Artistic rendering of the threshold space beneath the live oak on our front lawn.

A New Threshold Space Is Coming to Grace Lutheran

Grace Lutheran Church  ·  Lakeland, Florida  ·  Summer 2026
from the Outreach Committee & Threshold Space Task Force

Something is growing on the front lawn of Grace Lutheran Church — and it starts with a tree.

This summer, we are creating a new outdoor gathering place beneath the shade of one of our beautiful live oaks: a circle of Adirondack chairs set on a pea gravel surface, open to anyone who passes by. It will be a threshold space —where our church property opens naturally into the life of our parish neighborhood, creating opportunities for congregation members and neighbors to meet.

Why a Threshold Space?

At Grace, we believe the church is not just a building people come to — it is a community that also goes out. A threshold space is an expression of that conviction made visible and tangible. It says: You don’t have to come inside to belong here. You don’t have to pay for anything, as you would at a coffee shop or pub. Take a seat and enjoy God’s creation. Now more than ever, we need green spaces, and third spaces — beyond home and workplaces — to meet face-to-face, slow down, and linger in conversation.

The space will serve our congregation for informal gatherings, s’mores nights, and special events like the Blessing of the Animals, and our Earth Day singalong. It will also be a home base for our growing campus ministry to Florida Southern College, giving students a welcoming and convenient place to gather. Signage will offer an invitation to our neighbors walking by: Grace is here. You are welcome.

How It Came Together

The project is being made possible entirely by generous gifts — beginning with $2000 from our synod, as well as from individual congregants and community partners. This vision is resonating with people across Lakeland, and beyond, even in its seed form. Grace’s Congregational Council has unanimously approved the project and appointed a task force to oversee its execution.

The Threshold Space Task Force

This project is being brought to life by a dedicated team of lay leaders offering their time, creativity, and care to make it a reality: our deep gratitude to Barbara Carpanini, Kristen Storms, and Tom Hager, and to Sophia Talbott, graduate student at Florida Southern College and neighboring RA. We are also working with Maya Copeland, a former neighbor, now a designer with Patio Land in Tampa. The vision for this space has been arising through our Adventures in Renewal conversations over many months; as it comes together, we also offer gratitude for everyone who has been part of those hours of prayerful discernment.

What Comes Next

Grace Lutheran is a church that is committed to loving its neighbors — and this threshold space is one important way that commitment comes to life. As it opens, we are also applying for a Vision to Action (V2A) grant from the synod to fund refreshments and supplies for upcoming campus ministry and neighborhood outreach events.

Help Name This Space

What should we call this new gathering place? We don’t have a name for it yet — and we would love your help. We are inviting the whole congregation to suggest names. Share your ideas with Pastor Olga-Maria, or any member of the Task Force. The deadline for suggestions will be Thursday, August 6. Then we will have a vote and announce the name at our opening celebration later this summer.

Watch this space — and watch the front lawn! Something beautiful is taking root.