PROJECT UPDATE, 11/29/25: Every Mount Olive family will receive A SPECIAL ENVELOPE containing information about the God’s House, Our Home project (picked up in person or mailed). In it, you’ll find a link to watch this video, plus a pledge form for supporting the sanctuary renovation. Please return your pledge envelope to the box in the narthex by December 7. Answers to a list of Frequently Asked Questions from the Mount Olive Family Forums are available here (last updated 12/01/25) or in the narthex.
Mount Olive’s sanctuary has been a place of worship, comfort, and praise for generations. Now, it’s time to renew and brighten this space so it continues to reflect God’s glory and welcome every heart that walks through its doors.
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The Purpose of God’s House, Our Home
- To give glory to God. We want our worship space to reflect the honor and gratitude we feel toward our Savior.
- To create an inviting worship environment. We want a comfortable, welcoming place where members and guests alike can focus on God’s Word and Sacraments.
- To improve safety and security. We want our facilities, especially our school and children’s areas, to be as safe as possible.
Proposed Plan
Proposed improvements include new lighting, flooring, and pews; a redesigned chancel; a mother’s room; and an upgraded security system. Some funds from the campaign will also help us pay down remaining debt from recent facility expansions, ensuring that we remain financially strong for future ministry.
Proposed Timeline
Proposed Cost
- Construction Cost (Direct): $744,000
Includes: Sanctuary, security, parents’ room, atrium restrooms - Construction Cost (Indirect): $249,000
Includes: permits, insurance, and on-site manager - Design & Engineering: $83,000
- Furniture: $194,000
- Debt Reduction from Forward in Faith: $830,000
Total Cost: $2,100,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “God’s House, Our Home”?
For quite some time, Mount Olive has prayerfully considered ways to update and enhance our facility. These improvements include enhanced lighting and flooring, updated seating, a welcoming space for parents with young children, and improved school security.
Our goal is straightforward: to create a worship space that glorifies God and provides comfort, beauty, and safety for all who gather here. That’s why our theme is “God’s House, Our Home.”
This campaign will also allow us to retire the remaining “Forward in Faith” debt ahead of schedule—saving the congregation money and helping us look confidently to the future.
Why move ahead with a capital campaign during a season of change within our church?
Mount Olive has been faithfully working through a coordinated, 20-year master plan for our ministry and facilities. This project is the final step in that plan—bringing it to completion and positioning us for the next chapter of ministry.
When will Mount Olive make the final decision on the renovation plan?
The scope of the project will be discussed at the congregation’s voters’ meeting on December 18th at 7:00 p.m.
What will we do with the old pews, furnishings, etc.?
We will attempt to find buyers for them.
Will there be opportunities for volunteers to assist in the project?
The Building Committee is coordinating opportunities to assist with demolition, painting, and remodeling work. These efforts will help defer the cost of the renovation.
How will we ensure the renovation doesn’t lose our church’s character?
The design team is committed to honoring the church’s history by retaining the stained glass windows and wood panelling, while also creating a brighter, more functional space, with the cross prominently displayed.
Find more questions and answers here >
Our Call to Respond
This project will be funded entirely by the generous gifts of Mount Olive members. Like those who built our current church and school before us, we have the opportunity to leave a legacy of faith for the next generation. Every gift, large or small, is an act of worship, a way of saying, “Lord, we want to give
You our best.”
We invite each household to prayerfully consider what your special three-year commitment might be toward God’s House, Our Home. You will find enclosed a commitment form and return envelope. Please take time in the coming days to pray and discuss your response as a family, and then return your completed form to church or by mail by December 7th.
We thank God for the faith and generosity of the Mount Olive family. Your prayers and gifts will help ensure that our church continues to be a place where generations to come may grow in Christ.
Have questions, ideas, or concerns? Reach out to any of the pastors or to Jeffrey Bessler, Chairman of the Capital Stewardship Committee, at jeff.bessler@mountoliveappleton.com.