The purpose of this frequently asked question list is to answer some of the common questions about the building program. If you have a question that you don’t see here, please email it to: buildingfaq@newlifepresbyterian.org
1. What does this project involve?
This first phase of the project involves building a fellowship hall with new kitchen. The project will allow us to have fellowship events in a separate building decreasing the wear on the worship hall and on us. It will also enable us to expand any community events and recreational ministries that we do.
Eventually this will allow us to expand the worship hall, moving the library and some Sunday school rooms to the fellowship hall. It will also make for an easier transition when we add on the new education wing to complete the project.
2. How much will the project cost?
This first phase has an estimated cost of $800,000. This does not include any deductions for in-kind gifts of materials or labor. The entire project will eventually cost approximately $1,200,000.
3. How will the project be funded?
All things come from the Lord, who has placed the funding for this project in your hands. We see the funding coming from three sources. One is a prayerful pledge commitment of this congregation. This would be based on a ( 3 ) three year commitment, which we pray would raise the equivalent of one and a half times the annual church income. Second would be donations of in-kind gifts of material and labor. And finally, we anticipate borrowing $200,000, as approved at our annual congregational meeting. This amount would be less than or equal to the amount that was borrowed for for the original church building.
4. How will parking be accommodated?
Arrangements have been made in the planning of this phased project to maintain at least as many parking spaces as we presently have and eventually to increase that number substantially.
5. Does the project have multiple phases?
Our project consists of two phases. The first includes the fellowship hall with stage and new kitchen and two new bathrooms. The second stage will include the lower level parking and an education wing consisting of 10 class rooms.
6. When will the project start, when will it be completed, and how will the construction affect the use of the building and parking?
This trigger point has been set at $400,000. This trigger point is to be a sum of the balance of the building fund plus the pledges committed. An additional $200,000 of anticipated additional mortgage financing added with the trigger point amount of $400,000 would provide the minimum amount of funding required to commence construction.
7. Who do I contact to arrange a charitable trust?
One can call the Presbyterian Church in America Foundation at 800-700-3221. They are our denomination experts in this field and would be very glad to assist you. You may also talk with Jeff Ford about this matter.
8. How and when do I make my commitment?
We are praying that the majority of the congregation will be prepared to pledge their support by the end of August31, 2007. By then we will have had an opportunity to present the vision, project and needs in small gatherings sponsored by the small groups, in a few opportunities during Sunday school and at one large gathering.
9. Can I make a non-cash gift?
Yes, non-cash gifts, such as appreciated stocks, may be a wise choice for some; since the gains on such donated stocks are not taxable. We recommend you consult with your tax advisor. Again, we suggest you speak with Jeff Ford if you have questions about doing this.
Further, appropriate in-kind gifts are very welcome. Mr. Mark Gibbon is responsible for this area. You can contact Mark about what gifts would be appropriate and when to donate them Mark can be contacted at mgibbon@gmail.com.
10. Are the pledges part of the regular church Budget?
Our pledges are not to be part of our regular church budget. We will continue to do the work of the ministry throughout this project and be increasing the ministry after it is completed. The church budget is the funding for the work of the ministry; our pledges need to be beyond and above our regular giving to the church budget.
11. What are the dates of the capital campaign?
The work of the capital campaign has begun with the work of the BFC (Building Finance Committee). The campaign pledges for this first phase of the project are expected to be collected over a period of three years.
12. Is there anything that I can do, besides pledging, to help the campaign?
The most important thing we can each do in relation to this project is to pray consistently, fervently, and frequently for the project.
It will also be important to walk close with the Lord Jesus and be especially gracious to one another during this time. Building projects often give opportunity for spiritual growth. But they can also allow elements of our sinful natures to rise to the surface. This project will be a real spiritual challenge.
13. Is this a Pledge that someone will be monitoring?
There are a very limited number of people who will know the pledge specifics. Of course, the confidentiality of any pledge information will be carefully guarded. However a pledge is a real promise with a real expectation of its fulfillment.
14. I can’t remember the details of the new church building plans. Is there somewhere that I can see the new plans?
Yes the building floor plans, site plans and our views have been posted n the entrance hall of the church.
15. Is my pledge a part of my regular tithe?
A pledge to this special project is not to be part of your regular giving to the work of the Lord here at NLPCA (tithe).Giving to buildings specifically for the work of the Lord has been by free will offering since the first temple where “the people rejoiced…for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord” ( I Chronicles 19:1-9).
16. Will fundraisers be used for this project?
We use fundraisers exclusively for mission projects and the like. We believe it is our responsibility to use our resources to support the regular work and growth of the church.
17. How will we fund the additional operating costs for the new buildings?
We have anticipated an increase in the operational budget of the church. We have had a steadily growing budget and are praying this will cover the additional costs.
18. Can I have my pledges deducted from my bank account automatically?
If you are interested in this option we can provide you with more details.
19. Where can I see the progress we have made in this grace that God is giving, fund raising.
There will be a regular post on the New Building page of the website and regular updates in the bulletin and Beacon.
20. Why are the multipurpose area and the additional classrooms needed?
We believe God has placed us in a growing community which affords us many opportunities for ministry. These facilities will enable us to grow into these increased opportunities for ministry in various ways.
We believe we have the most important news ever and these facilities will give us more opportunity in obedience to Jesus’ Commission:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
We can only imagine the many opportunities these buildings will afford us to serve and to love. Our purpose is clear in our Mission Statement:
“To Love and Worship God, To Proclaim Biblical Truth, To Love and Serve others as the Family of God.”
Many of you have noticed and some of you are in fact a part of the new life which has grown here at NLPCA since we began to worship in this building in 1997.
20. How much should I give?
We would not want to inhibit any from exercising their gift of generosity or limit the blessing of God’s promise to those who give “for God loves a cheerful giver.”
We are each being asked to give prayerful consideration to what God is asking of us. This is a gift above and beyond a sacrificial gift. This is an opportunity for growth in our personal spiritual life as well as enabling NLPCA to grow in ministry both among our family and in the community. We believe the Lord will lead you in this gift of appreciation for all he has done and as part of your service to Jesus, our Lord.
Our prayer is that by the blessing of the Holy Spirits work in our hearts we might experience miracle of the Macedonian churches which Paul speaks of in II Corinthians 8:1-5
“1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.”
