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First Lutheran showcases expansions

JANESVILLE — First Lutheran Church is getting ready to celebrate the completion of its multi-million dollar building project.

The church is holding three services to dedicate the extensive remodeling and upgrades. Services will be at 5 p.m., Saturday and 8:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Sunday. The 10:15 service will include all of the church’s choirs.

Bishop Bruce H. Burnside from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American, South-Central Synod, will preside over the Sunday ceremonies along with the church’s presiding pastors, the Rev. Jim Melvin and the Rev. George Bauman.

The public is welcome at any of the services.

Work on the project started in spring 2007. Improvements include:

-- A new roof.

-- Exterior masonry and painting.

-- New windows, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

-- A gathering space outside of the main sanctuary.

-- A second elevator.

-- New carpet and fresh paint in offices and hallways.

-- Relocation of the chapel that used to be next to the large sanctuary.

The church is used extensively for weddings, funerals, day care and Lutheran Social Services, and the changes were made to better accommodate users, according to a news release from the church.

The project cost an estimated $2.1 million, said Lisa Larson, business administrator for the church.

JUST THE FACTS

What: First Lutheran Church celebrates a major renovation effort.

Where: First Lutheran Church, 612 N. Randall Ave., Janesville.

When: 5 p.m. Saturday and 8:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Sunday.