Support FALC's Ministries
We are a member of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Refresh Project
It has been almost 50 years since First American Lutheran Church had an interior update. For the last several years, a Committee has been working along with our Church Council to come up with a plan and propose a project to refresh our space. If you missed the informational meeting on November 7, please look below for further information about what you missed.
A Special Congregational meeting to vote on the proposed project will be held on Sunday, December 12, 2021. The meeting will take place immediately after worship, approximately 10am.
Highlights from the November 7 Special Congregational Meeting
Church Refresh Committee
& Church Council
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John Matravers, Diane Motiff, Nancy Rhode, John Viestenz, Suzy Wagnitz
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Bruce Allen, Lisa Anderson, Bill Draeger III. Lori Earley, Barb Gallagher, Cindy Garrigan
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Jeff Sabel-Bayland Buildings, Inc.
Keep FALC Going Strong
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Look around, what do you see?
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Walls are cracked, paint is peeling, carpet is worn and pews are scratched and broken
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Our church looks out of date, worn and tired
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Last major update in 1974
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It's time to update the interior of our church
House of God for 148 Years
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Established in 1874 - FALC is the second oldest church in Oconto
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Building is structurally sound
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With a little effort we can bring new life to our beautiful church
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Maintain the historical aspects that make it special
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Make FALC a more comfortable and inviting place to worship
Why Spend the Money?
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Maintain current church membership by providing a comfortable place to worship
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Attract new members by conveying a vibrant church environment
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Show potential pastors that FALC is committed to being a thriving church long into the future
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Communicate to our youth that FALC is their home and will be here in the future
Five Years in the Making
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November 2016 a Renovation Lead Committee was formed
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The group evaluated all areas of the church and assessed our needs
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Consideration was given to make the church ADA accessible, including handicap bathrooms
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March 2018 the Renovation Lead Committee presented a recommendation to Council
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Recommendation included building an addition (gathering room) that addressed ADA needs
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Total cost estimate was $494,666
Dust off the Quotes
Let's Get It Done
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Earlier this year the project was revived on a much smaller scale
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Refresh the inside of the church with new flooring paint and pews
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Postpone addressing ADA needs to make the project affordable in today's environment
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A small group has been working on gathering information and planning a refreshed look to the church
Project Overview
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Paint all interior walls and ceiling from the front entrance to the back stairs including all the trim around windows and doors
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New flooring throughout: ceramic tile, luxury vinyl and carpet
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New pews with cushioned seat bottom
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Refurbish altar, communion table, baptismal font, lectern
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Update the AV system with new flat screen tv
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Remove organ in the balcony
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Details of project were covered by Jeff Sabel from Bayland Buildings, Inc.
Narthex - Entrance, Stairs, Gathering Area
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Paint walls and trim
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Replace ground level tile with ceramic tile
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Replace stair carpet with vinyl treads
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Replace carpet on mail level with luxury vinyl tile
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Replace ceiling fan, wall sconces and install new pendant lights and backlights for stained glass windows
Vestibule - Hallway from Narthex to Nave
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Paint walls, ceiling and trim
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Replace carpet
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Update furniture
Nave - Worship Space,
Main Room
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Paint walls, ceiling and trim, including painted wainscot accent color
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Replace carpet in walkways and under pews, including new underlayment
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Front arch wall - patch and repair wall, decorative vinyl wallcovering and trim
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Replace 3 ceiling fans
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Upgrade existing pendant lights - install LED lights and replace lenses with less opaque glass
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Install one new TV with required power/data outlets
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Wrap pipe columns, finish to match walls
Chancel - Area Around the Altar & Communion Table
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Paint walls, ceilings and trim
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Replace carpet with ceramic tile with marble look
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Replace lighting with track lighting
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Refurbish altar, communion table, baptismal font and lectern
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Refurbish or replace two pulpit chairs
Sacristy - Preparation Room
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Paint walls, ceiling and trim
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Replace carpet
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New light fixture
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Replace storage cabinet and shelves
Balcony
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Paint walls, ceiling and trim
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Replace carpet with luxury vinyl tile
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Replace two flood lights with wall scones
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Remove organ console
Other Updates
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New circuit breakers, provide dimmer switches, new fan switches
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Install new emergency lights and exit signs throughout
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Replace light switches and switch plates
FALC Purchased Accessories
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Folding or stackable chairs
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Replace several small furniture items in Narthex and Vestibule
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Shelf organizer behind piano
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Corkboard message center in Narthex
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Coat racks near entry door
Optional Updates
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Hearing Aid Amplifier
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Installation of hearing aid amplifier under carpet​
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Enhances audio experience
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Congregational feedback
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Organ Pipe Removal
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Remove organ pipes to expose stained glass window letting in natural light​
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Congregation feedback
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Organ Pipes - Stay or Go?
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Remove Organ Pipes
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Opens up view to stained glass window with natural light​
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Creates more space for balcony seating
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Cost to remove is yet to be determined
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Best time to remove is now while building is being refreshed
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Organ Pipes - Stay or Go?
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Keep Organ Pipes
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Pipes will have no useful purpose after organ is removed​
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Polish and clean and leave as a decorative piece
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Saves money from the cost of removal
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Balcony seating capacity remains the same
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New Wood Pews with Cushioned Seats
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Recommending New Pews from Imperial Woodworks, Inc.​​
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New $37,000​
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Includes transportation and installation​
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Comfortable padded seat
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Book, card, pencil racks
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25 year guarantee
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Potential sale of existing pews $2,000
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New Wood Pews with Cushioned Seats, Continued
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Refurbished $33,000
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Cumbersome logistics transporting pews to and from wood shop​
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Limited availability of wood shops to do the work in early 2022
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Do Nothing with Pews and Add New Cushions $7,500
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Disconnect between new paint, carpet, and worn pews​
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Cost?
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$232,000
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Cost estimate for November 8, 2021 meeting only
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Bayland in process of bidding project
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Organ pipe removal not included
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Fundal Budget to be presented at the Special Meeting, December 12, 2021
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Member vote on total project cost at the Special Meeting
A Closer Look at Costs
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Bayland Buildings, Inc: $130,000-$150,000
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Paint walls, trim, fix cracks​
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Flooring - carpet, ceramic tile, luxury vinyl tile
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Lighting & electrical updates
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Technology upgrades
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Organ removal (not pipes)
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Altar, communion table, baptismal font, lectern: $32,000
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New cushioned pews: $37,000
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Pastor's preparation room: $2,000
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Accessories: $5,000
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Hearing Aid amplifier: $6,000
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Removal of organ pipes: unknown at this time
How Are We Going to
Pay for This?
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Funds allocated from reserves: $75,000
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Intern Funds (to be approved): $36,000​
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Restricted Undesignated Funds (to be approved): $18,000
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Renovation Project Funds (to be approved): $18,000
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Taste of Italy Funds: $3,000
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Future fundraisers
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History shows congregation support for needed improvements
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In 2005 we raised $100,000 for new windows and other updates​
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Support the Church's Future
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We need you - our members - to donate for the future of FALC
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Pledge cards will be mailed to all members on November 8, 2021
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Return pledge cards by the end of November​
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We are a vibrant Oconto Church that strives to serve the needs of our congregation and local community
Timeline from Vote to Finish
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December 12, 2021: Presentation of final plan and Congregational Vote by ballot
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Must be present to vote, curbside voting offered to people not able to come inside due to Covid concerns
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December 2021: Final selection of finishes, paint color, trim, flooring, lighting, final selection of pew style, stain color and upholstery
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January-April 2022: Project begins in January and completed by Easter
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Temporary worship in the Fellowship Hall​
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Questions & Comments
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A comment box will be on display over the next several weeks for all to make comments, ask questions and offer suggestions
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This is OUR church and we want everyone to feel comfortable with this project
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Together we can make FALC a vibrant church community for our children and their children
FALC Purchased Accessories
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Folding or stackable chairs
-
Replace several small furniture items in Narthex and Vestibule
-
Shelf organizer behind piano
-
Corkboard message center in Narthex
-
Coat racks near entry door
Optional Updates
-
Hearing Aid Amplifier
-
Installation of hearing aid amplifier under carpet​
-
Enhances audio experience
-
Congregational feedback
-
-
Organ Pipe Removal
-
Remove organ pipes to expose stained glass window letting in natural light​
-
Congregation feedback
-