Howard Lestrud
ECM Online Editor

With newly added and remodeled facilities, Faith Lutheran Church staff and members took the time on Sunday to celebrate during a service of dedication.

Officially dedicated at the afternoon service was the Life Center (gymnasium/multipurpose room), the Christian Education wing, music rehearsal area/office and a new gathering space.

The construction which began in the fall of 2005 and was completed in late winter of 2007 cost $5.1 million.

Pastors Phil Peterson and Paul Brown led the service which began in the sanctuary and proceeded into the Life Center. About 200 persons attended the service which also featured music from the Children’s, Chapel and Faith choirs and from the Jubilee Ringers.

Helen Lewis, one of the church’s eldest members and a Faith member since 1942, delivered the First Reading from 1 Chronicles 22, portions of 13 and 16: “. . .Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid or dismayed. . .Now begin the work, and the Lord be with you.” She was escorted to the lectern by Pastor Peterson.

A video presentation accompanied by special music from the Jubilee Ringers chronicled the history of the building project and showed examples of how the new church is functioning.

Executive coach Paul H. Batz delivered the message for the dedication and paid tribute to “dedicated Lutherans who did a spectacular job in completing the project.”

Former Faith Lutheran Church pastor, the Rev. Don Fultz congratulated the congregation on completing its project and said “this congregation can look outside itself in outreach to the Forest Lake community and to the St. Paul Synod.”

Fultz said it is those congregations that are reaching beyond themselves who are growing.

“You have a wonderful opportunity at Faith Lutheran Church to continue this out-looking ministry,” he said.

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