Special Congregational Meeting | November 15, 2026 | 10:15am
Trinity Lutheran Church will hold a special congregational meeting on Sunday, November 15, at 10:15 a.m., immediately following the worship service, to vote on a proposed $17,000 contract with Kodet Architectural Group, including any related costs up to $50,000.
The contract would fund the development of a design for an accessible office and welcome/gathering space on the east side of the church. A donor has committed to covering the full cost of the contract up to $50,000, so no church operating funds are required.
What is this vote about? Approving a contract to develop a design so the congregation can further explore possible facility improvements.
What is this vote NOT about? It is not a vote to approve a building addition, begin construction, or commit the congregation to a building project. Any decision about whether to move forward with construction would come before the congregation for a separate vote at a later date.
Your participation is important as we consider this next step in exploring possible facility improvements.
Q & A: November 15 Congregational Vote
1. What exactly are we being asked to vote on?
The congregation will vote on whether to approve a $17,000 contract with Kodet Architectural Group to develop a design for an accessible office and welcome/gathering space on the east side of the church.
2. Are we voting to build an addition?
No. This vote is only about approving the design contract. It does not authorize construction or approve a building addition. A separate congregational vote will be required before a building project can move forward.
3. Why are we considering a design if we have not decided to build?
A design would help the congregation better understand what a potential facility improvement could look like. It is a step in exploring options, not a commitment to proceed with construction.
4. How will the cost of this project be covered?
A donor has provided the full $17,000 needed for the architectural design contract, so no funds from the church’s operating budget are required for this contract.
Additionally, funds are available to cover up to $50,000 in related expenses that may arise during the design process. These could include a site survey, engineering consultations, environmental testing, soil borings, or other specialized assessments if needed.
5. Does accepting the donation mean we are obligated to build?
No. The donation covers the cost of the design contract only. Approving the contract does not obligate the congregation to approve or fund construction.
6. Does this vote mean the congregation has already decided what it wants to do with the building?
No. The vote is limited to the design contract. It is not a final decision about the future of the building or whether any construction will occur.
7. What happens if the congregation approves the contract?
Kodet Architectural Group would proceed with developing the design outlined in the contract. The resulting design would provide information for the congregation to consider as it evaluates possible facility improvements. Any decision to proceed with construction would come later.
8. What happens if the congregation does not approve the contract?
The contract would not be approved, and this design process would not move forward under the proposed agreement.
9. When will the congregation vote on whether to build?
That decision will come at a later date, after the design process and further consideration. The November 15 vote does not approve construction.
10. Why is a congregational vote needed now?
The congregation is being asked to authorize this specific $17,000 design contract. The November 15 meeting provides an opportunity for members to consider and vote on that proposal.
The most important point to remember: On November 15, we are voting on a donor-funded design contract—not on whether to build. Any decision about construction will be made separately at a later date.
