Q
What is the “Share Today, Bless Forever” Campaign?
To change the continued growth of our church with its many ministries and to be able to make some needed repairs and improvements listed below, we need to pay down our debt on the Ministry Center. To accomplish this, we are entering a three year capital campaign which we have chosen to name “Share Today, Bless Forever”. Funds donated to this campaign will be over and above that given to the annual budget. Your “Share Today, Bless Forever” pledge will be made as a total amount to be given over the course of the next three years – 2008 through 2010. For example, if you pledge $3,600, you would give $1,200 a year for each of the three years, or $100 each month for the 36 month period.
Q Why did we choose " Share Today, Bless Forever?"
Deuteronomy 15:10 says, “Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” Prior to the building of the Ministry Center, our church had grown to the point that lack of space was severely limiting our ability to minister to our congregation and to reach out to the community. The completion of this facility has changed the life of our church. New and modern office space, the addition of the contemporary service and new Sunday School rooms were much needed. The whole congregation can now come together for meals and fellowship. Our children and youth no longer have to go to other churches for sport programs. Additionally, our youth now have a space appropriate for large group events, Discovery and other activities. Since the Ministry Center was built, our church has been able to reach many more people in our community and help them become disciples for Christ. This campaign is not just about raising money to pay down the mortgage for the Ministry Center. It’s about continuing to be a blessing to our community by reaching more people for Christ – now and forever.
Q
How about General Budget giving?
The building fund is separate from the general budget. There has been some confusion over giving to the general budget and the building fund, believing that the building fund was a part of the general budget. Only those gifts designated to the building fund are placed there. Any undesignated gift is placed in the general budget. It is important that we continue to support the general budget while making additional contributions to the building fund. This may require sacrificial giving, but we need to remember that many have sacrificed in the past so that we can enjoy the facilities and programs we have today and that what we give today will have an impact both now and in the future.
Q
When will these pledges be made?
Pledges will be made on Commitment Sunday, March 2.
Q
Who decided to do this campaign and what is its goal?
Last year, the Finance Committee began considering a capital campaign to fund the mortgage payments, reduce the principal of the mortgage, and achieve a few capital projects which the church really needs. The goals for the campaign are:
I. Our church needs to have confidence that we can meet the mortgage payments each month. Confidence in our future is afactor in church growth.
II . Expanding the choir loft and renovating the chancel area of the church will also be part of this campaign. Right now there’s simply not enough room for our choir, instrumental ensemble, piano and organ.
III. The church would like to pay significantly on the principal of the mortgage, which would avoid incurring considerable interest in the future. This would allow us to strengthen the needed ministries of the church more quickly.
IV. Finally, there are several other projects which need to be accomplished for us to continue growing and to better fulfill our ministries. Adding playgrounds, securing property near the church as it becomes available, purchasing a new bus or van, painting and general ‘fix-ups’ would enhance our grounds and physical structure.
Q Who is our consultant?
Dr. Bill Crosby with Stewardship Resources has been assigned to us to help us in our campaign.
Q
Why do we need a consultant?
The Finance Committee recommended, and the Administrative Council approved Stewardship Resources to lead us in our capital campaign. This group is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama and is a ministry of the United Methodist Foundation of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church. Dr. Bill Crosby, a very experienced associate in this company, has been assigned to us. He is a former pastor and great teacher of stewardship. We felt that Stewardship Resources and Dr. Crosby would be able to lead us and help us learn about stewardship, ultimately making this campaign a spiritual effort. Stewardship Resources has worked with many churches in our district including Wesley Memorial in Decatur, Alabama. Stewardship Resources mission statement reads: Partnering with churches and institutions to convert earthly riches into Kingdom resources for greater ministry.
Q
What is our current payment on our total indebtedness?
We currently owe $1,976,000. The monthly mortgage payment is $17,038.
Q
What Facility Needs are included in this plan for the future, after the first priority of renovating the chancel?
The following projects would be done on a prioritized basis as funds become available, based on year-to-year decisions of the Finance Committee, Trustees and Administrative Council.
I. Purchase property as it becomes available surrounding the church.
II. Tear down the duplex on the southeast corner of the property and extend the back parking lot to Sloss Street.
III. Construct a larger playground for the children on the courtyard between the buildings.
IV. Spruce up the oldest portion of the church with painting and general updates.
V. Purchase or build four portable prayer/kneeling rails for the ministry center.
VI. Acquire new and updated transportation.
VII. Purchase or build a storage building for the Good Samaritan Ministry at Faith House
Q How much will all this cost?
Our first two priorities are to be able to meet our financial obligations for our building loan and to renovate the chancel area of the church. If $710,000 is pledged, we will be able to do this. We believe that if $1,700,000 is pledged, we would be able to do the other projects listed above.
Q
Does this mean that if we raise the $1,700,000 total that all this will happen?
We believe that if $1,700,000 is pledged, we would be able to accomplish most, if not all, of our objectives including reducing the mortgage.
Q
What happens if we don’t raise enough money to do everything?
The first two priorities are to meet our financial obligations for our building loan and renovate the chancel area. Following those two items, the other needs will be evaluated and prioritized according to need and importance.
Q
How can I be part of “Share Today, Bless Forever” for Hartselle First United Methodist Church?
The entire church family is counting on you to become involved in this campaign by prayerfully receiving the stewardship challenge the campaign presents to you and your family. Ask God to work in your life as you consider your separate pledges to both the annual budget and the 3-year capital funds effort. How will God have you adjust your financial giving to support the ministries of First United Methodist Church in Hartselle? This is much more than reducing our mortgage and addressing facility needs. It’s ultimately about the future of our church and the work that we’ll do on behalf of Christ. This is an opportunity to cheerfully enter into the future of what Jesus Christ has for us to do through First United Methodist Church in Hartselle.
Q
Can I give toward my commitment once a week, once a month, or once a year?
You may choose to fulfill your commitment on any timetable best suiting your needs over the next three years. However, regular payments are helpful in paying monthly bills.
Q Can I give in ways other than cash?
Yes, there are many ways to give substantially to the program – stocks and bonds, real estate, antiques, works of art, jewelry, endowment options – all are possibilities. Of course, all contributions are charitable donations and tax deductible. Please call the Financial Secretary at the church office (773-6952) if you have questions.