Christ Lutheran

Christ Lutheran Church, Valparaiso, IN
Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, Indiana, constructed a large addition to their existing facility, including a new sanctuary, classrooms, and office space. This is one of the largest projects the Mission Builders have undertaken. Started in spring 2009, the last builders left the first of July 2010. Dedication of the new building is planned for September 19th, which is also their 40th Anniversary celebration.

Lyle Peterson, the ELCA Mission Builders manager who completed the first phase of the project, says, “This project was very large and difficult; however the congregation and crew worked very hard to make this new sanctuary a beautiful place to worship God.”

And, thanks to members of the congregation that were able to provide housing, the crew was able to work throughout the winter.

The Mission Builders crew that finished the project included Tom and Katie Gillman, Gary and Gloria Tiffany, Bill and Becky Graves, and Rich and Lindsey Hofer. Ten Mission Builders plus many, many volunteers worked on this addition. Tom Gillman was the Mission Builders manager for the second phase of the project.

One of the members of the church writes, “Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, Indiana, loves the Mission Builders!

Over the course of a year and a half, ten Mission Builder couples shared their skills and faith with our congregation. Our project was huge and full of challenges, yet the workers inspired each other and a steady supply of volunteers to labor on toward completion.

During their stay in Valpo, Mission Builders also
     • served as communion assistants
     • served as lectors
     • worked with the quilters for Lutheran World Relief
     • assisted with newsletter mailings
     • sang with the adult choir
     • rang with the bell choir
     • gave stewardship ‘Temple Talks’
     • talked at the Women’s Salad Supper
     • attended Bible studies

The witness of Mission Builders is low-key, but highly effective. Sub-contractors are surprised at the G-rated atmosphere on a Mission Builder project. ‘This is the best place I’ve ever worked!’ said our favorite electrician. Volunteers are eager to toil alongside these interesting and fun-loving men and women. Word gets out, and even some who have not been involved with church discover that these people are onto something.

These builders have a Mission!”

If you want to visit this project, please contact the current manager Tom Gillman.

This project completed in 2009.