Building on Our Heritage...
      Committing to Our Future

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John, Sycamore, Illinois

2004-2007 Capital Stewardship Campaign Statement of Need

Our Vision:

To extend forward the 128 year ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John in Sycamore as we actively reach out into a fast growing community with the life-changing, life-saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to build a new center of ministry after a February. 2004 fire destroyed our former home. This facility would accommodate worship, Christian education and fellowship for all ages, and varied outreach ministries.

This new facility will enable us to carry out our fourfold mission of worshipping, witnessing, learning, and loving one another.

Our Need:

We need to increase our ministry budget giving by 10% to 15% for the coming ministry year to adequately fund our ministry programs as we prepare to move forward.

We also need to conduct a Capital Stewardship Campaign to gather three-year commitments and gifts over and above the ministry plan giving in order to build the first phase of our new church.

The “congregational wish list” (derived from extensive congregational input) would require a 50,000 to 60,000 square foot building at an estimated cost of $10,500,000 if it were all completed now.

Realistically, the congregation can afford to build in Phase I 20,000 to 30,000 square feet at an approximate total project cost of $4,000,000 to $5,000,000. (Note: Our former facility has approximately 20.000 square feet.)

In addition to the monies raised in the capital stewardship campaign, the congregation will have approximately $2,100,00 in assets plus borrowing up to $1,000,000.

Our Plan:

March 28, 2004: Congregation votes to relocate to a new site.

June 24, 2004: Larson & Darby selected as architect.

July 25, 2004: Congregation approves purchase of 15.7 acre site at Motel & Brickville Roads.

August 23-26, 2004: Building ideas gathered from Task Forces and congregation.

October 10, 2004: Architect presents initial concepts to congregation.

Fall 2004: Capital Stewardship Campaign

December 19, 2004: Congregation to approve building plans

June, 2005: Ground breaking for new church

July, 2006: Dedication of new church facility