When do I get a pledge card/make a pledge?
Pledge cards will be available in the church bulletins on Commitment Sunday, March 28. We want the members of the congregation to have plenty of time to prepare for their decision in prayer and to make their commitments together as an act of worship. If you are not able to be present on Commitment Sunday, you will receive a letter with a commitment card in the mail as well as a follow-up phone call. (The Commitment Card is available now in PDF format at our FORMS AND DOWNLOADS page.)

Who will receive pledge cards?
All members, active and inactive, as well as all friends of the church will asked to prayerfully consider supporting the church.

When do we know the totals?
The announcement will be made two weeks after Commitment Sunday on Celebration Sunday, April 14, in the worship service.

What if we do not get all the money needed for the project?
The church cannot make its best decisions about how to make the projects happen until we have a real picture of what financial resources are available. Once we know what resources we have to work with, our leaders will adjust the plan to bring to the congregation. There are many options to get to our project goals – phase in parts of the project, borrow money to complete the projects now, etc.. Projecting a definite plan is speculation until we know what resources we will have. The decision before us is what resources can we provide over the next three years?

When do we start/complete project?
Our timeline will depend on the best balance between our program needs and the most inexpensive time for the work to be done. Our hope is that the work can begin as quickly as possible.

Is this the best time for a campaign?
Our calling and our need are now. In fact, some of the need has been with us for a while. In addition, the current economic climate is such that construction costs are favorable. This is, in other words, a very good time to build.

What about the annual budget?
Capital giving is, by definition, above and beyond what people give to support the annual ministry and mission of the church.

What is an average gift? What should a capital gift be?
Stewardship is not about equal gifts, but about equal sacrifice. There is no formula for determining anyone’s pledge, nor is there an “average gift” benchmark. The “measures” below are more helpful than specific dollars:

• Does this investment make a difference to me? Does this gift change me, change my whole commitment level?
• Was this a prayerful decision seeking God's will … did I invite God to be a part of this decision process?
• Did I have a real conversation about this decision … with my spouse, children, family, faith community, etc.
• Did I learn something about commitment and giving? Did I take a step of faith that deepens my own discipleship?

Can my commitment/pledge change?
Yes. A pledge is not a contract. If your circumstances change significantly, then your commitment pledge should also change. Good surprises happen at least as often as difficult surprises.

Why make a pledge?
The church will need to commit itself to building plans. The church cannot make thoughtful, wise decisions without thoughtful, intentional pledges from the congregation.

What if I am unable to make a large gift at this time?
The foundation for the “Building God’s House; Extending God’s Welcome” campaign is making a prayerful commitment. We want everyone to pray, “God, what would you do through me to accomplish your will in my church?” Every gift of every size is significant in answering God’s call. There is no minimum gift – and there is no maximum gift!

Is any grant money possible?
The campaign leadership team has no awareness of any source for such funds.

Are there any advance gifts?
We anticipate that there will be some advance gifts before Commitment Sunday.

Has a feasibility study been conducted?
Based on the size of this project, our campaign consultant strongly recommended that it was more financially sound to use a formula based on pledges made to our annual budget pledges.

Are we going to have a capital campaign every three or five years?
Our last campaign was begun fifteen years ago. There are no plans for another campaign.

Are there specific mission projects are being considered for the third floor?
Yes. Besides the increased space for formation and worship within our own community, specific conversations are underway with the director of a former neighborhood latchkey program entitled Refrigerator Door Club. She is eager to restart that very needed program in our newly renovated space.

What is the life expectancy of the current elevette?
In many capacities, it is past its useful life. The elevette could not be installed in the building today as it would not meet current standards and codes. Half of the building remains inaccessible because of the elevette’s limitations, and it is completely unable to accommodate many modern wheelchairs because of its size and weight restrictions.

What is happening with the Annex building?
Real estate developers and contractors have been consulted and at this point have been clear that any use of that space would be more financially viable beginning from scratch. The session is engaged in continuing conversations with the neighborhood association and other parties about the best options.

God, what would you do through me to accomplish your will in my church?