With God's Hope~Our Journey Continues...

On Sunday, February 19,2006 at 3:00 PM, Atonement Lutheran Church voted 90-1 to move ahead with the building of a new sanctuary. Many things had changed since the vote January 28. We met with the ELCA Mission Investment Fund representative. They feel it to be important to have a complete Worship Space at the completion of the project…as do we. Because of this and your amazing track record of giving toward the God’s Hope ~ Our Journey capital campaign, they have authorized us to borrow an addition $200,000 for a total of $1.7 million. This will allow the Worship Space to completed and ready for use at the completion of phase I of the building project. This extra funding prompted a new vote. Thanks to all that contributed to this overwhelming YES response! This still does not include a completed basement, but as we are reminded about Kairos, this to will happen in God’s time!

We will move ahead as quickly as possible. Thanks to all of you who made a special effort to be present with an overwhelming YES vote. Groundbreaking will take place on Sunday, March 12 at 3:00 PM followed by a Celebration Potluck. Plan on attending this historic occasion. We are hurrying to fill out all the papers necessary with Mission Investment Fund, of the ELCA, in Chicago to set up a construction loan account. Mike Nicholson will be Treasurer. General Ministry Funds cannot be commingled with these construction funds. To make all things legal, we will work with a title insurance company, take out Builder's Risk Insurance with Church Mutual, and prepare the promissory or Mortgage Deed of Trust. This whole process will take approximately 30 days.

A.D. Miller, our General Contractor is close to having the permit from the city to begin work on the parking lot. When that permit is in hand and the documents properly set for the loan, construction will begin. Exciting News! Soon you will be able to see lots of activity on the property.

On February 13,1966, Atonement was officially formed as an American Lutheran Congregation. February marks our Fortieth Anniversary. What a great opportunity for us to celebrate Living in God's Love -Reaching Out with Hope! Our ministry teams challenge us to continue to be excited at all the opportunities to bring God's love and compassion to a hungry and lonely world. God keeps challenging us to be alive! Pastor Jim and I are eager to be part of these exciting times as we plan ministry together with you for this community today and for the future. Building this new sanctuary for both traditional and contemporary worship will challenge each of us to a sacrificial commitment. Your presence on February 19 at the specially called Congregational Meeting was a significant showing that you are ready for the risky days ahead. Pray that our journey will be a faithful one and that these next nine months of construction will challenge us to bring "Hope to All who come here!"

Yes, this is an exciting time for the Atonement family! I beg us to pray for each other and to care about each other. Make Sunday morning a time to talk with someone new to welcome them to our church family. Allow time for God to speak to you about our mission and calling together. Amen !