RELEVANT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT “A STEP IN FAITH”
How did we arrive at this particular vision? “A Step in Faith” began when a core group began meeting in a store front. It continued as the congregation grew and took another step to purchase the current property despite doubts that funds could be raised to secure a loan. As the congregation grew, the Joy mission became to “celebrate and share the love of Jesus Christ!” Over a course of 4-5 years Joy council members worked on a strategic plan and with input from the congregation established the core values of “Youth, Worship, Community Outreach and a feeling of Community”. The current proposed areas of the development (physical aspect of vision) came about last year through a council appointed committee charged with looking at the core values, listening to congregational input, considerations/observations and requests for building use, then visualizing what future opportunities to expand the mission and ministry of Joy Lutheran could occur through changes in the xisting facility. The congregation was asked to provide input and prioritize these in a survey almost a year ago. It is a “Step in Faith!”!
The total cost of our new church additions - The $1.5 million is a rough estimate based on building ideas and current costs. Range could be anywhere from $1.2-1.7 million for total plan depending on specific building plans yet to be determined. We could move forward building sooner if money comes in sooner than the three year commitment. As of now, many families have already made significant pledges to the goal!
What is our giving goal? The goal of the Capital Campaign is to raise as much of $1.5 million as possible. Our ultimate goal is to expand our facility in order to provide additional space for fellowship opportunities and outreach to community groups. Additional classroom space will provide a variety of opportunities with flexibility in groupings, by age, interests & needs. Planned improvements to the exterior will make the church more visible, accessible, and offer more opportunities for congregational & community use of our beautiful property.
What are our current short and long-term debt obligations? Our initial mortgage was around $685,000 in 1995-96. Today it is approximately $437,000. Payments are handled through our annual budget contributions.
Where can I get information about what is going on with the capital campaign, ways to get involved in it and/or with building committee? Watch the bulletin, church newsletters, postings in the church, emails and, obviously, check the Joy website. Or, please contact any Capital Campaign Committee member or Joy council member to get involved!
When will construction begin? Plans on display in the narthex are a starting point and not an end point. Architect plans complete and voted on by congregation. Construction would begin based on several factors: 1. funds raised, 2. building committee recommendations, 3. permits, and 4. weather. Remember, the congregation will have to vote on final plans before construction could begin. Timeline might also be adjusted based on the rate pledge money comes in.
Who is our architect? Initial architect was Randy Sliger for the “concept” now in the narthex. Final project architect will be determined by church council and consultation with ELCA Mission Investment.
Who is on the Building Committee? There is no Building Committee yet. One will be appointed, according to our by-laws, as soon as leadership feels it appropriate. Names of those on the building committee will be available and posted once the decision is made.
What is the stewardship consultant's role in the campaign? Rev. Mike Allen from Cargill Associates, Inc., is our consultant. His role is to provide guidance in establishing timelines, forming teams, providing ideas, templates and activities for our use, training for leaders and supervision of the campaign.
Why do we need to renovate/add on? Core values and observations show. We have to address the community around us which is predominantly families with school age children. Visibility in the community and addressing those needs & interests is a priority. Basically, we need to show we moving forward and “good things” are happening at Joy.
How many new classrooms will be added? Up to six, eight? Whatever. This question deserves a simple answer – then add the explanation about flexibility. Initial concept plans call for flexible space that could be used for classrooms as well has fill other needs during the week such as a comfortable places where grieving families can gather, meetings could be held, technology utilized, small group Bible study or Pastoral consultation.
How will the additional fellowship enhance our ministry? Initial concepts include a fellowship area open to our side yard outside, space to comfortably fit our congregation for events, offer multiple group use opportunities as well as fellowship and kitchen preparation space for such events as wedding & other special receptions, larger special events and conference/training meetings. Requests from outside groups consistently can’t be met in our current facility.
What about parking lot? Current plans are to address safety at the entrance, drainage issues in the parking lot and provide a covered area for drop off at the door.
What about missions? Our goal is to expand so we can provide services on site as needed now and as requests for additional opportunities to expand our mission arise. Building use is limited for groups because of the size of available space. It is difficult to accommodate large groups and/ several small groups at the same time.
What about children and youth? Currently there isn’t a large space for children and youth to sing and move without interrupting other educational and fellowship opportunities on Sunday.
I can’t remember the details of the church building plans. What would this include? Is there somewhere that I can see the new plans? Current concept plans for additions are on display in the narthex area. Final plans will be available in the narthex and as electronic images on church website.
What about accessibility? We will build in accordance with state and federal building guidelines. Be assured we want all to feel welcome. Our building will reflect that.
When is my commitment to be made? Commitment cards will be collected on November 20, 2011. Early commitments are welcome, but we want this to be a thoughtful and prayerful decision. New members will be offered the opportunity to join in pledging/giving over the next three years. The annual Stewardship pledges which make up the yearly budget and the Capital Campaign pledges will be received on TWO separate pledge cards. Annual Stewardship pledges are for one year (2012). The Capital Campaign pledges are for three years (January, 2012 through December, 2014).
When will we know the total pledge amounts? Early 2012.
Who will receive pledge cards? All Joy members, active and inactive, as well as former members of the church asked to prayerfully consider supporting this opportunity.
Can I give toward my commitment once a week, once a month, or once a year? You determine when to give and how often toward your pledge. Pay incrementally, annually, or all at one time.
Can I give something other than cash? Yes. A pamphlet called “Giving to Make a Difference” will offer suggestions.
What is an average gift? What should a capital campaign gift be? A pledge toward or not toward this campaign should consider things such as the following before making a decision:
Does this investment in this campaign a make a difference to me, to those in my church community and outside in the community? Does this gift change me and/or my commitment level? Does it provide opportunity in supporting the mission, core values and ministry of Joy Lutheran Church? Was this a prayerful decision seeking God’s guidance? 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 commitment to stewardship of the gifts God has given me?
Are the Capital Campaign pledges part of the regular church Budget? NO! The church budget funds the annual budget. You will receive TWO separate pledge cards for the Capital Campaign and the Annual Budget Emphasis. Giving to “A Step in Faith” Capital Campaign is “over and above” the regular church budget support. These are extra funds dedicated specifically to the building additional space. It is truly a gift that is over and beyond!
Can my commitment/pledge change? Yes. A pledge is not a legal contract. If your circumstances change significantly, then your commitment pledge should also change. Simply notify the church office of any necessary adjustments. Good surprises happen at least as often as difficult surprises.
What is the purpose of pledging? Planning! The church will need to commit itself to building plans. The church cannot make thoughtful, wise decisions without thoughtful, intentional pledges from the congregation. The pledges that come in will tell us how well we are doing in reaching our target goal, and assist in determining whether we need to build in phases. Joy’s capital campaign to build our current structure went through much the same process and 3 year commitment phase. As new members are received they will be invited to participate in this pledge.
When do we make our Pledge? Pledges are made on “Commitment Sunday,” November 20th, during the worship service. Early pledges are welcome too! After pledges are made, there will be a two-week follow-up to those who did not pledge on Commitment Sunday.
Is there anything that I can do, besides pledging, to help the campaign? Yes! Please Pray! That is not said frivolously. We have a Spiritual Life Team that is committed to praying daily for the success of the campaign. As part of our campaign they have written a prayer to share with the congregation to pray for each other. In so doing, you are praying also for the community around you, that our work in this process will help us grown is meeting the mission and core values having to do with outreach! There are many “one time” tasks that will need hands willing to do the work in the next few months, from helping our children in a project, making or purchasing food, typing to making a few phone calls. Offer to do one or more on one of the capital campaign teams!
What if I am unable to make a large gift at this time? The foundation for the “A Step in Faith” campaign is making a prayerful commitment. We want everyone to continue to pray for guidance in their level of commitment even after the pledges are received. There is no minimum gift and there is no maximum gift!
What about the immediate repairs we need? The finance committee is working on addressing these in an area of the annual budget.
What if we do not get all the money needed for our goal? We cannot make a decision about what to build until we have a real picture of what financial resources are available. Once we know what the pledges are and see the commitment in those pledges plans could adjust into phases that would need to be voted on by congregation. Projecting a definite plan is speculation until we know what resources we have. The current decision is what resources we can provide over the next three years.
Where will the rest of the funds come from? It will be determined by the congregation. Additional capital campaigns are up to the congregation to decide, if building additions are done in phases.