Known for open arms, First Lutheran Church uses an MIF loan to open its arms even wider

Pastor Erin Heidelberger leads Sunday worship in the enhanced sanctuary.

A multifaceted renovation project funded by a Mission Investment Fund building loan has improved physical accessibility to First Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. It also allowed the congregation to better live out its commitment to welcome one and all.

The welcome begins before the front doors even open. When members of First Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, began thinking about how to live out their congregation’s welcome statement, they knew they needed to make their church building accessible in a way it had never been before.

Writing the welcome

Included on the cover of the worship bulletin each week, and stenciled on a wall at the building's entrance, are the words:

You are welcome here . . .
Each person is a unique creation of God and, through grace, is a child of God. The people of First Lutheran Church welcome all because God welcomes all, without regard for race or culture, sexual orientation, gender identity or relationship status, physical or mental challenges, imprisonment, addictions, socioeconomic circumstances, or anything else that too often divides us. First Lutheran Church is a spiritual community that celebrates the gifts of God that can empower us to engage in the struggles of life, to care for each other, and to serve Christ where we work and live. Our unity is in Christ.

The welcome at First Lutheran Church begins with expansive glass doors leading into to a new fellowship hall.

The Rev. Erin Heidelberger, First Lutheran's lead pastor, called in 2021, shares that one of the things that drew her to the congregation is how seriously members take the idea of welcome. “I was impressed with how intentional the statement is, and how thorough. The congregation thought seriously about what welcome means, for whom it is meant, and took the extra step of asking, How are we going to be welcoming?”

The result?

An invitation not just in words, but in parking spaces, a portico, ramps and so much more.

Though the congregation remodeled its 1965 church building in the past, living up to the accessibility aspect of the statement was new. Six project areas identified as needing improvements were outdoors, gathering area, sanctuary, restrooms, kitchen, and the nursery and classrooms.

“One way we highlighted inaccessibility issues was by taking committee members, youth and the architects around the congregation in wheelchairs so they could see for themselves what the real-world issues are,” says Steve Eicher, church council member and president during the planning stages.

When the congregation proceeded with a voice vote on the project, there was a resounding “Yes.” Opposed? Silence. The project would proceed! The next step was financing.

Bryan Hanson, congregation accountant and finance committee member, recalls: “We checked with a local bank for a loan, and a church member mentioned we should investigate the ELCA's Mission Investment Fund. The rates were comparable, and by choosing MIF, we were also able to help other congregations and ELCA ministries. The process was easy. It's been a pleasure to work with MIF.”

Inside First Lutheran Church in Lincoln, where living out God’s welcome transformed the church building. Here, a redesigned chancel area and moveable individual end pews allow individuals with mobility issues to participate fully in worship. Programmable lighting, new windows for natural light and padded pews enrich the experience for all.

Building the welcome

Once the design of the project was complete, construction began in fall of 2019 and ended in spring of 2020, coinciding with the congregation’s sesquicentennial. Numerous in-person programs and worship services planned to celebrate both events are currently on hold due to COVID-19 but will take place when it is safe. Safety during the pandemic has been paramount. “Our congregation has been extremely willing to wear masks,” shares Jim Handeland, chair of the building committee, indicating that 100 percent of members were wearing masks when in-person worship resumed.

First Lutheran knew it did not have enough parking spaces identified as handicapped. Remedying this was a relatively easy, but necessary, fix. More difficult were the two primary entrances that did not comply with design standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the distance of the church’s main entrance from the parking lot, which was both excessive and uncovered—open to all the inclement weather Nebraska’s seasons have to offer.

These challenges became an occasion to deepen the congregation’s commitment. “We had an aha moment,” confides Handeland. “To make the building more welcoming, the new design curved the exterior face. The resulting change makes it look like arms are extended and embracing the community.” It also lessened the distance from the parking lot to the entrance. A new lighted portico protects visitors and members from bad weather and makes everyone safer at night.

Once inside, via ADA-compliant ramps and guardrails, expanding the existing gathering area was paramount. Aided by larger windows and new flooring and furnishings, the entrance now has an open, attractive appearance with ample room for socializing.

Though at times remodeled, the sanctuary had kept its original 55-year-old design, and the congregation’s desire to see it updated was undeniable. Previously dark and tired-looking, new programmable and adjustable lighting now brightens and enhances the space. New windows let in natural light.

Before renovations, the church choir had been located in the balcony, reachable only by two steep staircases. Those with mobility concerns were unable to participate. Enlarging the sanctuary accommodated the ministry on the main floor. Now, everyone can sing in the choir.

Two sacristies became one, new padded pews replaced older, worn pews, and the redesigned chancel area permits full access to clergy and laity. “One of the congregation’s retired pastors is 90 years old,” says Eicher, “and, as a result of the updates, when he led worship for us, he was able to deliver his sermon up front while still seated.” And the renewed worship experience doesn’t stop there. Six new, moveable individual end pews also mean participants with mobility constraints are able to sit where they choose, coming and going as needed.

Restrooms are now ADA-compliant, and changing tables for infants and adults are now available, as is a nursing room. Addressing safety concerns in the kitchen, the updates also permit use by everyone, regardless of mobility status, while new, energy-efficient appliances save on operational costs and help safeguard the environment.

All ages find a home at First Lutheran. The congregation emphasizes intergenerational activities.

Living the welcome

Welcoming extends beyond church members and into the community. As part of its commitment to refugee resettlement and immigrant support programs, the church is sponsoring three families from Afghanistan. Bridges to Hope, a program of the Nebraska Synod assisting women and men as they transition from correctional institutions, also benefits from the congregation’s support. Food ministry is another priority. First Lutheran cooperates with local food banks to provide resources to area elementary school students and others in need. Quilts for Lutheran World Relief, CROP Walk and supporting a transitional shelter for women are a small sampling of First Lutheran’s ministry to its neighbors and the world.

Importantly, outreach programs include longtime congregants side by side with young families and new members. Perhaps this explains the flourishing program of intergenerational activities and a dedication to engaging all ages in lifelong learning and growth in the faith. Fashioning a meaningful statement of welcome then—the result of a two-year visioning process begun in 2015, especially for those who may feel excluded or marginalized—is part of the congregation’s identity.

“How are we going to be welcoming?” muses Pastor Heidelberger. “It’s an open question. And while we know we haven’t fully arrived at an answer, it guides our actions. We hope people understand, that it is reinforced, that people are welcomed by God by being welcomed by us.”