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Resource Library
To help LCMS organizations with select topics that are related to facility maintenance and construction, committee members offer these informational guides for your reference. Topics:
Asphalt Paving Maintenance/Repair
Facilities Planning
Members of the Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC) are professional Lutheran architects and liturgical artists who advise on architectural design, planning, construction and preservation of facilities.
Laborers For Christ, founded in 1980, has helped complete more than 845 "building for eternity" projects. Members are dedicated Christians who enjoy witnessing their faith, serving others, traveling and meeting new people.
These groups work together to assist your ministry in creating a more energy efficient facility.
Architectural Advisory Committee
The Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC) exists to:
- Encourage excellence in church architecture and ecclesiastical art.
- Stimulate greater understanding of good church architecture and of sound planning for building projects.
- Encourage architects and artists to strive for a higher level of excellence in planning church buildings.
- Stimulate sound economic approaches to the planning of worship and educational facilities.
- Promote responsible business principles and Christian stewardship throughout building project.
A Site and Facility Analysis may be the way to get your project planning started. This service helps organizations make good decisions about their land and buildings.
An architectural advisor will meet with a congregation on a one-time basis for expenses only. For information about LCEF architectural services, contact your District Vice President or contact the national LCEF office.
A detailed, "Architectural Handbook," is available to assist you with your planning, renovation or building plans.
Turn to an architectural advisor for recommendations regarding energy efficiency projects.
Resources
- For planning, renovation and construction guidance, use our "Architectural Handbook."
- "Putting Energy into Stewardship: Energy Star Guide for Congregations." For recommendations regarding energy efficiency projects, committee members will work with your congregation, contractor and/or Laborers For Christ.
- For expert tips on a variety of areas, see the resource library to the left.
Site and Facility Analysis
A Site and Facility Analysis is ideal for any congregation or school facing a decision about its location or structures. It is designed specifically to help your congregation or school determine:
- How well your site and facilities match your present ministry needs; and
- The capacity of your site and facilities to meet the needs of any new or expanded programs.
It is completed by an AAC member experienced in the design and planning of LCMS congregations and schools, and will use your existing site and facility plans, current design standards, agency requirements for your site, and congregational and/or school statistics to conduct the analysis.
Laborers For Christ
Members of this ministry do not have just the end goal of completing a remodeling project, building a brand-new facility, or updating an organization's physical structure for optimal efficiency. Their goal is to be tools to accomplish God's plan for us. The buildings are merely by products to reaching more people with the Gospel.
Using Laborers For Christ for Your Ministry
Your ministry will be lead by well-qualified Laborers For Christ members. They bring experience and expert knowledge in construction, typically cutting the project management costs 10% to 30%. Laborers For Christ can also update existing facilities, helping you acquire tax credits, money and energy savings. Read the EPA's publication specifically for congregations, "Putting Energy into Stewardship," for project ideas, potential savings and tips for going "green."
However, this money-saving benefit is secondary to the uplifting presence Laborers For Christ brings to your ministry. Laborers enjoy attending worship services, Bible studies and becoming part of your ministry. Laborers will help your ministry multiply the volunteer base, not only for the construction project but for your overall ministry.
In order to sign up for a project, you must be an Active Laborer. To become Active, please fill out the LFC Application and return it to the St. Louis office.
Available Projects as of May 23, 2013
The project list below may contain projects that have started and need additional Laborers. Click on a project to sign up.
| Start Date | City, State | Project | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 2013 | FORT DODGE, IA | GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH | Offices, New/Remodel, Suburban: SF 2200 |
Laborers waiting for approval. |
| Jul 1, 2013 | STILLWATER, OK | ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH | Multipurpose, New, Suburban: SF 9900 |
Laborers waiting for approval. |
| Jul 22, 2013 | PECATONICA, IL | ST JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH | Energy Efficiency, Interior Only, Suburban: SF 0 |
Laborers waiting for approval. |
| Aug 1, 2013 | LAKEWOOD, CO | BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH | Multipurpose, Remodel, Suburban: SF 10000 |
Needs Laborers. |
| Aug 1, 2013 | SEASIDE, CA | FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH | Classrooms, Interior Only, New, Suburban: SF 3000 |
Laborers waiting for approval. |
| Sep 1, 2013 | CROSSVILLE, TN | SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH | Fellowship, Addition/Remodel, Urban: SF 7359 |
Needs Laborers. |
| Mar 1, 2014 | LAKE STEVENS, WA | LAMB OF GOD LUTHERAN CHURCH | Sanctuary, New, Suburban: SF 8000 |
Needs Laborers. |
| Apr 1, 2014 | ATHENS, WI | BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH | Sanctuary, New, Rural: SF 0 |
Needs Laborers. |
| May 1, 2014 | ABERDEEN, WA | CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH | Parish Hall, New, Rural: SF 15000 |
Needs Laborers. |
Energy Efficiency Projects
There are several reasons for making your ministry facility more energy efficient. Maybe you're considering it to:
- Put cost savings toward ministry programs.
- Improve overall longevity of the structure.
- Practice responsible Christian stewardship of the environment.
LCEF's Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC) and Laborers For Christ members are Lutherans also concerned with the stewardship of God's gifts to us. They can provide recommendations and help implement energy efficiency projects.
The most recommended alterations generally are:
- Replace older un-insulated windows and doors.
- Remove all caulking, replace with backer rod (an inexpensive foam rope available in variety of sizes) and apply proper sealant on joints, particularly around windows and doors.
- Install programmable thermostats.
- Install ceiling fans to boost efficiency or eliminate the need for air conditioning.
- Replace light-fixture lamps with more energy-efficient types.
- Upgrade roof and wall insulation.
- Replace old and inefficient furnaces/boilers with energy efficient systems.
- Consider rain water collection for irrigation; plant more drought-tolerant plants to reduce water use in the landscape.
- Install occupancy sensors for lighting systems.
A well-designed and executed plan could result in a short pay-back period, and grants may be available to offset the costs. And with help from LCEF's architectural advisors and Laborers For Christ, you can relax, confident your project is being done right and with your ministry as the first priority.
Next Steps
- Ask a member of the Architectural Advisory Committee to establish a plan for the greatest energy savings.
- Evaluate the costs and determine your priorities and budget. Contact your District Vice President for financing options.
- Consider having Laborers For Christ implement the plan. They are equipped to manage the project as well as have workers on-site. This can be a considerable cost savings since they work for minimum wage and are diligent employees.