Calvary Lutheran plans move to Ruskin

Anyone who drives west on U.S. 41 through Ruskin can't help but notice the large parcel of empty land with a lone sign that reads, "Future Home of Calvary Lutheran Church." It's been there for years.

Congregation members recently learned the details of the church's plan to build a huge multipurpose center on the 25-acre site. The 18,000- to 20,000-square-foot building will serve as a worship center, fellowship center and space for athletic activities. It also will have a café, meeting rooms, an activities room, classrooms, offices and a nursery.

The church's immediate need is a larger sanctuary. Presently, about 350 can be seated for worship, and parking is inadequate. The multipurpose room will seat 600.

"We are currently very constrained by space," said Associate Pastor Derek Hovan. "The new building will allow us to continue to grow and reach out to the community through our ministries.

"God dreams much bigger than we do. Through prayer and reflection, our task is to dream big and trust that He will help us bring that dream to fruition."

The projected cost of the project, which includes the building, infrastructure and landscaping, is about $4 million. Before construction can begin, though, Calvary must sell its current 3.5-acre property on U.S. 41 in Apollo Beach. That is expected to raise $1.6 million and the remaining $2.4 million will come through a capital campaign, which began Jan. 15.

"Building a church is a marathon, not a sprint," said Nan Ryan, the campaign's co-chairwoman. "It takes time and patience to reach the finish line, and we will accomplish that together as a congregation. Only God knows the exact timing.

"Right now we are putting all the pieces in place to be ready when the property sells."

In the long term, Calvary hopes to add facilities that serve the needs of the community, in the same manner as its Community Cupboard food pantry and Angel Attic. These could include a youth center, adult day care, Christian school and activities center, Ryan said.

"With all that space, who knows what we will be able to do?" said Hovan.