Ideas, Ideas, Ideas

We want to hear your voice! Ever since we began discussing the idea of a new building, I've heard so many ideas for what the possibilities are. Now it's time to make those ideas official. We need to lay those ideas on the table, do the research to see which are viable, and narrow down to the best possibilities. Here are some ideas we've heard:

1. Straw Bale Construction: There are a lot of materials out there on straw bale construction as an energy efficient option. St. Andrews in Olathe built with straw bales and created a beautiful building.

2. KSU Architecture class: There is a professor on campus that is interested in using our building as a class project. This would not obligate us to actually use the designs, but it may give us some ideas.

3. Fuqua Construction is a design-build firm out of Inman, KS. They've built several churches in the area and may be an affordable option.

4. There's a firm recommended by the Mennonite Brethren church that allows the congregation to lower their cost with volunteer labor. I'm working on getting a link for you.

5. No matter how we go, there has been a lot of interest in making our building as green as possible. We're still trying to define exactly what that means. Here are some fun sources to look at to see what's out there.

• The first LEED certified house of worship. LEED certification is a set of guidelines that we could follow to make sure that we are being easy on the environment. There are different levels of certification. Here is some more information about what that means.
• The Sustainable Sanctuary Coalition in the KC area has some good information.

I've heard rumblings of architect friends who are interested in our project. I've heard about the possibility of a Butler building. Let us know what you think about the options you've heard. Look at the links and tell us your opinions on the buildings. What do you like or not like about them? What is your vision for what our church could be?

Please join the task force in continuing prayer, asking for guidance, faith, and vision.