LAMPLIGHTER Fall 2018
Long Range Planning: Mission Minded by Kristi Meyer In its current form, the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) has existed at St. John’s since May 2016. St. John’s members might wonder what the committee has done in those two years. No building expansion plans have been presented to the congregation for approval. No timeline for breaking ground or completion of construction has been shared. No financial commitments have been requested. Although it may look like the work of the LRPC has stalled, nothing could be further from the truth. In Fall 2017, the LRPC hosted several congregational listening sessions. These listening sessions served a dual purpose: to gather feedback from congregation members and to remind members why potential facility expansion is being discussed. “The main reason to be thinking about long range planning is to re-energize our spirit of mission mindedness,” says Pastor Joel Leyrer. “We wish to continually reach out to the community with the gospel message of Jesus Christ.” To that end, the LRPC used feedback from the listening sessions to prioritize needs for space at both church and school. At the June voters’ meeting, committee chairman Jon Johnson presented potential conceptual architectural drawings. These drawings reflect a desire to consider both our church and school ministries when planning for future expansion. At church, there is insufficient after-service gathering space in the narthex. In addition, the restroom facilities are in need of expansion and updating, and office space for our current pastoral and administrative staff is being stretched beyond its capacity. Although these needs might seem low on the priority list, Pastor Leyrer believes
they are crucial to our ministry. “Increased fellowship space would allow us to cultivate a stronger sense of family and community among us. That’s why we’re looking at reconfiguring our existing narthex as well as updating and expanding our restrooms.” Across the street, a lack of space due to current school enrollments and a desire to expand our childcare are two of the main factors shaping our school expansion plans. “When we built our school facility, we intentionally built it to reach out to the community,” explains Pastor Leyrer. “We would again like to have the space and opportunity to reach out with Christ to those at a tender age.” Expansion would provide the space needed in childcare to accommodate more families who may be searching for a church home. In line with this overall emphasis, one exciting new initiative kicks off this fall. Mrs. Carrie Henning, our K3 teacher, is beginning a Mornings with Mommy program (sjtosa.org/ MorningswithMommy). This program offers age appropriate activities for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Mornings with Mommy is being held in the current K3 classroom, but a dedicated space would likely allow this program to grow and extend its reach further than currently possible. The LRPC will share further information with the congregation this fall. Look for an update on Unity Sunday, and watch for announcements of additional listening sessions this upcoming semester. Through the support of the congregation, we look forward to continuing our ministry mindset at St. John’s and using all our resources to spread the gospel message to those around us.