The debt, and particularly the interest payments on that debt, take money resources away from funding and doing ministries that can help us get to our 2020 Vision. Furthermore, many of ministries in our 2020 Vision require the expansion of our facilities (Worship space, parking space, fellowship space, learning space), and banks would be reluctant to lend us money for expansion until we reduce our debt.

 Some of this debt is left from building our current Sanctuary. Some from building the Spiritual Growth Wing that now houses many life-changing ministries. The rest is from the purchase, over time, of four houses east of the church, our only way to expand our facilities. This debt promotes the Kingdom, but it’s time to go after it. It’s the right thing for the future.

Our level of debt has been known for some time. However, its impact on our current operating budget and our plans for the future have become more evident as the Church Council began to plan for the 2011 Operating Budget.

All funds received for "Vision Ascension", following payment of campaign expenses, will be used to pay down our debt. If we raise $1 million in a capital campaign over 3 years, our interest payments in 2014 will be $45,260, or less than half of what they are today. 

All offerings received on the "Building Fund" line on our regular envelopes will be combined with the "General Fund" line and will be used to make our mortgage payments.

Every dollar given through the Vision Ascension campaign will multiply as it impacts our ministry opportunities. Our need is $2,226,216 million. We could save $1,784,026 in interest if we meet our full need!

Our current (2011) required monthly payment is $9,742, of which $7,791 is interest. If we do not do a capital campaign this year, we would pay $92,930 in interest and $29,620 in principal for 2011. Based on our current repayment schedule, it will take us 34 years to pay off our balance, and we’ll pay $1,952,980 in interest alone. 

A full package of materials containing information about the campaign and a pledge card, will be distributed after each worship service on Vision Weekend, March 6 and 7. Members not attending worship services that weekend will receive their packages in the mail during the week of March 7.

Pledge cards will be turned in on Commitment Sunday, April 10, and pledges will begin to be received shortly thereafter. 

The totals of the pledges received will be reported on Announcement/Celebration Sunday, Easter Sunday, April 24.

You are being asked to make a 3-year commitment.

Special envelopes will be made available so that giving toward Vision Ascension can be properly received and recorded.

No. Participation in the campaign and how much you give is a personal decision. But, we are inviting everyone to make a sacrificial gift over and above their regular giving. 

A pledge is not required. However, a pledge is an expression of commitment toward the ministries of Ascension. Pledges also help the church to understand what kinds of gifts to expect and when to expect them. By making a pledge you allow the church to move forward with a thoughtful, wise financial plan.  

The answer is different for everyone. It’s your decision to consider prayerfully. 

Every gift matters! All pledges and contributions matter, because as we all participate according to our ability, God multiplies our giving. “Stewardship is not about equal gifts, but about equal sacrifice.” 

Allow God to speak to you through prayer. Read Scripture passages that speak about
stewardship and giving, such as 1 Corinthians 16:2, Proverbs 11:25, Proverbs 3:5-9, 2 Corinthians 8:7, Acts 20:35, Luke 6:38, and Psalm 116:12.

 

Yes. You may update your commitment at any time. If your financial circumstances change, simply contact the church to adjust your commitment. 

Contributions can be made by cash or check. Other forms of contributions can include
transferring title to marketable stocks, bonds, real estate, etc. 

No. Participating in the campaign is a personal decision for each of us, and anyone may contribute to God’s work through our church. If you do not make a pledge, contributions will still be welcomed.