Buildings & Grounds

Mission Statement:
The Building & Grounds Ministry mission is to create and maintain exterior and interior spaces that are a delight to see, inviting to all who pass by, and warm and welcoming to all who enter. We maintain this space as a haven for all who seek to further their faith in our Lord, whether it be through worship services, Christian education, outreach programs, or community service. First Presbyterian Church… A Place To Believe… To Belong… to Become.

Our Campus:
Our campus encompasses 11 acres and nearly 36,500 square feet of interior space. The interior of our facility includes:

• A main sanctuary with a seating capacity of just under 400
• A separate chapel for small, intimate events with a seating capacity of up to 60
• A Fellowship Hall with a seating capacity of up to 190
• 15 modular classrooms on three levels
• Two fully equipped kitchens
• A staffed, well equipped nursery, a toddler room, and a first floor cry room
• A dedicated music/choir rehearsal area
• Seven administrative offices, two conference rooms, library, and brides room
• A gathering room with fireplace, two large lobby areas, and a staffed reception desk
• Full wheelchair access from all entrances, two elevators
• Sanctuary accommodations for wheelchairs and the hearing impaired
• Eight restroom facilities, most with changing stations

The exterior of the campus includes:

• Four parking lots with approximately 160 regular, and five handicapped stalls
• An outdoor Reflection Garden with terrace, walking paths, benches, and water feature
• Two main entrances, one with a covered drive-up portico
• A flat, grassed, and mowed activity area
• All entrance areas, including those to the Reflection Garden, are fully wheelchair accessible

Our Work:
The Building & Grounds Ministry area is charged with the development, maintenance, and oversight of virtually every aspect of the physical building and grounds that comprise our campus. We maintain this house to serve the needs of First Presbyterian’s internal ministries including Sunday worship services, youth programs, choir and orchestra practices, senior program, and Christian education. We also host and support selected community activities such as Meals on Wheels, AA, Scout programs and activities, blood drives, Kindermusik, school testing programs, bible study groups, Crown Financial Ministries, and piano and music recitals, to name a few.

Plugging into this Ministry Area:
There are several opportunities for members and or attendees to plug into this fun and rewarding ministry area

• Interiors Committee: This area works to develop the interior appearance of the church building. Selects paint schemes, decorations, information kiosk design and placement, and all things related to making the interior of our church warm and inviting to all who enter.
• My Spot: The My Spot program allows those with an interest in gardening or landscaping, an opportunity to put those skills to work on the church campus as part of the Green Thumb Brigade. See a Green Thumb Consultant or member of the B&G committee for details. Click here for an Overview of the Program.  To see descriptions of the spots, please click on their corresponding numbers: Area 1, Area 2, Area 3, Area 4, Area 5, Area 6, Area 7, Area 8, Area 9, Area 10, Area 11, Area 12
• Handyman Pool: If you have a special skill, we can use you in the Handyman pool. At times we need carpenters, certified electricians and plumbers, painters, and various and other skills, to perform assorted tasks around the church.
• Security Detail: We need members who live close to the church who would be willing to serve on our security committee. See the B&G Elder for details about this area of ministry. If there is an area that interests you, please contact the B&G Elder or Sue Gade, the church administrator.

Our Ministry Team: 

Landscaping/Plants Indoor & Outdoor:

• Bob Bennin -- Landscape Planning, My Spot Program, Green Thumb Consultant; 849-5195; cell 438-7220
• Stephanie Verhelst -- Landscape Consultant, Green Thumb Consultant; 850-3457
• Ken Speilman -- Interior Plant Specialist, Green Thumb Consultant; 850-5732
• Cherith Brown -- Landscape Planning, Perennials; 438-1028

Handyman Pool:

• Arnie Sweeno -- Painting Expert; 233-2993
• Brad Horning -- 5615; 664-3596
• Tony Lobraco -- 242-0124
• Glenn Johnston -- 850-9058
• Bob Somermeyer -- 850-5195
• Chad Skoug -- 712-0579

 Interior Design/Decorating

• Jan Lundgren -- Interior Decorating.  849-3017
• LeeAnn Foresman -- Interior Decorating; Wedding Hostess; 824-9633
• Gary Peroutka -- Framing Artwork; 850-3883

Security

• Jeff Foresman -- 824-9633

Contracts and Bids

• Dave Kitsemble -- 850-5001

Custodian

• Kari Bugg

If you have questions or would like more information about the Building & Grounds Ministry area, please feel free to send an email to Sue Gade. We’d love to hear from you.