Put on the new self, which is being renewed
in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
| Colossians 3:10
Our theme verse for this project is Colossians 3:10, “Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
How important it is to show our Lord the honor and respect He deserves through the beauty of our buildings, but it is even more important that we honor God through our lives. Paul writes, “For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (I Corinthians 6:20). Paul also writes, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
We are always under construction as we live our faith in the Triune God. It is important that we properly maintain the faith that God has entrusted to us. During this time of strengthening and renewing our facilities, we will also strengthen our faith and renew our commitment to reach up to God in worship and praise, reach in to each other with love and care, while we reach out to the world with the life-giving Gospel of Jesus.
The Lord provides us with gifts and opportunities to “grow in the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18). During this campaign we will be reminded of who we are in Christ and encouraged to grow in faith, hope and love.
Your Servant-Leader,
CAMPAIGN OVERVIEW
Our Renew capital campaign will allow us to address facility issues that are expected in a church with over 3,000 members and a school of more than 460 students. This campaign will allow us to focus more of our resources on mission and ministry.
Of greater importance is the opportunity to Renew our lives. What needs your attention? What part of your life needs renewal? Could your personal spiritual life need renewing? Perhaps one of your relationships could be renewed – marriage, friendship, work setting. Over the next three years your church is dedicated to assisting you in this important journey.
"We are excited to serve as co-directors of the RENEW Capital Campaign. Please pray for this campaign and join us in committing to renew our facility, and our hearts, so that we can positively impact our congregation’s mission of reaching up to God, reaching in to each other and reaching out to the community."
JEFF & ANN OLSON | Campaign Directors
"Each time we worship in our sanctuary we renew our faith and our confidence of a blessed tomorrow through Jesus’ sacrifice for us. We study his word and sing his praises, allowing us to boldly share that faith with family, friends and those we encounter each day. The sanctuary has been a gathering place for generations of each of our families, celebrating baptisms, confirmations, weddings and funerals where
we praise God for his promise of eternal life."
EDDIE & CONNIE KISON
"Over the years since the current middle school was built, more than 6,000 students have walked its halls and engaged in active learning in the classrooms. Hundreds more have been part of groups and after-school activities that met in the space. To say the least, the space is more than “broken-in”, it’s due for a renewal!"
BARB MEYER
WHAT THE SANCTUARY HAS SEEN IN 29 YEARS
In these past 29 years it has seen thousands of worship services and hundreds of
baptisms, confirmations, graduations, weddings and funerals.
HERE IS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE:
STRENGTHENING AND RENEWING OUR FACILITIES
OUR SANCTUARY
OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL WING
Our sanctuary will receive an update of the electrical system providing for more effective and efficient lighting fixtures in the sanctuary, narthex and office hallway. Additionally, service for our audio/visual needs will be more functional and attractive.
New carpeting in the sanctuary, narthex and office hallway will be installed providing a safe environment for everyone who uses these spaces.
Comfortable seating for those who use the sanctuary will be provided through new pew seats – did you know that each year our pew seats encounter over 62,000 people for regular worship, weekly school chapel and special services/ events that are held in our sanctuary?
Our middle school wing will be updated to provide an appealing space for our students and teachers that is functional and safe for all who use it.
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Replacing middle school and gym roofs
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Replacing hallway floor tiles, which have endured heavy foot traffic over the past two decades
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Adding air conditioning for a more comfortable learning environment
Cost: $640,000
OUR GROUNDS
Cost: $107,000
OUR CHURCH LIBRARY
Our church library will be enhanced to provide comfortable spaces designed for small group gatherings as well as meeting spaces for our growing number of groups that gather. Currently, men’s and women’s groups, REACHGroups, Bible studies, support groups and staff meetings are finding it more difficult to find a place for gathering.
Cost: $8,000
The safety of our grounds will be improved by new lighting and repaving of the parking lot and repairing our sidewalks. The replacing of curbs will help with better water control and outdoor space functionality. Enhancing our landscaping will provide a more attractive facility that honors the Lord and visually demonstrates the quality of our ministry.
Cost: $225,000
LOAN REDUCTION
Loan reduction will provide more financial resources for ministry. A reduction of $1.5 million will give us an additional $33,400 annually.
Debt Reduction: $1,500,000
Due to current shortages, inflation, supply chain issues and
construction workforce shortage, costs may change.
HOW YOUR GIFT CAN IMPACT OUR GOAL
This pyramid shows a breakdown of the various 3-year sacrificial gifts needed so that we can more effectively carry out our congregations’ mission of reaching up to God, in to each other and out to the community and world. Please prayerfully engage in the spiritual decision-making process that will lead to a financial commitment of the Renew campaign. Biblical stewardship is equal sacrifice, not equal gifts. Each of us will be asked to make a gift, above and beyond our regular giving, that is sacrificial or meaningful in proportion to the wealth that God had entrusted to each of us. Together we will Renew...
Realistic $2 MILLION
Reachable $2.5 MILLION
3-YEAR GOALS
Remarkable $3 MILLION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is my commitment to the RENEW campaign above my regular giving?
Yes, our giving to the 3-year RENEW campaign is above our regular giving to the operating budget.
How much is our current debt?
Our current debt is $3.2 million, on which we pay 2.25%.
What will we do with the interest payments we save by paying down our debt?
The savings we realize by paying down our current debt will allow us to conduct additional ministry.
How soon will the repairs and improvements to our buildings and grounds take place?
Some of the repairs will begin immediately, however, supply chain issues in the construction trades may cause delays.
How will we determine the priority of what needs to be accomplished first?
The staff will submit to the Board of Lay Leaders a list of prioritized items. Repairs that will provide greater safety and those that prevent further building damage will receive priority.
How much do we anticipate raising in this campaign?
Capital campaigns always depend on how the people of God respond to the needs of the church. We believe that God’s people in this place can provide between $2 million and $3 million dollars.
Are we doing anything for the River of Life?
In 2021 we provided upgrades to the River of Life facility with new flooring, lights, paint, chancel and sound system. We do have future expectations for expanding the campus as the worshipping community grows.
Are there Bible verses associated with this campaign?
Paul writes in Colossians 3:10, “Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”
How does this campaign affect my spiritual life?
Our focus on “renewal” is not simply for buildings and grounds. We are called by Christ to be renewed in our hearts, minds and souls. During the three years of this campaign we will be encouraged to concentrate on a segment of our life that will be renewed.
Why do we need to make repairs on our current facilities? Haven’t we taken care of our property?
We certainly do take care of all our properties. In recent years, our annual operating budget paid for our routine maintenance and our major repairs, such as new boilers and roof repairs on our sanctuary, school and office. On top of this, last year’s annual operating budget allowed us to pay down our debt by $200,000! It is clear to see that our staff should be commended for their stewardship of our offerings and our buildings.
It is normal wear and tear that brings up the issues we are addressing in our RENEW campaign. Our pew covers are 30 years old, past their expected usefulness based on the number of worship services we conduct. Our carpet was replaced 15 years ago, but the high traffic and the inclement weather we experience doesn’t allow for a greater length of service. The normal asphalt paved parking lot that is used like ours has a life of 20 years – ours is 30 years old.
