Phase 4 Will Bring Transformative Updates
Jeremy Kropf
After months of planning and collaboration, the Administration Commission is ready to unveil the Phase 4 Renovation proposal for our congregation. This ambitious project comes with significant scope—and a sizeable price tag—but it promises transformative updates to key areas of our site and building.
Here’s what to expect:
- Saturday, May 3: Watch for a detailed proposal summary in your email, included with the agenda for the May 18 congregational meeting.
- Sunday, May 4: Join us for an informational session over a casual brown bag lunch. Bring your questions and enjoy the desserts provided while learning about the proposed plans.
- Sunday, May 18: Participate in the congregational meeting to discuss the proposal in detail and vote on how to move forward.
What’s in the Phase 4 proposal?
- Parking Lot Resurfacing
- A new layout to meet current standards.
- Adjustments to improve traffic flow near Madison Street and the steps, along with new internal landscaping for safety and aesthetics.
- Education Wing Updates
- New carpet, fresh paint, new doors, and general repairs in every room.
- Custom-built closets and new cabinetry for classrooms—no structural changes required.
- Energy Efficiency Improvements
- Enhanced roof insulation and insulated panels below the upstairs windows in the education wing.
- Replacement of three uninsulated steel doors and the south-facing windows along Madison Street.
- Foundation waterproofing and insulation, plus new energy-efficient windows for the sanctuary and narthex.
- Collaborating with an architect to design siding for the sanctuary and education wing for added insulation.
The Administration Commission will share the conceptual design for the siding as soon as it’s ready. The congregation will determine in a future meeting whether to proceed with this aspect of the project, along with additional fundraising requirements.
We’re excited about the potential of these renovations to enhance the functionality, comfort, and sustainability of our shared space.
In This Issue
Mothering God
Richard Gehring
“Mothering God, you gave me birth” is the first line and title of a hymn in Voices Together (#426). Drawing on the work of medieval mystic Julian of Norwich, Mennonite poet Jean Janzen wrote these lyrics focusing on feminine images for God.
Many Bible passages portray God engaging in activities usually associated with women. Isaiah, for example, describes God as the one who gave birth, nursed, and cared for Israel. Some Psalms also draw on feminine imagery for God.
Jesus speaks of being “born again,” suggesting that God gives birth to us a second time. He also depicts God rejoicing like a woman who finds a lost coin, and compares himself to a mother hen longing to gather her chicks under her wings.
I am especially mindful of such images as we approach Mother’s Day. As I recall my mother who recently died, I am grateful for the nurture I received from her and for her lifelong model of faithfulness.
I know that for others, however, the day is a reminder of difficult relationships with mothers. It can also be a painful time for those who have been unable to be mothers or for those who feel that their choice not to have children isn’t honored.
No matter our experiences, we are all invited to turn to God as our loving and nurturing parent who guides and encourages us in our journey through life. We can prayerfully join in the final stanza of the hymn: “hold me close so that in faith I root and grow until I flow’r, until I know.”
Financial Update
Eric Nelessen, Treasurer
Thank you for your giving to the General Fund so far this year! As of April 30, we have received General Fund donations of $134,302. Our net income is $10,402. Our revenue and expenses are both slightly higher from what they were at this point last year. Our year-to-date net income is almost identical to April 30, 2024. This shows consistency from year to year, which is a great sign.
Thank you all for your continued and steady financial support of LMC and for keeping the church’s finances in your prayers! As always, please let me know if you ever have any questions.
Vacation Bible School!
Elise Ewert
The theme for Vacation Bible School this year is “Waves of Wonder.” The children will explore scriptures in which God provides water for plants and animals. They will visit the wilderness and miraculously receive water from a rock. They will take a boat ride with Jesus, weather a wavy storm, and even imagine a new heaven and a new earth where all are invited to receive life-giving water.
Vacation Bible School is a great time for LMC kids (ages 3 through rising 5th graders) to grow in their knowledge of God and to deepen their relationships with friends. We will need help to make VBS a success, though—please let us know if you can pitch in with snacks, crafts, song leading, or in some other way. VBS will be July 21-25, from 9-11 AM; registration information will be coming soon!
Register Early for Our Church Retreat and Save!
Jill Yordy Stasch
To borrow phrasing from Jane Austen, it is a truth universally acknowledged that Mennonites love a discount. Equally super high on their list are fellowship, delicious food, and the beauty of God’s creation. How do these things combine in the most perfect union since Elizabeth wed Darcy?* Early registration season for our church retreat at Menno Haven!
We’ll gather for our annual church retreat on September 6-7, 2025 at Camp Menno Haven in Tiskilwa, IL. Highlights include:
- Rock climbing wall
- Hayrack ride
- Songs and s’mores around the campfire
- Boating and fishing
- Hiking and birdwatching
- Outdoor pool (weather dependent)
- Game night with snacks
- An amazing opportunity to know your church family in a new way.
Where does the discount come in? Register by Sunday, June 1, and save $5 off your retreat cost.
Here’s how it works. You pay for your lodging and $6 per person for the wonderful homemade meals for the weekend; LMC covers the rest. There are a variety of lodging options to fit different budgets: campsite ($28), RV campsite ($38), sharing a dorm room with 4-5 bunk beds ($45), hotel room ($171), entire dorm room sleeping 8-10 just for your family group ($200). You can also stay offsite and pay a day use fee ($12/person/day, $36/family/day).
If you have any questions, contact Jill Y. S. or Lisa R. Register today to join us at the church retreat at Camp Menno Haven!
*P&P fans, let out a cheer!