Our Vision

Our vision is focused on making the church building as welcoming as the congregation. The building plans cover three major areas: making our worship space more flexible and accommodating; reconfiguring office and classroom space; and enhancing and repairing the building exterior. This will include redesigning the entrances, using more glass to present a more welcoming appearance. Four ideas from the architect are on view in the Miller Gathering Hall in the Owens Building and/or in the Copeland Room.

As part of our stewardship of God's gifts, we hope to provide leadership in the use of green technology to the extent it is feasible, to reduce our carbon footprint and realize long-term savings.

Our vision also includes debt reduction. The current mortgage payments significantly restrict our mission and outreach activities.

Our Goal

The ultimate goal of this Capital Campaign is to offer a welcoming place of spiritual community, nurture, and growth to all, continuing to build on the good works our faith directs us to do. This will be the gift that comes from all of our gifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q We have our new building now. Why do we need another capital campaign?
A We need to complete the work we started. By postponing parts of our original plan, we were able to keep
the cost of the new building to $1.2 million. We now need to raise the money to follow through on those plans.

Q What will be done to the worship space?
A We will update the look of the space, while keeping the feel of wood and glass. Pews will be retained, but shortened, allowing easier access to middle seats. Seat cushions are a possibility. The new space will be modular and moveable, with a raised platform, better lighting, better sound system, room for art on the walls, and a new pulpit and communion table.

Q How about the office and classroom needs?
A This will generally follow the original Phase III design of the first campaign, making three larger classrooms out of the four small ones, and reconfiguring the offices, library, and multi-purpose room. New electrical outlets will be installed and unsafe wiring will be replaced.

Q What will change in the exterior of the old building?
A Doors will be refinished or replaced, and entrances will be redesigned to present a more welcoming appearance.

Q How much of this campaign is about debt reduction?
A We urgently need to reduce our debt. To complete the financing of the Owens Building, we took out a $500,000 mortgage, and the $35,000 annual interest payment sharply reduces our budget for mission and other core goals.

Q What is each of us asked to do?
A We are asked to join in the congregation's discussion of our church's future needs, and then to consider prayerfully how we may each make a personal financial commitment over and above our regular giving for the next three years.

Q How much should I give?
A This is a private decision, which we urge you to reach only after prayerful consideration of what "not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice" means to you.

Q How often should I give?
A You determine your giving schedule, but we encourage you to make it regular. Most people will give at least monthly. Some will give weekly, some quarterly, and a few will give once a year.

Q I don't think I can give very much. Any ideas how I can increase my giving?
A We have several ideas, and once you are thinking about it, you may be able to think of others.
+ Give smaller amounts more often.
+ Make some small life style change such as skipping that daily latte or brown bagging your lunch.
+ Take a less expensive vacation.
+ Delay planned purchases such as a new car or refrigerator.
+ Commit all or a portion of your raises and/or bonuses to your contribution.
+ Contribute all or a portion of your income tax refund.
+ If you pay off a revolving debt, like a mortgage or car payment, continue the payments as contributions.

Q Can I give in ways other than cash?
A While cash is the most common form of contribution, other forms are welcome. If you wish to contribute appreciated stock or mutual funds, bonds, real estate, personal property such as jewelry or art, or other, please contact Bruce Peabody at 772-4400, Ext. 314.

Q What is my next step?
A Complete the enclosed commitment card and turn it in on Sunday, June 1 at the special Growing in
Faith Capital Campaign luncheon. Of course, you can also mail it in or place it in the collection plate
on Sunday.

Q When do I begin giving, and when is the campaign over?
A Pledging will take place during May, and there will be a special church luncheon to celebrate the completion of the pledging phase on Sunday, June 1. Pledge fulfillment then begins. Each pledge year will run from June 1 to May 31. The Capital Campaign will run from June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2011.

Prayer, Not Pressure

It may be expressed in various ways but the basic concern is always the same. Some of you may be wondering when the pressure will begin. The very nature of the campaign forbids that anyone should be pressured into giving. You will never be told what you should give, not at any point in the campaign.

Your financial commitment is between you and God. Giving is part of worship, but giving must come from your heart to please God, not from a feeling of compulsion.

Continue praying:
Eternal God, You have shown us how to live; now show us how to give. Help us to give freely with our whole heart. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.