Trinity Lutheran Church Mt. Healthy Capital Campaign Frequently Asked Questions Back for more info
We have spent many months in discerning God’s
will for Trinity. We have spent many hours discussing among ourselves — and praying privately alone — what exactly the future of Trinity and its
faith-filled ministries should be. We
have kept Trinity’s fundamental principles in mind and in heart throughout the
process —
our call to grow closer to God, closer to our neighbors and closer to members
of our own Trinity Family.
So many of us have shared
our thoughts and viewpoints.
So many have attended meetings and small groups to look at
all sides of ideas and plans. We have voted at congregational meetings,
made sure our opinions were heard — and then overwhelmingly approved our going
forward to raise funds to build for the future.
Trinity’s confidence and assurance about
taking this bold step into the future most certainly is a result of our
past. We have a rich heritage of bold
and courageous and predecessors — parents, grandparents and even great
grandparents —
who instilled in the generations that followed them that it takes guts and
heart to be a disciple – and to make disciples of others. When the need to grow became evident, they
moved or built or remodeled or added on – until this amazing place we call
Trinity could facilitate their visions for the future.
With a successful Capital Campaign, our
future will include new and renovated spaces that will help facilitate our
ministries, our Christian Education mission and our fellowship with each other
and with newcomers. Our future also will
include accessibility for all to be able to worship with us — and yes, that means an elevator! — but in addition, it also means a new,
no-steps entrance right at the sanctuary level.
Our future will also mean additional parking
closer to the main entrance — and a safer, more secure work environment
for our pastors and staff. Plus
permanent space for Kate’s Cupboard, handicapped-accessible restrooms and other
improvements here at Trinity. As the campaign
cabinet weighed how best to wrap our dreams and hopes and expectations for the
Capital Campaign into a rallying cry and guide for our giving, we considered
all the points above – the example set by the members and ministries of Trinity
in our past —
our faith in the future -- and our call to reach out to all.
So those very values have become our theme — “Celebrating our Past, Building on Faith,
Answering the Call.”
In the weeks to come, there will be lots more
information and further details about our capital campaign. Continue to watch the bulletin and the
Lantern. Log on to Trinity’s web site at http://www.trinitymthealthy.org/2005capcampaign.html.
Watch for posters that plot our progress. And, soon you’ll receive a
comprehensive brochure that is filled with all sorts of facts, figures and
information about our history, our missions, our campaign, our goals and how
you can help. Most importantly, keep our Trinity family and our Trinity
ministries in your prayers.
He
who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. God loves a cheerful giver.
God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance. He will supply and
multiply your resources. You will be enriched. You will glorify God by your
generosity.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-11, 13
If you have any
questions about the campaign, please call any of the campaign chairs or
committee co-chairs that are listed in the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
below (click on the questions to see the responses):
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May I just switch my regular weekly
offering over to the Capital Campaign? |
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Will I be able to direct all or a
portion of my commitment to a specific part of the campaign? |
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Can I pay my commitment by automatic
withdrawals from my checking or savings account? |
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Can I simply put my campaign giving
check in the offering plate on a Sunday? |
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What if I move out of the area during the three-year period? |
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Does a capital campaign focus on
money instead of our stated missions and ministries to people? |
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What happens if we don’t raise enough money for everything in our
plan? |
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What will be the impact of the
additional space on our regular operating budget? |
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Do
you have more questions? There will be “I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION”
cards at church each Sunday beginning June 5th — you may ask your question on
the card and put it in the collection plate.
Or you may email
Bill Cilley (the younger) at cilley@fuse.net or Phyllis Slusher at phyllis.slusher@usbank.com
with your additional questions and they will be answered in future bulletin
inserts or in the next Lantern. These and new questions and answers will also
be posted on this web site. |
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ANSWERS: |
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Q: Who is in
charge of the Capital Campaign? We
strive to make sure that God is in charge of all our plans and actions. The
people of Trinity will ultimately govern the outcome of the Capital Campaign.
However, there are a number of members who have agreed to head up the action
committees of the campaign. The folks below are co-chairs of each committee
and make up the Campaign Cabinet. |
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General
Chairs Matt
Peters Rick
Theders Advance
Gifts Jim
Benedict Dave
Miller Marilyn
Plummer Congregational
Gifts Bill
Schneir Audrey
Senour Jan
Donley |
Outreach
Gifts Sherm Peeno Spiritual
Emphasis Nancy
Tolford Peeno Shawn
Nichols Kick
Off Event Linda
Rocklin Cathy
Schaefer |
Youth Fred
Mabry Pam
Simon Brochure Marilyn
Anderson Communications Bill
Cilley Phyllis
Slusher |
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Each of these committees has five
to fifteen committee members. In addition, Pastor …..return to list of questions |
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Q What exactly is
a Capital Campaign? A capital campaign is a process by which people unite to achieve a common goal and to accomplish something extraordinary. A capital campaign raises money over a period of time via commitments from members and friends for a special mission. Built on God’s leadership and our own faithfulness in giving, we hope our capital campaign will help us accomplish God’s call for Trinity to be disciples, make disciples of others and grow closer to God, each other and our neighbors. …..return to list of questions |
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Q When do I make
my commitment? On
…..return to list of questions |
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Q What happens at
the Kick Off event on June 12? Following
special worship times at Trinity that day – …..return to list of questions |
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Q What if I can’t
make it to the Kick Off event on June 12? You
will miss a lot of fun and fellowship – but never fear,
we will be contacting you shortly after June 12th to find out when we might present you with
the opportunity for making your commitment! …..return to list of questions |
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How
much you should give is strictly a private matter between you and God. There are no “fair share” guidelines. Our
hope is that your commitment to God’s work through Trinity’s missions and
ministries will direct your giving. We are not asking
that you give until it hurts, but that you give until it feels good! …..return to list of questions |
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Q May I just
switch my regular weekly offering over to the Capital Campaign? No,
please, no! A capital campaign asks that you continue to contribute your
level of offering to the regular operating budget, while giving above that
amount to the capital campaign. The operating budget supports the day-to-day
operation of the congregation, and we can’t continue without it! …..return to list of questions |
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Q Can I give
something besides cash? Yes.
For some folks, giving assets instead of (or in addition to) cash may be the
best (and smartest) way to give. Giving appreciated financial assets are
especially beneficial, because the donor avoids capital gains tax on any
appreciated assets given directly to the church, for sale by the church. The
charitable deduction value of a gift of appreciated assets is the asset’s
value at the time of transfer to the church. This gift of appreciated assets
(stocks, bonds, etc.) provides a double benefit to the giver; the giver
avoids taxation on the gain, and the giver gets a tax deduction for the full
value of the assets. Individuals
who wish to donate stocks or bonds to Trinity will do so through Trinity’s
Secured Capital Account with Gradison McDonald
Financial Group. If you think you would benefit from more information on
non-cash giving, there are instruction sheets and Letters of Authorization
available in the church office —
or you may contact Natalie Morton, head of Trinity’s Stewardship Board; or
Mary Jay Rook, Jim Benedict or Dave Miller. …..return to list of questions |
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Q When does the
commitment period begin? Some
folks have already approached the leaders of the campaign and made their
intentions known with a commitment. But for most of us, the three-year giving
period for our campaign begins as soon as we have made final decisions as to
exactly what shape the project will take.
(We have clear goals and ideas now, of course, but final design
details will be worked out once we know more fully what our resources are.)
Trinity is asking for commitments of giving over a three-year period. (That’s
short enough to set a sense of importance and immediacy — and long enough to give folks some
financial flexibility!) …..return to list of questions |
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Q When does the
commitment period end? We
hope to have all commitments in and tallied by the beginning of August 2005. …..return to list of questions |
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Q How will I
indicate my commitment to the capital campaign? A
commitment card will be provided to you when a “congregational gifts” team
visits you (and all the members of Trinity) to walk through the proposed
project. …..return to list of questions |
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Q OK, I know
what I want to give; how do I do it? You
may give your commitment weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, or at one
time. The Campaign Cabinet will
advise us all as to when the funds will begin to be needed, but that will be
sometime after Trinity has made final decisions regarding the project. Many
people structure their commitments with a different amount for each of the
three years; others take the total amount and divide by three. Some pledges
will be all “right now, up-front” — some will be “up-front” amounts followed by additional regular
amounts given over the three-year period — when and how you give is your decision. …..return to list of questions |
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Q Why the
three-year commitment period? By
making commitments over three years, donors can adjust their payment
schedules to suit their personal circumstances. The three-year period is a standard for
churches engaging in successful capital campaigns. …..return to list of questions |
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Q Will
I be able to direct all or a portion of my commitment to a specific part of
the campaign? No.
The capital campaign is intended to be a unified effort, not an itemized one.
Clearly, different people will feel more or less personally engaged in different
aspects of the project, but there will be no specific directed giving. Again, the congregation will be clear as to
what the final project is intended to be before we begin to collect your
commitments. …..return to list of questions |
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Q If
I’m not giving in one lump sum, will Trinity help me keep track of my
commitment and my giving schedule? Each
quarter when Trinity mails out its normal statement of giving, you will be
provided with a confidential update of what you have given to date to the
capital campaign. …..return to list of questions |
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Q Is my
commitment confidential? Absolutely.
It will not be used publicly in any way. Only the leadership of the campaign — Pastor …..return to list of questions |
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Q If necessary,
may I change my commitment? Of course. Should a change in your financial circumstances
force you to reduce (or lead you to increase!) your giving plan, you can
simply inform Joyce Greber, treasurer of the
campaign, to adjust the amount so planning decisions can be made based on the
increase or reduction indicated. …..return to list of questions |
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Q Can
I pay my commitment by automatic withdrawals from my checking or savings
account? Yes,
Trinity has made arrangements for you to make your commitment payments
directly to the Capital Campaign account via direct debit from your checking
or savings account through “Simply Giving,” a secure automated payments
program offered through Thrivent Financial for
Lutherans. “Simply Giving” allows giving from the donor’s checking or savings
account weekly, monthly or semi-monthly. “Simply Giving” enrollment forms are
available in the office. For assistance in completing the enrollment form
correctly to assure your money goes to the capital campaign, contact Natalie
Morton or Mary Jay Rook of the Stewardship Board. …..return to list of questions |
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Q Can
I simply put my campaign giving check in the offering plate on a Sunday? You
may put your gift in the offering plate, but it should be clearly marked on
the “memo” line that it is for the capital campaign, and the initial check
should be accompanied by a commitment card so your intention for the check gift(s)
is very clear. …..return to list of questions |
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Q Who will be
asked to give to the campaign? We
hope and expect that every family and friend of Trinity will give. This is
our church family and home —
and our growth and ministry project. We understand that not everyone is in
identical financial situations. Every gift, no matter how large or small, is
both appreciated and needed. We want everyone to be able to experience and
feel a part of the joy of seeing Trinity’s mission and ministries continue
and expand. …..return to list of questions |
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Q What if I move
out of the area during the three-year period? If
you should move out of the area, we hope you will become involved in another
congregation and offer them your support. We will be honored and grateful if
you are willing to fulfill your total capital campaign commitment, but you
are under no obligation to do so. If you must leave us, we ask you to support
Trinity in your prayers and to remember that you are always welcomed and
loved at Trinity. …..return to list of questions |
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Q What all is
included in the capital campaign project? Below
are the major elements that were identified and approved by the congregation
during the past two years of our planning surveys, cottage meetings and
special congregational meetings. It’s from the costs for these four major
areas that we derived our capital campaign fundraising goal. 1)
Building addition to include a] an elevator to assure accessibility to all
and to help facilitate participation in worship and fellowship by those
unable to do steps; b] a new west-side, covered, sanctuary-level entrance for
enhanced accessibility; c] an enlarged narthex and gathering space near the
new entrance for welcoming guests and enhancing fellowship; d] relocated
offices for staff that will offer increased visibility, accessibility, safety
and communication. 2)
Additional off-street parking spaces adjacent to new entrance in the space
now occupied by Clara’s Corner buildings. 3)
Additional and refurbished Sunday School rooms upstairs in the current office
area to meet the learning needs of our growing number of children and to
carry out our Christian Education mission. 4)
Newly constructed housing units for Clara’s Corner tenants that will provide
clean, up-to-code, safe housing in good repair for women in transition to
better lives — an outreach
ministry to those in need. Other
features included in the total amount include permanent space for Kate’s
Cupboard, handicapped-accessible restrooms, relocated library, and other
smaller things. …..return to list of questions |
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Q Does
a capital campaign focus on money instead of our stated missions and
ministries to people? Money
is just one of the gifts God showers on us, and it is one of the resources He
puts before us to be put to His work.
Building facilities requires money. Our ministries and outreach
require buildings and space. It is our desire to talk about money always and
only in ways that honor God and His call to Trinity. …..return to list of questions |
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Q What happens
if we don’t raise enough money for everything in our plan? Trinity
has a long history of rising to the occasion! We fully anticipate that the
people of Trinity will answer this call. In the event that we receive either
more or less money than projected, the Cabinet will come back to the
congregation for direction on how to proceed. …..return to list of questions |
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Q Assuming
that we’re successful, what is the timeline?
When might
construction begin? When
might it end?
The schedule on
the next page is a
possible scenario of what the timing might be for various parts of the
process, contingent always upon financial availability, timing of
congregational approvals, weather and other factors. August 2005
Determine
amount of commitments and when the dollars are expected to be received. September
Congregational
meeting to determine how to move forward considering the amount pledged, when
it can be received, and any other important issues. September/October
Re-start the architectural
planning process to finalize design details. January 2006 Congregation to approve final
plans and designs March Likely the earliest possible time
to begin construction, again depending upon timing of commitments received. Fall 2006 Assuming a March start, decent
weather, and no surprises, would likely complete construction before the
Advent Event! Remember that construction will not affect our ability to
worship together in our newly renovated sanctuary. …..return to list of questions |
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Q What
will be the impact of the additional space on our regular operating budget? Besides
some relatively small incremental increases in utility bills, cleaning costs
and annual elevator inspection fees, we do not anticipate any material impact
on the operating budget. …..return to list of questions |
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Q When and how
will we know the results of the campaign? We
should know by the end of the summer the results of the campaign. We
anticipate that the results will call for an all-out Trinity-type
celebration. That might mean a world-famous, none-better-or-tastier Trinity Pot-Luck, folks! (Reason enough to give!) …..return to list of questions |
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