Living Stones Update

The Living Stones leadership team met on August 14. It was a wonderful way to end my year-long Center for Congregations Resource Grant for several reasons, which encapsulate the successes of our work this year.

1. There were 14 people in attendance, and only 4 from Trinity. There were representatives from CentralPresbyterian, First Baptist, St. John’s, and First Christian – all who are committed to working together to build a better community on our historic foundations (the vision of Living Stones). This collaborative focus is relatively new, and there aren’t any other organizations that I know of that are working ecumenically. Moreover, we have recruited folks from the city, Friends of Downtown, Ivy Tech, and the Centennial Neighborhood Association to serve on our team. I am confident in the group of people who have offered their skills to this team and can’t wait to see where they take the organization!
2. I asked each of the partner churches to share the favorite part of their historic building. Folks from Trinity of course mentioned the stained glass and the organ. But, I want to share some other anecdotes. One of the First Baptist folks shared how, as a child, he snuck into the sanctuary (at a time when children weren’t really allowed in church) to sit with his grandmother and listen to the organ. Another told us that he makes it a point to go into the bell tower once a year to take in the view during autumn colors. One last comment was the significance of driving down the hill from West Lafayette and seeing all the spires and towers from the churches. And, musing, how would their absence alter the fabric of our community? Which is why that person joined the team.
3. Sean McCan is leading the group in a strategic planning process over the next few months. He shared the Simplexity process that he utilizes, and saw the group already engaging in it throughout discussions of the upcoming projects. This is significant to maintain a focus on the mission and vision of Living Stones while addressing the needs of each member. As a reminder, the mission of Living Stones is to support the preservation and encourage use of significant historic religious structures in Lafayette. He helped identify two areas of focus: maintaining historic structures and utilizing historic structures. With his help, Living Stones activities will work to address one or both of these areas. With Sean, the group will focus on establishing clear goals and a strong foundation for the future.
4. Plans are in the works for a holiday tour of the partner organizations. There will be more information as the team planning the event coalesces. This team will be comprised of representatives from each of the organizations participating as well as the neighborhood associations involved. Though plans are still in the works, it will be a great way to showcase our beautiful buildings during a time of year when they are all decked out for the holidays.
5. Trinity is still focused on two projects. The South Lawn relandscaping project is still under construction. It has been a slow process, but will result in a more flexible, ecofriendly, and welcoming space for our community. Questions about this project should be directed to Ryan Wynkoop or Amber Traeger. We are also in the process of planning a Stained-Glass Renovation project, which is still a year or two out. Because it is such a large project, it requires much planning for the scope of the project, fundraising and grantwriting. Amber Traeger is currently the point person for this project.

Amber Traeger will now be the Trinity point person for Living Stones. If you have any questions about the organization and its activities, please contact her at amber@trinitylafayette.org. Thank you! Ruth Smith