A Grace Odyssey
(A spiritual quest for Growth, Renovation, Accessibility, Compassion and Evangelism)

Grace Odyssey- Phase II - "Legacy of Faith"

What is Grace Odyssey?
Grace Odyssey is a vision for Grace Lutheran Church.  It is a quest to address the needs of our facilities and our congregation.  It is a compilation of necessities and desires that have been identified by various committees, task forces and surveys.  It is a capital improvement project centered on growth, renovation, accessibility, compassion and evangelism.

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Why must we undertake this Odyssey?
Growth
The new Welcome Center will create an inviting meeting place for members and guests before and after services. It will be a gathering facility that promotes growth in friendships, growth in volunteerism and growth in our love of the Lord. The Welcome Center will join the Church and Education buildings, growing our facility and providing easy access from the parking lot.

Renovation
Our Education Building is 48 years old. The original windows are in dire need of replacement. The building is currently cooled by window air conditioners. Central air conditioning will be added rather than cutting new windows. This will also provide a more regulated system.

Accessibility
An elevator has long been needed at Grace to allow accessibility to all levels of all buildings to all who wish to come to Grace. An elevator will be installed in the new Welcome Center to provide access to the Sanctuary, the lower level of the Church and the Social Hall. This is the primary purpose of Grace Odyssey Phase II - handicap accessibility.

Compassion
We have a Legacy of Faith at Grace that extends over 100 years. Through their compassion, we have been entrusted with a wonderful Church building and a large campus to celebrate the love of God. It is our obligation to maintain and enhance it for our families. This will be our legacy. This will be our compassion.

Evangelism
Everyone benefits from an improved Grace Campus. We will welcome those who have been excluded by our lack of accessibility. We will welcome back those that are physically challenged by opening up our facility. We will create a larger congregational fellowship area. We will share Christ's compassion and love, the legacy of Grace Lutheran.

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What is the process?
The 2001 Church Council assimilated the information from all of our sources.  They established priorities.  An architectural firm, Jason/Smith was engaged to perform a feasibility study.  A Grace Odyssey Vision Task Force was appointed to work with the architect.  An outline of the plan was endorsed by the council.

A Grace Odyssey Finance Task Force was appointed.  They reviewed financing options.  Professional Fundraisers were interviewed.  The finance plan awaits the final plan from the vision committee.

Small group meetings with the congregation called "cottage meetings" will determine the final plan.  Details of the project will be reviewed and then the Vision and Finance Task Forces will make their recommendations to the 2002 Church Council for approval.

The congregation will be summoned for a Special Meeting for approval of our Grace Odyssey.  The architect will be hired to draft plans and specifications.  The fundraising will begin.  The work will be bid and the contractor(s) selected.  The congregation will assemble again to approve the final plan and kick off the journey.

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Grace Odyssey - the Details

Phase I - Campus Renovation

Parish House Improvements

• Code Alterations   

• Fire Escape

• Roof Repairs

• Floor Refinishing

• Furniture and Furnishings

Fire Alarm System

• Upgrade and extend fire alarm system to all buildings

Stone Masonry Repairs

• Church Building

Handicap Accessibility

• New Elevator Equipment

• Elevator-Related Construction
      Enclosed Breezeway and
      Enlarged Entrance Foyer

• Handicap Toilets - Alterations

• New Exit from Education Building to Playground

• Miscellaneous Accessibility Improvements

Improvements - Church Building

• Air conditioning and related work (upper and lower levels)

• Electrical Service Upgrade

• New Carpeting, upper level

• Door Replacement, 4 sets, w/ hardware

• Audio/visual enhancements

• Caulking and Painting (Exterior)

Phase II - Improvements - Education Building

• Welcome Center

• Elevator

• Education Building air conditioning and windows

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Grace Odyssey - the Cost
The cost of the project is based on quotations and best guess estimates.  The price will be more accurately determined when the final plans and specifications are drawn.
 

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