Campaign
Prayer
Gracious God, you call your people into service for the sake of Christ’s mission to the world: to witness to your love wherever you send us. You have called us to proclaim Christ crucified and resurrected in the heart of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
You have provided and sustained this campus ministry for generations; provide and sustain this campus ministry for generations to come. Send your Holy Spirit upon us to guide and empower us in this capital campaign as we seek your will in the mission opportunity before us.
Give us generous hearts. Grant us honesty and creativity to meet the challenges before us. Draw us into a unity of purpose, and grant us energy and grace to carry out the work of the gospel; for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. AMEN.
Our
History
Since 1919, Lutherans have had a strong presence at UNL. Realizing the need for an adequate building, the current center at 535 N. 16th Street was built in 1952 adjacent to the campus. Due to the growth of the University, The Lutheran Center is not at the edge of campus, but now near its center in the historic Greek Row neighborhood.
Hundreds of students use this busy crossroads daily as they walk to and from classes. The distinctive wooden cross in The Lutheran Center’s front yard is a visible sign of Christ’s presence and ministry.
1919
Lutheran Student Club is organized at the University of Nebraska.
1952
The Lutheran Student House is dedicated as the second Lutheran Campus Ministry Center in the U.S.
1982
A group for persons discerning a call to ministry is established. Over 100 students have been ordained since.
2015
The Lutheran Center starts the Cross At The Heart campaign. To date, this is the most successful capital campaign of an ELCA campus ministry.
Campaign
Updates
We started our Cross At The Heart campaign in 2015 with so much encouragement from our generous supporters. We’re excited about what’s ahead and how we’re moving the campaign forward and breaking ground on our new building this year.
All Things New is our final phase of the campaign. We’re seeking to raise the final $1 million needed to finish this project debt-free so that all donations given in this new era will go directly toward student ministry.
Finances
While we’re celebrating that this is the most successful capital campaign of an ELCA campus ministry ever, we’re seeking to raise the final $1 million needed to finish this project debt-free.
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$4.6m Pledged
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$3.2m Received
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Only $1m Needed
Construction
Our new building plan allows us to reclaim some of the current structure while also meeting our growing needs. This extensive transformation of our building will include the following renovations:
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Expand the facility with two new additions
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Update the interior, exterior and overall layout
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Add new plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems
Renewed
Vision
Our new building takes into consideration the past, present and future of our ministry. As a ministry that’s deeply rooted in UNL’s campus, we want to make sure our presence is felt on campus for years and years to come. We’re confident in the vision we have for the future, and our commitment to Lutheran ministry at UNL for the next 100 years.
Expansion of Ministry
Incorporating a residential living community into the plan allows for ministry growth, deeper student engagement and sound financial stewardship. The students-in-residence will form a living community focused on faith, vocation and service. This community will also create a ‘living endowment,’ offsetting long-term costs of building operations.
Leadership on Campus
Our plan allows us to expand The Lutheran Center in our same ideal location on campus. Over the past 100 years, our ministry has drawn in thousands of students to our building, and maintaining our location on campus will allow us to continue our leadership on campus as we grow in the coming years.
Dedication to
Vision
We’re committed to maintaining a strong Lutheran ministry at UNL for the next 100 years. This project fits perfectly into the UNL Master Plan and the City of Lincoln’s plan to improve the historic Greek Row neighborhood centered around North 16th Street. Both university and city officials are wholly in favor of this project.
Your
Partnership
Over the life of our campaign, we’ve been blessed with generous and supportive partners. We’ve seen alumni, families, churches and communities reach out and support the vision of strengthening our ministry on campus, and for that we’re grateful.
Now, we’re asking our supporters to join us as we look toward the finish line of this campaign. We’re excited about breaking ground, seeing new life breathed into our building and the blessing of a growing ministry on campus. Would you prayerfully consider joining us in our mission?
