Welcome to Presbybriefs, where we find out what is going on congregations in the PTCA, the presbytery and the wider church.  Here are the stories for August 25.

Macalester LEEDs the Way :  When Macalester College decided to invest in a new home for the Institute for Global Citizenship (IGC), a program to educate and engage students to be global citizen-leaders, college leaders knew that it was critical that the building itself be designed and constructed in ways that demonstrate global leadership.

Reflecting that commitment, Markim Hall is the college’s first, and only the second higher education facility in the state, to be built with the goal of obtaining the LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. It is also the first building in St. Paul to be built to these standards.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Platinum is the highest level of certification. Only 12 college campus buildings in the United States have earned platinum-level certification.

Markim Hall will be officially dedicated following a campus-wide convocation Oct. 1. The $7.5 million, 17,000 square foot facility houses the Institute for Global Citizenship, civic engagement, study abroad and international programs, faculty and staff offices, meeting rooms, and an open atrium for campus events. Donors funded the entire project.

-Compiled by Beth Furkin, Presbyterian News Service

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The following is a post from Chain Link, a blog about Chain of Lakes Presbyterian Church, a new church development in Lino Lakes, MN.

I still have a smile on my face as I reflect on the fantastic time we had at Vacation Bible School last night. I think every person who came will say that something special happened. We had an excellent turnout of kids, 13; everything was very well-organized; and everyone enjoyed themselves. As I wrote on my Facebook page it was a night of fun and faith. Thanks to everyone who helped. We are gathering again for Vacation Bible School tonight at 6:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. If you live in the north Metro, come and join us tonight for the last night of Vacation Bible School.

Last night we encouraged everyone present to purchase a backpack with school supplies for kids who need them. I asked the kids how many backpacks with school supplies they thought we could collect. I suggested 20-they suggested many more. My daughter, Hannah, and I purchased a backpack when we first announced this ministry at the picnic at our house a couple weeks ago. After Vacation Bible School last night she pleaded with me to purchase another backpack. So after Vacation Bible School the two of us were the backpack section in Target. Our family is now providing two backpacks. I do believe that our faith community can provide 20.

Last night at Vacation Bible School I received a brief vision for what children’s ministry at Chain of Lakes could be. I’m still sorting that out, but am excited about the possibilities.