadership also recognized that it was a lot of square footage to only use one day a week, so they wanted to open up the facility for other options, including possible community events. The church has already worked with a number of
