Building Belonging: Nativity’s 3-Year Capital Campaign

 
 
As Nativity grows, the needs of our community are evolving. The limitations of our facilities compromise the full experience of belonging we hope to build together. As a community, we’re called to care for our church, acting as good stewards of the building we share and creating an accommodating space for all who enter Nativity. After 67 years, our building needs critical repairs and essential upgrades. Because we want Nativity to continue as a beacon of hope and belonging for future generations, we need to make a significant investment in our facilities.
 
We answer our community’s needs with a plan that will enhance our hospitality facilities, improve the accessibility of our physical space, maintain our building’s structural integrity, and comply with updated state regulations.
 

PHASE TWO – Building Belonging Phase Two Vote: March 14-15

Having held several informational sessions in recent weeks, Nativity will hold a congregational vote to approve Phase Two (VIEW BROCHURE) directly following worship the weekend of March 14-15.
 
With a current remaining budget of $836,000, the following items are proposed to be included in Phase 2.
 

Improvements to the Worship Space

• Replacing badly stained upholstery seating will refresh the space, and a new color will add warmth.
• Relocating pews and adding flexible seating will create more wheelchair-accessible options and will provide flexibility to accommodate various uses of the space.
• Adding lighting along the interior brick walls of the worship space will make it brighter.

New Wheelchair Accessible Restroom & Welcome Center

• A new, fully-accessible restroom closer to the worship space and the Commons will provide great benefit for people of all ages.

Commons Kitchen & Seating Area

• The Commons kitchen has been well used and is well worn. Resurfaced cabinets, new counters, and the addition of a new serving area will better serve our hospitality needs and the needs of our many volunteers.
• A new seating area will provide an inviting focal point as people enter the Commons, creating a welcoming environment and facilitating community.

 

New Welcome Center + Carpet & Paint in Commons

• With the new seating and serving area and the addition of the new restroom, new carpeting and paint will be needed.
• A new Welcome Center will provide better flow and give an inviting look as people enter the Commons. With the addition of the new restroom, the current welcome desk will be removed.

Replace Windows Next to Main Entry Doors

• The original 1964 windows are cracked and energy inefficient. Replacing them improves security and efficiency and will
make a better impression on those entering the building.
 

Next Steps for Phase Two:

 
1. In consultation with Nativity Council, the Building Committee will present detailed plans and estimated costs to the congregation.
2. After final design details and associated costs have been communicated to the congregation, the congregation will vote on the project March 14-15 (after all worship hours).
3. Phase 2 construction would begin the spring of 2026.
4. It is not too late to make additional gifts to the Building Belonging Campaign. If additional monies become available, we would like to do Phase 3 projects.
 
 

PHASE THREE | If Additional Monies Become Available

These projects are vital and will happen when more gifts are received:

• Replace the 1964 green, vintage windows in the worship space (Renderings in Worship Space photos) | $199,000
• Replace the 1990s 40-ton heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit that services the worship space | $198,000
• Replace the 1985 wood windows in the office and classroom areas | $55,000
• Replace lower-level hallway carpeting. | $TBD Nativity Child and Family Center will pay for half of this cost.
• Replace and integrate our two building energy management control systems | $TBD
• Upgrade the elevator to meet new codes. | $112,000
 
The Building Committee consists of Beth Schuman, Glenn Seefeldt, Angela LaMoore, Brent Lease, Tori Setterholm, Matt Arndt, and Paul Frederickson (Chair).
 
 

Building Belonging Update: Phase One Is Done!

Building Belonging Update, November 2025

Nativity expects to receive $1,660,000 for the completion of repairs, energy upgrades, safety improvements, and disability access.  As of September 30, 2025, Nativity has received $778,442 for the Building Belonging Campaign. Nativity Council formed a Building Committee in January 2025, and on June 28-29, 2025, the Congregation voted to move forward with Phase One construction.

Phase 1 Building Construction Accomplishments

The following items have been completed:

The flat roof replaced and extra insulation added.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgraded, including energy saving heat pumps for the Commons, offices, and classroom areas. HVAC units moved to the roof, opening up prime space in the Commons (with its use TBD).

North parking lot drainage improvements (drain work, cement work, new black top, seal coating and restriping) to mitigate against pooled water and dangerous ice in the winter.

Phase 2 Building Construction

The following items are proposed to be included in Phase Two:

• Replace 1985 wood windows in office and classroom areas
• Replace 1964 vintage worship space windows
• Replace 1964 windows on either side of main entry door
• Replace lower-level hallway carpeting
• Replace 1990s 40-ton heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit that services the worship space
• Reupholster pews and chairs in worship space
• Reorient worship space seating to provide more flexible seating to accommodate more activities and more access for people with disabilities
• Add new disability accessible bathroom close to worship space.
• Rework the Welcome Desk area and the library/gift shop wall.

Next Steps

Nativity Council has authorized Nativity’s Building Committee to begin work on Phase Two design with BWBR Architects.

Congregational meeting and in-person only vote November 15-16 to approve contract with BWBR Architects and Zeman Construction to finalize Phase 2 scope, complete detail design, secure firm construction bids, execute a construction contract, and oversee this phase of construction to completion. The cost of Phase Two will be solidified in the coming months as the design is finalized, but initial estimates range from $760,000 to $900,000.

If the congregation votes ‘yes,’ Building Committee will hold informational meetings for the congregation and provide 3-D drawings of proposed designs.

Building Committee will report a final proposed detailed design and project cost estimate to Nativity Council for review and approval in February 2026.

The Building Committee consists of Beth Schuman, Glenn Seefeldt, Angela LaMoore, Brent Lease, Tori Setterholm, Matt Arndt (architect and member of Nativity), Doug Wild, (Principle with BWBR Architects now retired and former member of Nativity and key leader in the 2019 Building Team) and Paul Frederickson (Chair).

After communicating final design details and associated costs with the congregation, the congregation will vote on the project in February 2026. Phase Two construction would begin after Easter in April 2026.  

It’s not too late to make a gift to the Building Belonging campaign!

If additional monies become available, we would like to do other critical updates, such as remodeling the upstairs kitchen, improving lighting in the SE parking lot, providing new carpet and paint in the Commons, and replacing carpet in the Fellowship Hall.

Plan for Giving Forms:

Plan for Giving: 2026 Ministry (Annual Giving) Online Form
Plan for Giving: 3-Year Building Belonging Campaign Online Form

The Call to Care for Our Church

The Building Belonging Campaign is Nativity’s way of responding to the needs of our community | $2 Million Goal

The cost to address these collective concerns is estimated at nearly $2M. The most costly are the flat roof replacement ($400,000-$700,000), elevator repairs ($135,000-$150,000), heating and cooling upgrades ($200,000-$390,000), and solar panel additions ($120,000-$240,000). Security features, sanctuary windows, accessible seating, sound, lighting, video, and upgrades to the upstairs kitchen are expected to cost between $500,000-$650,000.

Caring for Our Church, Caring for Our Greater Community

Given Nativity’s tradition of donating a portion of campaign funds, up to 10% will support our commitment to children, youth, and families in need. The organization(s) selected will align with our mission and values, and the amount disbursed will be based on the needs identified.

Ensuring Nativity’s Future Together

Together we can enhance our hospitality, improve accessibility, provide a safer environment, and maintain our building’s structural integrity. We have been blessed. We want to be a blessing far into the future. Together, let’s prayerfully reflect on the love that we’ve experienced here and the love that we can give to others far into the future to create a sense of belonging for all people.

Next Steps…

We invite you to prayerfully consider the following:

1. A one-year commitment to Nativity’s 2026 ministry general operating expenses;
2. A three-year commitment to the Building Belonging campaign (above and beyond your regular giving to the 2026 ministry).

Resources for Making Your Best Gift:

We’re grateful for your financial support of Nativity Church. Nativity provides several ways for you to give. All donations and offerings made to Nativity Church are tax-deductible as allowed by law. If you have questions related to your giving, please reach out to Beth Schuman: Beth@NativityChurch.org or 612-781-2766 ext. 1006.

• • • Meditation & Guided Response (PDF Booklet)
    • Other Ways to Give
    • Creative Scenarios for Giving
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Plan for Giving: 2026 Ministry (Annual Giving) Online Form
    • Plan for Giving: 3-Year Building Belonging Campaign Online Form