Saturday, March 18, 2006
Questions & Answers
Q: Why are we conducting a capital fund appeal at this time?
A: The Atonement Church family has been blessed with an active congregation that feels like—and is—a family. But just as a family grows, we’ve outgrown the physical limitations of our building and our existing staff. In effect, it’s a blessing that our church has become cramped; God clearly is guiding Atonement. We’ve been talking about expanding for four years. We, the Atonement family, through extensive congregational meetings, have decided it’s decided it’s time to stop talking and start acting, praying all the while for God’s guidance.
Q: What is the total estimated cost of the capital campaign?
A: In broad terms, we are hoping to raise nearly $2.3 million over three years. Construction costs for the first phase of the building campaign total about $1.3 million, and there is another $700,000 estimated for associated costs like, servicing our existing debt and architect and engineering costs. In addition, we are estimating to need approximately $200,000 to fulfill our staffing proposals. Also, we have committed $33,000 over three years to benevolence. Atonement Church has always paid its benevolence first and aims to do just that with this campaign. Finally, when we choose to go forward with the second phase of our building plan, we estimate needing another $670,000 to finish the building.
Q: How does my response to God’s Hope ~ Our Journey affect my support to current expenses and benevolence?
A: It doesn’t! Our God’s Hope ~ Our Journey response is a totally new commitment. All money received from this commitment will be applied directly to our building and staffing project. We pray that you will continue supporting the ongoing programs and outreach of our church by uninterrupted and increased support to our annual needs.
Q: How long will God’s Hope ~ Our Journey continue?
A: The capital fund commitment is for three years and is over and above your regular giving to the congregation. Your response is your choice on how to configure your gift since not all people will want to give in the same way. Some will give one large, upfront gift, while others will give a designated amount each week.
Q: May I give stock, real estate, insurance or other gifts in kind in addition to cash giving?
A: Absolutely! You are encouraged to think of assets in addition to cash. For many people, this is the best (and smartest) way to give. Giving stocks, property, jewelry, cars or other appreciated assets as a charitable donation is beneficial to you and the church. If you think you would benefit from more information on this topic, please call the church or the corporate office of Kairos at 1-800-851-3019.
Q: Will there be an opportunity to give specific gifts?
A: At the appropriate time during our three-year giving phase, the Appeal Follow-Up Ministry Team will establish a list of needs to complete our capital project for those who wish to give specific gifts (sometimes in memory of a loved one). Specific guidelines for this giving opportunity will be clearly developed and made available to all people of the congregation.
Q: What if my financial situation changes or I move out of the area before the end of the three-year giving period?
A: At any time during the giving phase, your commitment may be increased, decreased extended or cancelled by notifying the church office. If you should move out of the area, we hope you would become involved in another congregation and offer them your support. We would be honored and grateful of you are willing to fulfill your total God’s Hope ~ Our Journey commitment, but you are certainly under no obligation to do so. No matter what your circumstances may be, we would ask you to support us in your prayers and to remember that you are always welcomed and loved.
A: The Atonement Church family has been blessed with an active congregation that feels like—and is—a family. But just as a family grows, we’ve outgrown the physical limitations of our building and our existing staff. In effect, it’s a blessing that our church has become cramped; God clearly is guiding Atonement. We’ve been talking about expanding for four years. We, the Atonement family, through extensive congregational meetings, have decided it’s decided it’s time to stop talking and start acting, praying all the while for God’s guidance.
Q: What is the total estimated cost of the capital campaign?
A: In broad terms, we are hoping to raise nearly $2.3 million over three years. Construction costs for the first phase of the building campaign total about $1.3 million, and there is another $700,000 estimated for associated costs like, servicing our existing debt and architect and engineering costs. In addition, we are estimating to need approximately $200,000 to fulfill our staffing proposals. Also, we have committed $33,000 over three years to benevolence. Atonement Church has always paid its benevolence first and aims to do just that with this campaign. Finally, when we choose to go forward with the second phase of our building plan, we estimate needing another $670,000 to finish the building.
Q: How does my response to God’s Hope ~ Our Journey affect my support to current expenses and benevolence?
A: It doesn’t! Our God’s Hope ~ Our Journey response is a totally new commitment. All money received from this commitment will be applied directly to our building and staffing project. We pray that you will continue supporting the ongoing programs and outreach of our church by uninterrupted and increased support to our annual needs.
Q: How long will God’s Hope ~ Our Journey continue?
A: The capital fund commitment is for three years and is over and above your regular giving to the congregation. Your response is your choice on how to configure your gift since not all people will want to give in the same way. Some will give one large, upfront gift, while others will give a designated amount each week.
Q: May I give stock, real estate, insurance or other gifts in kind in addition to cash giving?
A: Absolutely! You are encouraged to think of assets in addition to cash. For many people, this is the best (and smartest) way to give. Giving stocks, property, jewelry, cars or other appreciated assets as a charitable donation is beneficial to you and the church. If you think you would benefit from more information on this topic, please call the church or the corporate office of Kairos at 1-800-851-3019.
Q: Will there be an opportunity to give specific gifts?
A: At the appropriate time during our three-year giving phase, the Appeal Follow-Up Ministry Team will establish a list of needs to complete our capital project for those who wish to give specific gifts (sometimes in memory of a loved one). Specific guidelines for this giving opportunity will be clearly developed and made available to all people of the congregation.
Q: What if my financial situation changes or I move out of the area before the end of the three-year giving period?
A: At any time during the giving phase, your commitment may be increased, decreased extended or cancelled by notifying the church office. If you should move out of the area, we hope you would become involved in another congregation and offer them your support. We would be honored and grateful of you are willing to fulfill your total God’s Hope ~ Our Journey commitment, but you are certainly under no obligation to do so. No matter what your circumstances may be, we would ask you to support us in your prayers and to remember that you are always welcomed and loved.
# posted by Anonymous @ 4:50 PM 
