In June of 2005 the congregation approved a project to move forward on a capital campaign for the purpose of building a new south parking lot, expanding, renovating and repairing our current church facility. The James Company was hired to manage the Building Fund Appeal and it was agreed to hold the building fund campaign along with the annual stewardship appeal. A leadership team of 18 members was recruited and a theme of "Embracing Our Past… Building Our Future" was chosen. The goal was to raise $2,000,000 with 905 commitment cards and letters sent out.
Following The James Company program, several events occurred to educate and motivate the congregation through a prayerful and enthusiastic campaign. Two gathering events, one a luncheon and one an ice cream social allowed for viewing of the proposed plans of the project, a question and answer period, fun and fellowship. An emphasis on spiritual guidance and prayer for the project, a main stay of The James Company program, was encouraged by a prayer tree, weekly prayer time in the chapel and weekly written “Reflections” from congregational members. Communication with a theme of “brick by brick” encouraged the congregation to think of the project in varying ways. This came in the form of weekly articles in the bulletin, a brick road of thoughts and prayers from the Sunday School, a lively song at the gathering events and a news report skit performed at worship involving some children from the Sunday School.
As of the writing of this report, the Building Fund tallied 247 commitment cards returned with a total pledged of $1,819,021 for the 3 year commitment period. Initial gifts received in cash totaled $489,000.
Additionally the 2006 Annual Stewardship Appeal tallied 265 commitment cards returned with a total pledged of $606,322 for the next operating year. This represents a pledge of approximately 5% above comparable gifts from last year.
In all, this was a very successful and forward moving campaign with an enthusiastic following of the congregation. It is not an end but a beginning to a future of committed growth for our congregation.
The Simply Giving program allows you to have your regular donation deducted directly from your
checking account. Click here for more information.
The stewardship campaign collects pledges for the regular offering throughout the year. These gifts are put toward the general fund and support the church budget. Other ways to donate include