At our January 19 Budget Meeting, our AV Director, Kevin Hoyland, shared the estimated costs of this project. (If you missed it, you canwatch the video here and skip to 31:00—though, ironically, the sound might be a little hard to hear!) During that meeting, Zion approved the purchase of a new sound system based on the recommendations of our consultant, Tim Burkhart.

Some of you have asked, “Who is Tim Burkhart?” Here’s a link to his full report on Zion’s sound needs, which also includes details on his background. With more than 35 years of experience as the primary systems designer and department supervisor for the Designed Systems Group of Midwest Sound and Lighting in Omaha, Tim has worked with many churches and community groups. He’s also earned multiple Theatrical Arts Guild and Omaha Entertainment Awards— he’s kind of a big deal!

His consultation fee of $11,000 was significantly less than the $12,000–$24,000 estimates Kevin initially received for just part of what Tim has offered us. Plus, Tim does not receive incentives based on what Zion purchases—he’s working solely in our best interest.

Now that Tim has visited Zion, evaluated our current system, and listened to our services, he has gathered the necessary details to request bids from vendors. We expect to receive three bids soon, which will allow us to compare solutions and costs before making a final decision.

We’ll be sharing more information as those bids are received and reviewed by the council, but what we need your help with now is funding this project. We have already received two generous commitments and are almost a quarter of the way to our goal. To lend your support to the effort, contact Pastor Marsha with the amount you’d like to donate or put your check in the offering plate and note on the memo line that this gift should go to “Zion’s Sound System.”

We invite you to prayerfully consider making a special gift to support this project. Our fundraising goal is $105,000, and every contribution—big or small—will bring us closer to ensuring that all who enter Zion can fully hear and participate in worship. We have already raised a quarter of our goal and with your help, know we will be successful in achieving the full amount.

To contribute, you can:
Give online at [church website/donation link]
Mail a check payable to Zion Lutheran Church, memo: Sound System Fund
Pledge a gift to be fulfilled before the end of the calendar year

We'll need someone to update the amount we've raised to date each week before the newsletter goes out if possible.

Do you have questions about the Chuck Traw Memorial Fundraiser for Zion Sound System or how to support our effort? Contact any member of the fundraising team -Bruce Haupert, Frank Scamman, and Heather Wilensky -- and they'll be happy to share more information.