Staff News Opening New Doors Work Projects in Motion
Tim James, Chancel Choir Director at
the Minnetonka campus, resigned at
the end of the choir year in May. We
are grateful for his work among us and
we wish him God's blessings in his
future endeavors. With over $1.3 million already committed to our three-year, $3M Opening New
Doors mission appeal, we are quickly putting those resources to work to make
both campuses more water-proof and hospitable. Here’s a run-down on the
recent projects:
Following Tim's resignation, we
have been thinking carefully how to
best build on the strong foundation
that exists within the Chancel
Choir. For this coming year we are
naming Mark Paisar as the Interim
Director of the Chancel Choir. This
will give us a wonderful opportunity
to pay attention to the needs of the
choir and congregation and think
strategically about how we would
like to move into the future. Mark
Paisar has just completed a Doctor of
Music Arts degree in church music
from the University of Kansas with
a concentration in organ and choral
music. Therefore we feel that Mark
is very qualified to take on this new
role. Mark will continue to play
worship services once a month at
the Minneapolis campus, as well as
continuing on in his capacity as Bell
Choir and Women's Ensemble Director.
At the Minnetonka Campus
• The Facilities Task Force is carefully
scrutinizing several building options
submitted by Vanman Architects and
Builders and advising us, along with
our reps from Watershed Partners,
about the pros and cons of each. One
option involves retaining the current
sanctuary and adding new gathering,
education, and music space around it,
while the others involve building new on different locations of the property.
Consideration is being given to include a non-profit partner on the site as
well.
• The sanctuary roof patch was recently completed; so far, so good!
• The activity room carpet and ceiling tiles have recently been removed.
• Final touches on the specifications of the sanctuary air conditioning are
being considered; installation will begin in the very near future.
• Painting in the main hallway and other locations will be done and carpeting
in the main hallway and office will be installed in mid-July, immediately after
VBS is over.
At the Minneapolis Campus
• New lighting, wall treatment, and cabinetry in Langemo Lounge will take
place by the end of the summer.
Spirit Garage Update • The general contractor for all the roof, masonry, tuckpointing, etc., will be
hired by early to mid-July with construction to commence soon thereafter.
In June Spirit Garage called Pastor
Carolyn Philstrom to work with them
on a part-time basis through the
summer. Her experience and skillset
will prove to be an incredible asset for
Spirit Garage as they continue the work
of finding a full-time pastor. Leaders
from the Spirit Garage community
have been working with the synod to
identify potential candidates who can
help them reimagine their ministry
in their new home in the Longfellow
neighborhood. Please keep the Spirit
Garage community in your prayers as
they go about this important work. • A Choir Room Task Force has been commissioned to update plans and
renovate that space. Those members are Maria Bucka, David Mennicke, Mark
Paisar, Steve Branstad, and Suzu Thompson. The timing of construction is yet
to be decided, but most likely will be the summer of 2018.
Haven’t yet made a pledge or a gift to Opening New Doors? Pledge cards are located
in the pew racks, Welcome Desk, church offices, or contact me directly at bwertz@
bethlehem-church.org. Ongoing thanks to all those whose generosity continues to
make these improvements possible!
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