Spokane First
Nazarene Capital Campaign
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it
springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland. I will pour out my Spirit on your
offspring , and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up
like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams."
ISAIAH 43:19 & 44:3B-4
Why a capital stewardship campaign?
How will the money be spent?
Our challenge is to eliminate a $625,000 debt
and improve and expand our traffic flow and “meet & greet” areas outside the
sanctuary. To accomplish these important goals we need a million dollars -
above our normal tithes and offerings and mission giving - a significant
amount of money that will take prayer, sacrifice and commitment from all of
us.
Why do we need to do this now?
Eliminating the $625,000 debt will free up $55,000
per year for ministries to children, teens, adults, seniors and singles.
Currently our debt service on our mortgage is $4590.16 per month or $55,081.92
per year. When our mortgage debt is eliminated we will be able to use that money
for ministry and outreach! Our dollars available for ministry have shrunk each
year for the past 5 years because of rising costs (utilities, gas, maintenance,
etc.) Eliminating the mortgage debt will free up significant money for
ministries!
We also face significant traffic flow and congestion problems in the areas
outside our sanctuary. As 1st Church grows and reaches new people this problem
will only increase. As people come and go from the sanctuary, the Holy Grounds
Café, the Fireside Room and the front entrance and hallways it often results in
an impassable bottle-neck that brings foot traffic to an uncomfortable halt.
This is especially difficult for small children, the elderly, people in
wheelchairs and guests and visitors. It has become and significant safety
concern! We need to put our best foot forward by creating more expansive traffic
flow areas and “meet & greet” fellowship space. . We want to provide a spacious
“welcome place”, so our guests will experience the love and community of God’s
people through 1st Church.
How will the funds be raised?
How will the commitments be made?
The funds will be raised through the commitment
pledges (above tithes and offerings and missions giving) of members and
attendees of 1st Church through the “Embracing a Brighter Tomorrow” capital
stewardship campaign, March 5 to May 21. This 3 month period will be filled with
a great deal of prayer, worship, teaching and information meetings.
Commitments will be made for a three-year period, either by giving weekly,
monthly or annually. Commitment cards will be completed at the Leadership
Commitment Event on May 13 and/or Celebration Sunday, May 21. Most commitments
will be made through cash gifts - but stocks, securities, real estate, jewelry
or personal property (such as cars, boats, RV’s, etc.) may also be an avenue
through which you give. Each of us can give far more than we think by giving
over a three-year period. However, your total pledge may be given in less than 3
years.
Not Equal Gifts but Equal
Sacrifice
Though united in our commitment to becoming a
loving, Christ-centered community, we at 1st Church are a diverse congregation,
differing greatly in time, talents and financial resources - and, in the ways we
support this capital campaign. Even though the size of our gifts and level of
involvement will vary, God is calling each of us to give
faithfully...sacrificially, according to our means. The first and most important
thing you can do is, through prayer, seek God’s will and ask Him to guide your
sacrificial giving. Praise Him for all He’s done...in your life and in the life
of our church, and begin to “embrace a brighter tomorrow” by stepping out in
faith!
To Envision the Future, Remember
the Vision
Our 1st Church Vision Statement is as clear as it
is simple: “To be a loving, Christ-centered community joyfully embracing a
brighter tomorrow.” Great days ahead!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do we need?
We need a million dollars (above regular tithes and offerings and
missions giving) to: 1) retire our existing $625,000 mortgage debt and 2)
improve traffic flow and “meet & greet” areas outside our sanctuary by
expanding our entrance and foyer.
What difference will it make?
By retiring the $625,000 debt we will free up $55,000 a year for ministries
to children, teens, adults, singles, seniors, etc. Our dollars for ministry
and outreach have shrunk from $70,000 to $36,000 over the past five years.
By paying off the mortgage debt we will more than double the dollars
available for ministry and outreach.
Why do we need it now?
There are significant safety issues in our present traffic flow areas
outside the sanctuary. We must address the congestion and create better
traffic flow and “meet & greet” fellowship areas by expanding and enlarging
our entrance and foyer.
When will the campaign be completed?
The campaign will be completed within three years of our Celebration Event
on May 21. We hope to raise $1,000,000 before May, 2009.
What about my “Faith Promise” missions giving?
We still need you to continue to give faithfully and generously to missions
through “Faith Promise.” 1st Church gives over $100,000 annually to missions
and we must continue to support our Nazarene missionaries around the world.
The “Embracing a Brighter Tomorrow” capital stewardship campaign is over and
above our tithes and missionary giving.
How will the funds be raised?
The funds will be raised through the commitment pledges (above tithes and
offerings and missions giving) of members and attendees of 1st Church
through the “Embracing a Brighter Tomorrow” capital stewardship campaign -
March 5 to May 21.
How will the commitments be made?
Commitments will be made for a three-year period, either by giving weekly,
monthly or annually. Commitment cards will be completed at the Leadership
Commitment Event on May 13 and/or Celebration Sunday, May 21. Most
commitments will be made through cash gifts, but stocks, securities, real
estate, jewelry or personal property (cars, boats, RV’s, etc.) will also be
welcome.
Will I have a chance to ask questions prior to making my
commitment to the “Embracing a Brighter Tomorrow” campaign?
Yes, there will be Personal Communication Gatherings scheduled during April
and May for the purpose of clarifying the goals of the campaign and to
answer any questions relating to the campaign.
Will new members be asked to help fund the project?
Yes. New members will be contacted by the Follow-Up Team and
given the opportunity to make a commitment to the campaign.
What about my “Building Fund” giving?
That should now become part of your capital stewardship campaign pledge. We
would encourage you to increase that amount significantly and include it in
your campaign pledge.
"Embracing a Brighter
Tomorrow"
Currently pledges of $1,055,000
have been made to the Capital Campaign!
Over $551,787 has
been received!
