computer room, library and bookshop. Established

the estimated $7 million expense. 

in memory of Arthur Haake, president of the

 CFS was a tremendous help,  said Pastor

Lutheran Church Extension Fund from 1978 to

Spomer.  They helped us focus our organizing

1997, the fund assists partner churches in building

effort so we could emphasize the stewardship min 

or acquiring facilities. 

istry and clarify the vision of the benefits to our

members and our mission to the community. 

Broken Arrow is a family oriented com 

A   G L A N C E  AT   L C E F

munity where parents want a Christ centered

education for their children, according to

   During the last fiscal year (July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2003), LCEF

Spomer. He said the school is striving for

approved more than 435 loans ($205 million) for building churches,

quality, including an  outstanding, highly 

schools and other ministry facilities.

motivated faculty.  

   This year, loan demand is expected to exceed $220 million.

 We have designed the sanctuary to

   Since its inception in 2000, the Professional Church Worker Loan Program

facilitate worship,  Spomer said.  The sight

has approved 212 housing loans and 168 debt consolidation loans.

and sound and light is the very best available.

   Approximately 80 percent of all LCMS congregations have used LCEF

The seating arrangement brings everyone up

loans and services.

close to the altar. 

   400 congregations and agencies have engaged Capital Funding Services

Immanuel will continue using its former

to raise funds for building projects and debt retirement.

site, less than two miles from the new campus,

where the church is a landmark in the area. A

preschool has opened there, and the facilities

will be used for daytime meetings, Bible stud 

The academy's original 12 classrooms were

ies and some Sunday worship services.

constructed in 1999. The academy enrolls about

800 students in nursery, kindergarten, primary and

Home for a pastor and family

junior secondary grades.

Pastor Ryan Clark and his wife, Katherine,

The ELCG grew from an LCMS mission

understand how helpful a housing loan can be, espe 

begun in 1961. The church has a baptized member 

cially for a family that is in a  first call  situation.

ship of 25,000 in 85 congregations and a national

staff of pastors, evangelists, teachers and lay preach 

ers. Dr. Paul Kofi Fynn is the president. 

Immanuel opens school 

and worship facilities 

Immanuel Lutheran Church has taken a bold

step building both a church and a school to

reach the growing area of Broken Arrow, southeast

of Tulsa, Okla. 

 We're looking forward to using these tools

that God has provided this ministry,  said Pastor

Arthur Spomer.  Our former site had limited space

that would not allow us to grow.  

Last fall, the new school enrolled 50 students

in grades K 8. In December, Immanuel celebrated

its 90th anniversary with its first worship service in

the new sanctuary. The new 24 acre campus also has

an 800 seat sanctuary, a nursery, administrative areas,

fellowship space, classrooms and a gymnasium.

Rev. Ryan Clark and his wife, Katherine, received a loan through 

Immanuel partnered with LCEF's Capital

the LCEF Professional Church Work to purchase their home in

Funding Services to raise funds and pledges before

Wisconsin Rapids,Wis., where he serves as associate pastor of 

St. Luke Lutheran Church.With Ryan and Katherine are their 

the project was started. With CFS assistance, the

children Hope and Anastasia. At right is Rev.Tom Wenger, senior

congregation raised $2.3 million in pledges toward

pastor at St. Luke.

34

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS (62)

Photo: Clark Family