CFNA Is Moving!

Title: “CFNA is Moving!” 

O Christ, who called the Twelve, to rise and follow You,
Forsaking old, familiar ways for ventures bold and new:
Grant us to hear Your call to risk security
And bound in heart and will to You, find perfect liberty.
LSB #856 

The Board began its May meeting by singing this hymn, which set the state for its exciting, prayerful decision that truly does take CFNA into “ventures bold and new.” We are leasing a new, significantly larger space at 5515 S. Grand (the Midwest Bank Center) and moving from our current 4019 S. Grand location. This step reflects our faithful belief that our good Lord will bless us in our desire to expand our capacity to serve New Americans with Christ's love. 

This new building will provide much better space for our existing programs. The After-School Tutoring program will have several “classrooms” which will substantially reduce disruption during tutoring; there is also a space where the children can play. The sewing group will be able to store equipment and supplies within easy access of their expanded workspace. There will now be room for some specialized equipment for the Driver’s Ed program, and better space will be available for other ESL classes. 

CFNA will now have better space for community gatherings, both inside and outside of the building. A lighted parking lot and easy access to I-55 will make volunteering much more comfortable. Space is also available in the building for future opportunities for service and education for New Americans. 

This opportunity is thanks to the Lutheran Development Group, which is developing housing opportunities for New Americans and other moderate-income families throughout South City. Midwest Bank donated this building to LDG in return for tax incentives and LDG accepted the donation with CFNA and its outreach efforts in mind. 

CFNA still has decisions to make, including what to do with the current Peace Center, but for now our attention is focused on the exciting opportunities for service at 5515 South Grand, a location that remains within a mile or two of most of the people whom we serve. As scripture reminds us – “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going” (Heb. 11:8) – so too we step into this new space in faith trusting that our good Lord will guide and provide for this next chapter of ministry. We invite your prayers, your partnership, and your support as we prepare the new site to welcome New Americans and our many volunteers who have made CFNA their mission of Christian service & witness.  

By Dr. Judith Meyer, Board Chair and
Rev. Dr. Stanish Stanley, Executive Director