A New Vision for a Sacred Space

Renovation of Journeys Lutheran School Chapel

A New Generation

This sacred space has served as a place of worship and education for 71 years. What we currently call the chapel has historically been the main church for Hales Corners Lutheran Congregation where thousands of people of all ages experienced everything from music, to worship, to teaching, to renewal, to sacraments, to special moments of many kinds.

Every generation should be faithful to what came before, while looking towards the needs of future generations. As the new owner and steward of the space, Journeys Lutheran School will renovate the chapel to more purposefully fulfill our mission of providing a Lutheran education for students who need specialized support and care. Our chapel represents the central identity of Journeys Lutheran School because Jesus Christ and the Word of God is at the center of everything we do.

Vision

The vision for Journeys Lutheran School Chapel is to provide a space that is central to the Christ-centered identity and outreach of the school. Imagine the possibilities for this space:

  • Flexible and inviting for a range of uses

  • A place for students to gather to know and worship God

  • A design that allows for different configurations depending on the program

  • Large groups up to 150 and small groups alike are accommodated

  • Chairs and tables are easily moved out of sight to allow for students to participate in yoga for a lesson in mindfulness

  • A community space for students with special needs to hold meetings

  • Families come together for a fun family night out that incorporates the therapy rooms with the chapel

  • Seating can be set up in the round so a student’s family can join them for their baptism

  • Community groups utilize the chapel and become connected to the mission

  • Teachers and staff gather for professional development, planning, prayer, and community building

  • Our sister organizations and churches use the space for their programs and meetings, growing our partnership

  • A special place to host our school events, fundraisers, presentations, and special programming

Features

  • Visual site lines, sound system and room acoustics are designed so every person can participate in whatever program the chapel is used for

  • Audience style seating for 150 can be converted to table seating

  • Flexible seating allows for various configurations

  • Comfortable furnishings accommodate a variety of uses

  • Balcony is removed, opening up the entire space

  • New floor coverings and new paint provide a warm, inviting atmosphere

  • Acoustics are significantly improved for all locations in the room

  • Professional sound system is easy to use, accommodates voice presentation as well as performances, and delivers good sound in every part of the room

  • All new lighting suited for group meetings, presenters in the main room, and for use of the stage area

  • Visual technology with screens positioned to accommodate small group and large group meetings

  • Appropriate religious art designed into the space

Special Considerations

  • Stained Glass Window

    The beautiful stained-glass window will remain as a featured part of the room. The window captures the essence of our Lutheran identity and hope of the risen Lord. Minor repairs will be done to the window.

  • Acoustic Ceiling and Wall Panels

    A major challenge for the configuration of the space is eliminating echoes that are distracting and difficult for persons with hearing impairments or sensory sensitivities.

    The new chapel will feature specially designed panels that will allow small groups to hear well without amplification as well as account for large groups and performance events that need acoustics to amplify sound in every part of the space with a compatible sound system.

  • Interior Design

    New furnishings will provide flexibility for multiple uses. Furnishings will be functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.

    Careful thought is given to how the space can be attractive and welcoming. New carpeting, tile, and paint colors will be selected to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Existing windows and trim will be painted. The front of the room will be a raised platform that can be used for performances and musical groups.

Make a Donation

The new space will be dedicated to the ministry of Judy Schultz, director of the school from 1975 to 2018. Judy’s leadership and vision changed many lives and built the foundation upon which the school thrives today.

The school has been blessed with lead gifts of $200,000. To complete all phases of the project an additional $312,500 is required plus HVAC.

Any gift of $25,000 or more will be recognized on a dedication plaque in the chapel.

Consider a gift-in-kind or extending your giving capacity with the tax advantages of a non-cash gift.

Join with us to make the new vision of a sacred space reality for the next generation.

Support Our Vision