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Why are we conducting a Capital Campaign at this time?
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We have been developing architectural plans and preparing the property for a building over the past few years and now the time has come to take the next step of pooling our resources to fund the building of our sanctuary. |
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Why did we choose the theme, "Growing In Grace-Building To Serve?"
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John has long structured his teaching around the theme of God’s grace – as we receive it for salvation, as it acts in our lives to sanctify us and as we become vessels for sharing that grace with the world. We have endured the limitations of renting and explored the stewardship issues of leasing and concluded that a building of our own will be a wise use of our resources and multiply our opportunities to spread the gospel and serve the community. |
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What is the estimated cost of our Capital Project and what is included in this cost?
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The estimated cost of the project is $915,400. This amount includes $500,000 for a 7,000 square foot building, $230,000 for the site work and road improvement, and $185,400 for all other costs including permits, professional services (architect, construction supervision), contingency fees and funding expenses. Included in the cost estimate is a line item for the additional interest to be paid because all building campaign donations may not have been received at the time we secure a mortgage. |
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What are our financial goals and how were they chosen?
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Kairos analyzed our membership and financial statistics (including our recent history of giving), took into account the scope of our project and the economy of our community and applied their expertise to all this information in order to determine our potential to reach a goal of $350,000 and up over the next three years. This represents new money, over and above our current donations to the congregation. |
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How does this goal relate to the total cost of our project?
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By the winter of 2009, in addition to what we have raised in the building campaign, we plan to have saved $160,000 from past donations to the building fund and our normal operating budget. At this time we will secure a mortgage for the remainder of approximately $400,000. |
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When do we plan to break ground and begin construction?
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We anticipate breaking ground in the summer of fall of 2008. We hope to complete the building process over the next year and occupy our new church home by November of 2009—forty years after the founders held the first worship service. |
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How does my response to "Growing in Grace-Building For The Future" affect my support to the operating budget?
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Your campaign response is a new commitment. All money received from this commitment will be applied to building our new church. We pray that you will continue supporting current programs and outreach of our church by uninterrupted and undiminished ongoing support to our annual needs. Info. about our 2008 Stewardship Appeal and a pledge card are also included in this packet of information. |
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How will I be contacted for my response?
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Everyone will have the opportunity to offer their financial support during worship on Commitment Sunday, Nov. 4. If you are not ready to make your response that day or cannot attend worship on that weekend, members of the Grand Finale Team will mail the necessary materials to you at some point the following week and be available to answer any questions you may have. |
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How much should I give?
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This is a personal decision, but here are some guidelines for your consideration:
- Reflect on the blessings given to you by a generous God and give out of joy and gratitude
- Ask God for direction, pray and meditate over a period of time, be open to the Spirit
- Be informed by reading all the literature sent or delivered to you during this campaign
- Attend the Prayer Vigil at the future site of our church on Saturday, Nov. 3, and once again ask God for guidance and courage.
- Give until it feels great and it takes your breath away! It will be best investment of your life!
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How long will my "Growing In Grace-Building To Serve" commitment continue?
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The commitment is for three years and is over and above your regular giving to the congregation. Your commitment form gives you options on how to configure your gift since not all people will want to give in the same way. Some will give one large, up front gift while others will give so much each week or month.
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May I give stocks, real estate, insurance, IRA's or other gifts in kind in addition to cash gifting? |
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Absolutely! You are encouraged to think of assets in addition to cash. For many people this is the best (and smartest) way to give. Giving stocks, property, jewelry, cars, or other appreciated assets as a charitable donation is beneficial to both you and the church. If you think you would benefit from more information on this topic, please call Gayle Russell, Financial Advisor, at 860-882-2555, or Nitsa Benson, Enrolled Agent, at 860-429-1001, or Renee LiaBraaten, our Kairos consultant, at 1-800-851-3019 ext. 360. |
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Will there be an opportunity to give specific gifts?
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At the appropriate time during our three-year giving period, a Campaign Follow-Up Ministry Team will establish a list of needs to complete our building project for those who wish to give specific gifts (sometimes in memory of a loved one). Specific guidelines for this giving opportunity will be clearly developed and made available to all people of the congregation. |
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What if my financial situation changes or I move out of the area before the end of the three year giving period?
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At anytime during the giving phase, your commitment may be increased, decreased, extended or cancelled by notifying Pastor John Cuyler at the church office. If you should move out of the area we hope you would become involved in another congregation and offer them your support. We will be honored and grateful if you are willing to fulfill you total commitment, but you are certainly under no obligation to do so. No matter what your circumstances, we ask you to support us in your prayers and to remember that you are always welcomed and loved.
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Building to Serve