“Our congregation didn’t need a professional kitchen, but our neighborhood did”
When Zion Lutheran Church in Loveland, Colorado, completed renovations to their church building and outdoor space in the summer of 2020, the changes faithfully refocused service to their neighborhood in unexpected ways. “Our building is a gift from God, and it’s meant to be shared,” says the Rev. Joel Pancoast who has been Zion’s pastor for 14 years. Research showed serving others was a primary way members felt God’s presence in their lives. If these two things—the church building and service—could align, who knew what could happen?
A forward-thinking strategic plan highlighted needed changes to the kitchen, fellowship hall and outdoor worship area. The kitchen was deteriorating. In planning to renew the space, Zion accepted the challenge to go beyond the merely cosmetic. “Our congregation didn’t need a professional kitchen,” explains Pastor Pancoast, “but our neighborhood did.” Despite the cost, the congregation, without hesitation, said “yes” to revising the design. Now, a new commercial-grade kitchen is available to prepare community meals and host class instruction in healthy food preparation and nutrition.
The new fellowship hall is similarly open for use. Music has always been an essential ministry at Zion, underscoring the congregation’s appreciation of the arts. During the pandemic, local school space for orchestra practice became unavailable. Could Zion’s new fellowship hall fill the gap? Following CDC guidelines, the newly established Northern Colorado Youth Orchestra began rehearsals at Zion, where it continues to practice today.
“For Zion,” relates Pastor Pancoast, “it was obvious to choose MIF for a building loan. MIF is part of the church, and using MIF also helps other congregations. The experience was incredibly positive, and we were always impressed with the immediate responses we received to questions—beginning with the initial application to now.”
Improvements happened both inside and outside the church building. Even though the congregation has been holding outdoor services for close to thirty years, circumstances were less than ideal. Now, a new pergola, fireplace, and stone walls wrap around a memorial garden and columbarium, framing the outdoor space. Services originally facing inward now look out—toward Zion’s neighbors—part of the congregation’s witness of worship and welcome. “Our building is about reaching out,” says Pastor Pancoast, “open arms, an invitation, a partnership with our community.”
