Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to learn about this season in the life of Evangelical Lutheran Church of Durham.
Over the past year, our congregation has spent time in meetings, discussions, and prayerful consideration as we’ve worked toward this decision, with care and thoughtful discernment throughout the process. As with many meaningful decisions, members have brought a range of perspectives and experiences along the way.
The new church annex has been designed to create more space for education, increase accessibility, support new ministries, and improve workspace for our spiritual leader and staff.
This page will keep you informed with updates on our progress, share the vision behind the project, and highlight the opportunities this expansion may make possible. Whether you are a longtime member or simply exploring who we are, we warmly invite you to follow along, ask questions, and join us for a service—we would love to welcome you in person.
Moving Forward Together
Our congregation has been in conversation and discernment around the building project for quite some time. After thoughtful discussion and a congregational vote, we are now moving forward.
We know this hasn’t been a simple or one dimensional process. People have brought different hopes, questions, and concerns that reflect how much this church and its future matter to all of us.
We are, at our core, a church family. And like any family, we don’t always see things the same way. But we remain connected to one another in what matters most.
This page is meant to be a clear and steady place to stay informed as we move ahead together.
Where Things Stand Now
The congregation has approved moving forward with the annex project.
In this next phase, work will continue with planning, consultation, and communication as more details take shape, including careful attention to cemetery-related considerations.
Church leadership is committed to:
- communicating clearly and simply
- honoring the history of our property
- stewarding resources thoughtfully
- supporting the ongoing life and mission of the church
- staying attentive to the questions and experiences of our members
As there are updates, we will share them in a straightforward and timely way.
For those who are interested, more information about the capital campaign and project funding is available here: Capital Campaign Flyer
Why This Project Matters
This project comes from a desire to support the life of the church – both now and in the years ahead.
Some of the hopes guiding this work include:
- making our space more accessible
- creating more welcoming and usable gathering areas
- supporting fellowship, ministry, and community connection
- caring for the long-term needs of our congregation
At its heart, this is about continuing to make room for one another, and for those who will come after us.
Honoring Our History
We recognize that our church property holds deep meaning, including the presence of the cemetery and the history it represents.
We are committed to approaching this part of the project with care, respect, and appropriate guidance. We will continue to share information as it becomes available.
Questions and Communication
If you have questions, we truly want to hear them.
You can reach out to: Evangel@durhamlutheran.org or call 610-346-8500 and we can get you in touch with our building committee.
We will continue to share updates through:
- this page
- our church newsletter
- congregational announcements
- council communication
- opportunities to gather and talk together, as needed
Our Life Together
While this project is important, what matters most is the life we share as a congregation.
Even when we see things differently, we belong to one another. We worship together, care for one another, and continue finding our way forward together.
We are grateful for the many ways people have shown up throughout this process with thoughtfulness, questions, care, and prayer. That spirit is part of what will carry us forward.