Growing in Faith Capital
Campaign FAQ
Why are we doing this project?
In recent years we have seen a steady growth in the community and at our church requiring significantly expansion in our ministries and increased staff to assist our ministry teams. More people of all ages are involved in fellowship and discipleship. The impact of this growth is sometimes obvious – crowding in classrooms, the hurried change over of the sanctuary between crowded worship services, insufficient parking, a lack of office space for staff, or limited availability of rooms. Simply stated, we need more room, and more flexible spaces to continue effective ministry to our congregation, the community around us and to the world.
What will it cost?
The estimate presented at the September 11, 2008 Charge Conference was $8,686,400. This estimate will give us what we will likely need to complete our project. The breakdown is shown below.
New Construction – Family Life Center (32,000 sq. ft.) |
$7,400,000 |
Professional Fees (Architecture and Engineering) |
$414,400 |
SUBTOTAL BUILDING COST |
$7,814,400 |
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment |
$650,000 |
PROJECT COST ESTIMATE |
$8,464,400 |
Estimated Contingency Allowance |
$222,000 |
TOTAL TURNKEY ESTIMATE |
$8,686,400 |
The Building Committee has met regularly with the architects and design team to finalize the construction documents in order to assess final project costs as they were instructed to do with the membership’s approval at the September 11, 2008 Charge Conference. Our hope is to be ready to present in September 2009 the detailed plans, financial information and approve the project. In preparation for this meeting town hall meetings will be held in August to answer any questions before the September meeting date is set.
How much in pledges and pledge payments have been received to date?
We have received $1,108,131 in pledges and we want to receive at least $2,000,000 of the $5,582,300 pledged on the project before construction begins. The finance committee is reviewing the finance package on the project that has been approved by our lender.
How long does the Growing in Faith campaign last?
The over-and-above financial commitment for our building projects will be spread out over three years.
What is expected of me?
Join us on the journey! You are this church and there is a gift that only you can give. Look for God to direct each step of faith you take. Ask not what you should do but listen for what God would do through you - through God’s grace and your faith. What would happen if every member of our church were to seek God’s will by asking "Lord, what do You want to do through me?" What new insights would we find? How many lives would be changed? Make this a journey of faith. Instead of simply making a donation decision make a faith commitment that represents your sense of calling. Instead of simply sharing some resources let your stewardship become a way of sharing your faith. Begin your journey now. Learn more about our church’s mission and ministries. Ask questions. Get informed. Take enough time for prayer.
Why are we being asked to consider a three-year pledge?
By making pledges over three years, donors can adjust their payment schedules to suit their personal circumstances. The pledges will allow us to complete the project in a timely manner without burdening the parish with an unmanageable debt.
Is my pledge in place of my weekly offering or in addition to it?
Pledges to the campaign should be viewed as being above and beyond the weekly offering, which supports the day-to-day operations of Trietsch. The capital campaign is a special way to meet the needs that cannot be met through the weekly offering.
Who will be asked to give to the campaign?
We hope and expect that every family and friend of the church will give. This is our church and our project. We understand that not everyone is as financially fortunate as others. Every gift, no matter how small, is both appreciated and needed. We want everyone to be able to experience and feel a part of the joy of seeing a new Family Life Center and the lives that will be changed because of it.
What should a capital campaign gift be?
"Not equal gift, but equal sacrifice" is the theme that describes our understanding of stewardship. The phrase restates the biblical principle of proportionate giving. Not everyone has the resources to make a million dollar gift, but every person can make a prayerful, sacrificial gift. We encourage an equal sense of commitment and sacrifice throughout our congregation with each person prayerfully determining his or her own gift.
When do I start paying for my pledge and will I receive reminders?
We would like to have at least $2,000,000 in the bank from pledges before we break ground on the Family Life Center. The original pledge payments began in June 2008. Any new pledges can begin anytime.
Can I make one large gift instead of giving over three years?
Absolutely! There are several ways in which to give. You may feel led to pay the entire pledge amount up front, or break it into monthly or weekly giving. In the Growing in Faith campaign brochure, there is a giving chart to give you a better picture of ways that you can give and how your giving quickly adds up.
Will new members and attendees be asked to help fund the project during the three year campaign?
Yes. They will be contacted by the Follow-Up Team and given the opportunity to make a commitment to the project. Pledge cards will be available throughout the project.
May I give stock, real estate, insurance, or other gifts in addition to cash?
Absolutely! You are encouraged to think of assets in addition to cash. For some people, this is the best way to give. Giving stocks, property, or other appreciated assets as a charitable donation is beneficial to you and the church.
How can I achieve sacrificial giving?
Often by looking within, we are able to rearrange personal priorities to enable us to be led by the Spirit in giving. For example:
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Practice priority budgeting by rearranging personal priorities such as luxury items.
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Redirect expenditures that are no longer needed such as college tuition once a student graduates.
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Increase giving with increased income from salary and bonuses.
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Commit unexpected cash such as tax refunds.
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Sacrifice your time to produce extra income.
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Donate appreciated assets from investments.
What if my financial situation changes or I move out of the area before the end of the three years?
At anytime during the giving phase, your commitment may be increased, decreased, extended or cancelled by notifying the Finance office. If you should move out of the area, we hope you would become involved in another congregation and offer them your support. We will be honored and grateful if you are willing to fulfill your total Growing in Faith commitment, but you are certainly under no obligation to do so. No matter what your circumstances may be, we ask you to support us in your prayers and to remember that you are always welcomed and loved.
Can I change my pledge during the campaign?
Yes of course. The future of any member is uncertain. Some may find themselves in better circumstances and be able to give more while others may face unforseen situations that would cause them to lower their giving. The purpose of Growing in Faith is to give Trietsch an idea of how much we can expect to raise from our congregation. It is better for you to indicate the largest amount rather than the amount you will easily exceed.
Who is a part of the campaign team?
Our Growing in Faith campaign is a big project. We have broken it down into manageable tasks. There are eleven leadership teams from coordinators to prayer to youth and children.
Will all Capital Campaign Committee members have access to the amount of my pledge?
NO! The fundraising campaign is designed so that only Finance knows the amount of your pledge. Over the three-year pledge payment period, you will receive a statement for tax purposes from the Finance office about your payments to the campaign. This is to inform you about the status of fulfilling your commitment. The Follow-up Committee will know only the percentage of completion of your giving and will not be privy to any actual dollar figures.
What is the amount of our current debt?
Our current facility has 109,000 square feet, representing a replacement value of $15,000,000 and as of May 2008, only a remaining debt of $3,000,000.
What about repairs and maintenance to our current facility. Is there money budgeted for that?
The 2009 budget of $3,822,178 provided the funds necessary to keep all ministries and the facility operating. The facility portion of the budget for 2009 was $567,200 with $166,517 of it budgeted for repairs, maintenance and supplies.
How do I pledge?
If you have not already pledged to the Family Life Center and would like to, you can pick up a pledge card in the church office or CLICK HERE to download one or CLICK HERE to donate online anytime.
Is there anything I can do, besides pledging, to help the campaign?
Yes! Please Pray! That is not said frivolously. We have a “Core Prayer Group” that is committed to praying daily for the success of the campaign. As part of our campaign, we have asked each of you to pray for the campaign. Please know and believe in the power of prayer. Pray for the success of the campaign on a daily basis. In so doing, you are praying also for the community around you, that it will be enriched through greater outreach efforts by our church.
What happens next?
The work of the church goes on during the Growing in Faith campaign. The church continues to offer our ministries while taking on additional tasks related to the campaign. It is a busy, challenging, and rewarding time in the life of our church. The Building Committee has met regularly with the architects and design team to finalize the construction documents in order to assess final project costs as they were instructed to do with the membership’s approval at the September 11, 2008 Charge Conference. Our hope is to be ready to present in September 2009 the detailed plans, financial information and approve the project. In preparation for this meeting town hall meetings will be held in August to answer any questions before the September meeting date is set.
Where can I get more information on this campaign?
Who do I call with questions?
Rev. Lyle Benson is the Executive Pastor and is on the Building Committee working on this project. You can reach him at lyleb@tmumc.org or call 972-539-8547.
Now is a crucial time for the next stage of growth for our church. If families continue to give and sacrifice, we will be able to go to the next level in our ministries to change lives and reach the un-churched and to help them become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
It is our belief this facility addresses each point of our Statement of Purpose at Trietsch: Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, and Evangelism and fulfills our mission “To know Christ and to make Christ known.”
Over the last 25 years, we have transformed countless lives by bringing people to Christ through worship, ministries, programs and wonderful people.
The Family Life Center will enhance and give us the capacity to expand ALL OUR MINISTRIES. Imagine expanding our ability to make disciples for Jesus Christ. Imagine reaching children, young adults, families, and retirees as well as our youth. A facility that could accommodate all that activity could be a fantastic tool for building strong Christians with a deep and abiding love for Christ. Imagine…
This capital campaign is a defining moment in the life of our church. Let’s dream together and imagine what God can do through us.
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12 Creative Ways To Give To “Growing in Faith” Without Taking A Second Job
Many people hear a phrase like "Not Equal Giving but Equal Sacrifice" and say, "If they only knew how little money I have," or "I'm giving all I can, I can't give anymore," or "I'm single…going to school…there are too many bills…I can't give much…I'm a single parent…there's no way I can give to the campaign." However, there may be sources of funds that you have overlooked. Each one requires sacrifice, but like King David said, "I will not offer up to the Lord anything that costs me nothing!" Perhaps, you can combine one or more of these creative sources to represent your commitment. Or, come up with some of your own!
- Be a coupon clipper!
Food is probably the largest discretionary expense each month. Taking the time and discipline to do this can save $10-$20 per week. Ten dollars a week for three years is $1,560.
- Skipping a meal a week as a family.
Skipping one meal a week at an average of $20 per family to devote to prayer or fasting is $3,120 over a three-year period.
- Give up a habit.
Easier said than done, but not impossible. For example, an almond latte plus tax each day for three years costs nearly $2,400!
- Commit your income tax refund check to the Lord for the three-year period.
- Commit an estimated raise in salary to the Lord for the next three years.
- Put off a discretionary major purchase and redirect the money to the campaign.
- Adjust your vacations.
For one or more of the years, do something close and inexpensive like day hikes, picnics, or take a three-day vacation instead of a week and save on the airfare and hotel costs. This can save $1,000 to $2,000.
- Make a commitment to drink only water at a restaurant.
One person could save $5 a week or more. That's a minimum of $780 just for drinking water!
- Wait for a movie to come out on video instead of seeing it at the theater.
One trip to the movie theater can cost over $20 with popcorn and candy for two people! If you cut out two movies per month, that's almost $1,500 over the three years.
- Cut down to basic cable instead of regular cable.
Basic cable gets channels 1-13 and is about $12 a month compared to $25+ per month for regular cable. Eliminate premium cable channels.
- Continue a bill payment.
If you will be paying off a car or school loan in the next year, commit to continue to "pay the bill" by redirecting the money to the capital stewardship campaign after the bill is paid off. A $100 payment per month over three years is $3,600.
- A dollar increase per week.
This is a great idea for those who have never given or do not see a way to increase current giving. Start by giving one dollar the first week, then two, then three, etc., praying all along that the Lord would show you a way to add that next dollar and increase each week. If you were to keep this up for three years, you would give $12,000.
These are just a few ideas that can turn a $1,500 commitment to $3,000, or a $3,000 commitment to $5,000, or an $8,000 commitment to $10,000. A little creative thinking and lifestyle adjustments can go a long way toward providing a facility for the next generation – the same way the current generation sacrificed so we could worship together today.
