General Campaign Information
Q: What does it mean to have one campaign with two appeals?
For the best use of our time and church resources, we are conducting an annual stewardship campaign concurrently with a capital appeal. The annual campaign is a yearly request for church members to make a commitment of time, talent and treasure to support the work and ministries of the church for the coming fiscal year. The capital appeal is an effort to raise money over three years to pay the projects referenced on page 2. This is an extra sacrifice asked of members, in addition to the annual stewardship commitment. It is critical that the capital campaign does not negatively impact the annual appeal because the annual stewardship drive funds church ministries and programs.
Q: When will we be asked to make a commitment to the two campaigns?
June 12 is Commitment Sunday. We ask that members bring their commitment cards, which will be mailed in a few weeks, with them to services or mail the cards to the church offices.
Q: What can we expect from the campaign leading up to Commitment Sunday, June 12?
We know making a commitment to the two appeals will be a sacrifice for our members. We are encouraging members to begin praying now, asking God to guide you in your decision. The different campaign teams will be assisting you with your decision by providing newsletters, speakers, informational events and opportunities to pray individually and collectively. Campaign leaders want the congregation to make this a spiritual journey by reflecting on what it means to be good stewards of God’s gifts, knowing that these gifts are to be used to build God’s realm on earth. You are asked to do your part:
Start praying now.
Volunteer on one of the teams.
Read the newsletters.
Speak with fellow church members.
Attend the informational events.
Complete and turn in your commitment card on Commitment Sunday.
Q: How can we involve our children in the Campaign?
Our CYF (grades 9-12) and Chi Rho (grades 6-8) youth groups jointly made a commitment to raise $3,000 for the campaign over the next three years. Children in grades kindergarten through fifth have created artwork that the campaign committees are considering using as the campaign moves forward. You are encouraged to talk with your children about your personal plans to make commitments to the church, for both the capital appeal and the annual appeal.
Q: What kinds of assets can be donated to the church instead of a cash contribution?
Assets could include investment property, stocks, mutual fund shares, bonds, real estate, rental property, and collectibles. Personal property that has maintained its value such as automobiles, boats and jewelry may also be considered. If you have a question about contributing assets, contact the church office.
Q: How can the Pension Protection Act affect my gift?
2011 is a great year for those 70 ½ and older to donate funds from their pensions or IRAs to their church. You can send your required minimum distribution for the year directly to the church, which means you don’t have to show it as income. The gift must be completed before Dec. 31, 2011. If you are interested in more information about this option, please contact the church office.
Q: Do I really need to turn in a commitment card? Can’t I just contribute to the appeals without making a commitment?
It is very important that members make a formal commitment by turning in a commitment card. If you are unsure about what you will be able to contribute to the appeals, please pledge an amount that you are confident to fulfill. The amount can always be increased.
Q: What happens if I can’t fulfill my commitment or want to change it?
We understand members’ situations change. If, during the commitment period, you find that you need to adjust your commitment, you may do so at any time by calling the church office.
Q: How will donors be recognized for their sacrifices?
Everyone who participates on the campaign is greatly appreciated. Everyone who makes a commitment to one or both appeals will be recognized on a giving tree displayed in the parlor. When members fulfill their commitment to the capital appeal, their names will be inscribed in a donor book which will be displayed in the parlor for at least the duration of the three-year capital appeal.
Q: How do I make a financial commitment to both the Annual Appeal and the Capital Appeal?
At the end of May, every household will be mailed a commitment packet. Inside the packet will be a commitment card that will allow you to make separate commitments to the two appeals.
Q: Can we make out one check for the Annual Appeal and the Capital Appeal?
Yes.
Q: Can my donation be anonymous, and are my contributions to the two appeals tax deductible?
Yes to both questions.
Q: Will the money raised in the capital appeal of the campaign be kept separate from the regular operating budget for the church?
Yes.
The Annual Appeal
Q: What is an annual appeal?
The annual appeal is a yearly request for church members to make a commitment of time, talent and treasure to support the work and ministries of the church for the coming fiscal year (July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012). We need volunteers to share their time and talent with the church in many different ways. It could be assisting with children’s ministries, leading a Bible study or Sunday school class, or working on one of our many outreach efforts. We will also be asking members to make a one-year commitment of treasure to support the regular annual operating budget of the church.
Q: How much are we being asked to commit for the one-year Annual Appeal?
Giving to Country Club Christian Church is an opportunity to share the gifts we have received from God with others. The amount each person or family is able to give is, of course, a personal decision. In making that decision, please consider that we estimate that next year’s annual operating budget will increase by 3 percent over the current budget. In order to meet that budget, we ask that members prayerfully consider increasing their annual commitment by at least 3 percent. As you know, the programs we can offer, the outreach we can provide and the impact our congregation can have on its members and others is directly affected by the funds we have available for those purposes. Whatever the size of your commitment, your generous gift is important and appreciated.
The Capital Appeal
Q: What is a capital campaign?
The capital campaign is a three-year effort to raise money to pay for a number of building upgrades and possible programs. This is an extra sacrifice asked of members and is in addition to the annual stewardship commitment. It is critical that the capital campaign does not negatively impact the annual appeal since the annual stewardship drive funds the critical church ministries and programs.
Q: Why conduct a campaign at this time?
A construction engineer completed a study of the exterior of our building, identifying repairs that must be done to ensure the safety and the continued viability of the building. To delay these repairs would create a potential safety problem. Both the sanctuary organ and the window coverings have aged and are in critical need of repairs.
Q: What are the projects in the Capital Campaign?
The projects involve exterior restoration and painting, repairing the roof above the solarium and repairing the water line under the street. Major repair and upgrade of the sanctuary organ will also be completed. Interior projects under consideration are replacing flooring, repairing restrooms, and modernizing the chapel bride and groom’s rooms. Consideration will be given to using “green” materials to make the building more energy efficient. Should the campaign exceed its financial goals, the church would also be able to update its educational and spiritual growth spaces through improved technology and remodeled community rooms.
Q: What happens if we do nothing to the exterior now?
Eighteen months ago, we did a temporary fix to the exterior to keep the rocks from falling on members’ heads. The temporary fix is good for two years. We need to make a more permanent fix to our exterior within the next two years and therefore need to start raising the money now.
Q: Do we have to replace the window coverings now?
The current coverings were installed in 1984 and had a life expectancy of 20 years. The coverings have become very brittle and discolored. They do not have a system of vents which allows moisture to escape which, over time, compromises the lead in the windows. The new coverings will have a life expectancy of 40 years and will include a venting system. The actual stained glass windows, which are estimated to be valued at $2 million dollars, will also be examined and, where necessary, repaired.
Q: Who will make the final decision on the projects we include in the plan and the financing?
Our elected members of the Congregational Board will have the final say on which projects will be included in the final plan. The board will keep the congregation informed throughout the process and when we know how much is raised in the capital campaign, the board will outline a plan and present it to the membership.
Q: How is the board determining which projects will be included in the final plan?
A Project Review Committee, which was created by the board, is currently working to evaluate each of the projects, clarify their scope and assess their costs. Based upon the information gathered by the Project Review Committee and the information in the feasibility study, the board will determine the projects to address at their April board meeting.
Q: What happened to all the other projects that were included on the original list of projects?
The Board understands that keeping our facilities up to date and meeting our members’ ever-changing needs is not just a one-time event. We must regularly assess our facility needs and develop a long-range plan. The projects that did not make the current list will become part of our long-range plan to be reconsidered at a later date. If we are able to raise more than the $3.3 million goal, we will address additional projects.
Q: What are the projects in the long-range plan to be addressed in the future?
1. Social Hall expansion and renovation, including installing video projection equipment – $231,500
2. Making the entire building wireless internet accessible – $28,000
3. Adding television screens in 20 classrooms – $100,000
4. Installing a hidden screen and projector in the Sanctuary – $83,000
5. Expanding the Parlor and adding classrooms and small group spaces by moving The Well Book and Gift store and rearranging first floor office spaces – $401,700
Q: What is included in the kitchen update?
The current plan includes replacing the dishwasher and freezer ($10,000) and repairing the flooring around the icemaker and back hallway ($2,500).
Q: Which restrooms will be updated?
Some of our current restrooms have original fixtures and many have not been updated for decades. Third floor restrooms, which are used by many visitors, will be completely gutted and updated. The other restrooms will receive partial remodel where needed, such as new paint, countertops, tile, fixtures, and will be industrially cleaned. Total estimated cost is $83,500.
Q: What is included in updating the brides’ and grooms’ rooms?
The church conducts approximately 25 weddings and 25 funerals a year in the chapel. The updates include new paint, added and improved lighting, replacing the carpet and furnishings. Total estimated cost is $20,000.
Q: How will we pay for the projects in our capital plan?
Most projects will be done on a pay-as-we-go basis as the funds from the capital appeal are collected. This may not be possible, however, for all our projects. Country Club Christian Church plans to open a line of credit with a local bank to be used as necessary. In particular, projects, the cost of which may significantly increase if delayed, may be funded this way.
Q: How will the projects be prioritized?
The Congregational Board has the overall responsibility to prioritize the approved projects, and it will seek guidance from the Practical Services Council. Our goal is to address the most critical needs immediately, such as the restoration of the stone and mortar on our church buildings.
Q: How much are we being asked to commit for the three-year capital appeal?
All members are being asked to contribute to the capital appeal. We ask each household to prayerfully consider committing at least 5 percent of its gross annual household income for each of the three years of the capital appeal.
For those on fixed incomes with assets, we ask that you prayerfully consider committing 5 percent of your assets either in a lump-sum gift or spreading it over the three years of the capital appeal.
Q: What is the advantage of fulfilling my commitment to the three-year capital appeal in the first year?
By doing so, we will be able to address our more serious problems more quickly and avoid paying interest on loans.
Hands-On Outreach Project
Q: Why was a provision to set aside 10 percent of the money raised in the capital campaign for a hands-on outreach project included in the project list?
The Church Visioning Committee, after three years of study, discussion and prayer, made several recommendations to ensure the church’s vitality and relevance as we move forward in mission. One of the top two recommendations was for Country Club Christian Church to focus our efforts on a major service project, a project that would touch our lives and lives of others in meaningful ways, a project that would develop relationships through small groups working for a common purpose, and a project that would allow us, in a concrete way, to express the universal love of God. In addition, of those who completed the feasibility study, 62 percent responded positively to setting aside 10 percent of the campaign for an outreach effort. Currently, a committee of the board and other church members has volunteered to help us identify such a project(s). The committee serves under the leadership of Esther Giffin.
General Church Finance Information
Q: Is this a good time to conduct a financial campaign?
The feasibility study indicated that the congregation is ready to raise the money for essential projects, and the church’s financial health has improved in recent years. See related article in the Country Club Christian newsletter.
Q: What is being done to increase the endowment funds?
Upon the conclusion of the solicitation phase of this campaign, we will initiate a more intentional planned giving effort with the endowment fund as its focus.
Q: Will Country Club Christian Church be conducting a planned giving program in the near future?
On the recent campaign feasibility survey, 54% of participants said they may consider contributing to Country Club Christian Church through planned giving in the future. We are currently creating a committee of members to lead our planned giving effort. Phil Love has agreed to lead the committee. The goal of this committee is to build our church endowment through members’ generous planned giving gifts. If you have a special interest or expertise in this area and would like to help, contact Phil Love at 816-587-3988.
