`Inviting presence' in Clarksville

cally in getting ready for college,  said Mueller, who

is executive director of the West Omaha Lutheran

In Clarksville, Tenn., Grace Lutheran Church

School Association (WOLSA).

emphasizes commitment to the Word of God,

With a $5 million LCEF loan, WOLSA con 

dynamic sacramental life, vibrant music in liturgical

verted a former equestrian center to a 41,000 square

worship and Scripture based instruction to help

foot educational facility that can serve 200 students

people grow in their faith.

in the first phase. The facility allows for expansion

 It is a diligent effort to make an inviting pres 

into another 7,000 square feet of existing space. 

ence to the community,  explained Pastor Larry

Plans project more classrooms, a library and

Peters as he described a $1.5 million construction

athletic fields toward an anticipated enrollment of

project, completed in late 2001. LCEF provided a

600 students within eight years.

$1.25 million loan, and Capital Funding Services

 Some folks drive up to 30 miles to bring their

assisted in raising $550,000 in advance gifts and

children to the school,  Mueller added.  They

pledges.

believe the quality of education makes it worthwhile. 

 Our people do an incredible job of inviting

friends, neighbors and co workers,  the pastor said

Loan aids partner church in Ghana 

of the 600 member congregation.  There is a real

hunger in our area for worship that is solidly Word

Madina Lutheran Academy, operated by the

and Sacrament. 

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana (ELCG),

The new 400 seat sanctuary houses a 65 rank

expects to triple its educational capacity, assisted by

pipe organ and space for music offered by three

a $627,806 loan from the Lutheran Church

children's choirs, an adult choir, a handchimes and a

Extension Fund.

handbell choir. The new building includes 10 class 

 This is exciting because of what the church

rooms, offices, a large narthex and a bookstore. Old

has already done with the school and its potential, 

facilities were remodeled into a 60 seat chapel, a

said LCEF President Merle Freitag.  We're delight 

music suite, adult Bible study rooms, a youth room

ed to be a partner with the LCMS Board for

and fellowship area.

Mission Services and the work in Ghana. 

The project allowed Grace to open a

preschool that now serves 110 children.

OT H E R   S E RV I C E S  

 Grace has a lot of young families,  Pastor

A S S I S T   M I N I S T R I E S

Peters observed.  We have had the highest

number of infant baptisms in the Mid South

In addition to loans and investments, LCEF

District. 

also offers other services:

Over the past decade, the community of

   Capital Funding Services creates biblically based capital campaigns for

100,000 has grown nearly 40 percent, fueled

congregations, schools and agencies wanting to raise funds for buildings

by nearby Fort Campbell with 25,000 active 

or debt retirement.

duty soldiers. The region also has manufactur 

ing plants and a state university. 

   Strategic Ministry Planning helps congregations focus on their mission

 There is quite a bit of turnover in the

and ministry and define goals for the future.

congregation,  said building chairman Paul

   Gift Planning Services, in conjunction with the LCMS Foundation, helps 

Peterson, who estimated that 70 percent of the

individual LCEF investors with charitable estate planning.

members have lived in Clarksville for less than

15 years.

   Demographic Resources supports congregations with information about

area population and congregation trends to guide planning for 

Omaha high school grows 

ministries and facilities.

 God has opened the flood gates.  

   Architectural Advisory Committee, including architects and liturgical art

That's how David Mueller describes

experts, advises on design, planning, construction and preservation 

Concordia Junior Senior High School,

of facilities.

Omaha, Neb. In its second year, the school

already has 110 students projecting 170 for

next year. 

The loan, provided through LCEF's Arthur C.

 Parents want students who are prepared spir 

Haake World Ministry Fund, will enable the acade 

itually and at the same time are challenged academi 

my to add 48 classrooms, offices, labs, sick bays, a

(61) FEBRUARY 2003

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