Press Release: June 25, 2006

Groundbreaking took place for Our Savior's Way Lutheran Church and the expanded Open Arms Christian Child Development Center on Sunday, June 25, 2006. The church is located at the corner of Waxpool Rd. and Claiborne Pkwy., one mile south of Exit 5 off the Dulles Greenway. The new building will face the corner of Waxpool Rd. and Claiborne Pkwy. in the Broadlands subdivision.

Torrential rains were coming down all morning, but the rain stopped at 10:30 am when the groundbreaking ceremony began. State Senator Mark Herring was present to bring greetings from the community. Senator Herring represents Virginia's 33rd District which includes Loudoun and Fairfax Counties. Senator Herring said: "I am often present at groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings for civic and business organizations. It is good to remember that we need to expand our spiritual infrastructure in Loudoun County, as well. It is a privilege for me to be here and celebrate this day with the people of Our Savior's Way Lutheran Church."

After a reading from Psalm 127:1, Pastor Bill Mann said a prayer: "We are gathered to break ground for a new sanctuary and preschool. The Lord has been with us in the past. We pray that he will be with us in the future."

Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church (OSWLC) began meeting in Broad Run High School on December 4, 1994. This is the third groundbreaking ceremony since that time. The first dedicated the original building in September 1999, the second added the administrative wing in March 2004 and this third groundbreaking will provide an additional 37,000 square feet to the existing structure.

The $9 million expansion expected to be completed in July of 2007 will house:

• a 500-seat sanctuary with pews and stone floor,
• a lower level dedicated to middle school and high school youth programs,
• additional capacity for day care, pre-school, and after school care.

There are currently 250 children in the Open Arms Program. The expansion of the facility will allow OSWLC to better serve the community by accommodating:

• 300 children in the Open Arms All Day Care (Director Lori Schneider)
• 150 children in the Open Arms Preschool (Director Marcie Peterson)
• 150 children in the Open Arms Before and After School Program

Professional services are being provided by architect Wm. Robson and Associates, from Chantilly, Virginia; and the builder is Miller Brothers from Marshall, Virginia.

The current members of OSWLC, as a show of faith, have pledged $2.4 million dollars for the expansion. They have been using a multi-purpose room as their sanctuary, and the anticipation of a sanctuary that will seat 500 will have a positive impact on the current congregation and new members.

The summer worship schedule – July 2 to September 3 has services at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. September 10 will resume three services per Sunday at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. with Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.

To register for pre-school call 703-858-5958.
For Day Care information call 703-729-9144.

For additional information about OSWLC, email Pastor Bill Mann at .