QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Just what is "WORKIN’ ON OUR BUILDING" and what are OUR goals?
The primary goal is for us to experience spiritual renewal and growth as we work together to raise an awareness of how the scriptures address our own personal stewardship of life. Working in partnership with Kairos and our appeal consultant Wes Hendricker, we have determined that a potential exists for giving of $350,000 and beyond over the next three years. This number reflects the proposed improvements and reducing the size of our current mortgage. This financial response would be over and above current congregational annual support. We would ask that you not take away from your present annual support to make a gift to the capital campaign
2. Why do we need a capital campaign now?
The leadership of Amazing Grace Lutheran recognizes that space utilization and growth in congregational numbers are closely linked. Every dollar pledged toward the capital appeal will enable us to renew space that will further our mission and ministry in LAWRENCEVILLE and beyond and allow us to continue to grow. The complete rationale for the appeal will be explained in the appeal communication material that will be distributed to every household in the congregation. After looking through that material, please seek out the answers to any questions that you have.
3. Will people step up for this campaign the way they have done in the past?
Few of the present generation of Amazing Grace Lutheran have ever been asked to support a capital project. When the present building was built, the leaders at that time had tremendous God-led vision for the future building needs of the congregation. We have benefited greatly from their willingness to commit to the future. Now, in 2009, we again have the challenge before us to support a building to accommodate a growing church ministry. You could say that it is our turn to anticipate, plan and support the present and future needs of Amazing Grace Lutheran. The specific amount of money people choose to give is, of course, strictly a matter between themselves and God. Several factors point toward a positive, favorable capacity. People believe in and trust the Pastor and congregation's leaders. They approve the overall direction the ministry is taking. AMAZING GRACE Lutheran Church is a growing church. The spiritual growth of our members indicates clearly the effectiveness of our ministry. That is a significant indicator of support for this appeal. We need to support our growth. To keep moving forward, we are well advised to take the next steps to free our ministry to expand.
4. How can I decide what to give
Parishioners need to decide for themselves, but here are some financial stewardship ideas to consider: *Pray to God, giving thanks for your many blessings and asking God about how to respond to the appeal *Consider giving in proportion to your ability, as the church and scriptures advise. *Come to the KICK-OFF RALLY on February 1, 2009. *Listen to the presentation. *Consider the challenge to lift your sights. *You are encouraged to discuss your decision and response with a significant person in your life *Choose a spot on the pattern of response table (enclosed) and pray about that specific gift for you and your family. *Adjust your target response up or down until you sense that peace of God that surpasses all understanding! *Make your commitment on February 22, 2009, giving thanks to God for your ability to respond according to His will and grace.
5. How will I be contacted about my commitment?
The amount you give is up to you and God to decide. You will be asked to prayerfully consider your faith commitment to “WORKIN’ ON THE BUILDING”. Recognizing our uniqueness as children of God, not everyone will be approached in the same way. Regardless of how you are approached, several opportunities will be made available so that no one will be left out. Every gift is an important and substantial gift. During Appeal Weekend, February 22, 2009 everyone will be asked to complete a commitment form with their three-year appeal response. You and your family will then be asked to bring that commitment forward to the altar at the proper time. If you are not ready to make your response that day or cannot attend worship, a member of the Grand Finale team will personally contact you the following week.
6. What is Luther Ranch and why is it connected to this campaign appeal?
Several years ago, a group of Lutherans in our area identified the need for an outdoor ministry site within reasonable driving distance of Atlanta. Currently there is a synod wide campaign to support this effort. Just as your household is being asked to consider supporting Amazing Grace’s capital campaign effort, so our church is being asked to consider giving a portion of its gifts for the sake of the mission of the greater church. Luther Ranch will provide faith-building experiences for young and old for years to com through outdoor ministries. We at Amazing Grace’s will benefit by sending our children to summer camp as well as various retreat opportunities for its adults. For more info, see http://www.llmi.net
7. How is my "WORKIN’ ON THE BUILDING" gift different from my regular giving to the congregation?
This "WORKIN’ ON THE BUILDING" gift is a completely new gift and will be above and beyond your current giving for the ministry and support of AMAZING GRACE Lutheran Church. Capital giving will be used for AMAZING GRACE Lutheran Church’s capital building needs. The giving period for "WORKIN’ ON THE BUILDING" is three years. The annual giving you presently provide gives support to the ongoing outreach ministry programs of AMAZING GRACE Lutheran Church. Those include staff salaries, benevolence (to support wider ministry), building maintenance, utilities and the like.
8. What if my financial situation changes or I move out of the area before the end of the three-year response?
We live daily by the Grace of our loving God. If your circumstances change, your giving may be increased, decreased, extended or canceled by notifying AMAZING GRACE LUTHERAN building fund financial secretary. If you move from the area, we would hope you would become involved with another Lutheran congregation and offer that church your support. AMAZING GRACE Lutheran Church would be honored if you would then decide to continue your support of "WORKIN’ ON THE BUILDING," but you are under no obligation to do so. Contact the building fund financial secretary through the church office to make any needed changes in your giving commitment.
9. Will there be an opportunity to contribute memorials and honorariums?
Yes. We have a team in place to assist you with that. Contact the church office, and we will be happy to work with you to establish any memorial or honorary contribution that you feel is appropriate.
10. May gifts other than cash be made?
Yes, there are strategies for immediate gifts, or long-term planned or deferred gifts. Some may include gifts of appreciated stocks or real estate, life insurance, will bequests, annuities or charitable trusts. Information about this is in the capital campaign packet. More detailed information can be obtained from our Kairos representative or feel free to contact the church office @ (770) 381-1293.
11. What should I do to prepare my decision for Appeal Weekend?
Read carefully all the materials for the appeal so you are fully informed. Communication will be a regular practice between now and appeal weekend. Participate in the KICK-OFF RALLY, the Prayer Vigil and the Appeal Worship service. Pray regularly for wisdom and courage to be loving and generous. Trust God to live up to His many promises and gifts to us for a Christ-centered life
12. Once I make my commitment will I receive envelopes for responding?
Yes, you'll receive separate envelopes for the "WORKIN’ ON THE BUILDING" CAPITAL appeal.
13. I've heard that giving to "WORKIN’ ON OUR BUILDING" will allow us to extend our mission in Christ. What exactly is our "mission?" What will the success of “WORKIN’ ON THE BUILDING” really enable AMAZING GRACE LUTHERAN Church to do?
AMAZING GRACE Lutheran Church has developed a case statement, which outlines the plan. AMAZING GRACE Lutheran Church seeks to provide a church home for individuals and families committed to growing in the Word, reaching out in mission, and becoming active participants in the unique call to establish a family of faith. Because of our efforts, AMAZING GRACE Lutheran Church will be a more welcoming place for all of God’s people. This will help us to grow in our efforts to spread the Good News of His saving love and Grace to this community and beyond. We will be creating a church building that is a functional, comfortable, and welcoming place to our community, those looking for a church home and our members. This effort will encourage many more to become involved in the ministry of AMAZING GRACE Lutheran Church. We ask that all of our members prayerfully consider the directions and initiatives we should take on behalf of Christ's mission.
14. What about getting more people involved in the work of the congregation? Won't the same old people be depended upon for supporting an appeal like this?
AMAZING GRACE Lutheran Church receives a broad base of financial and voluntary support across the congregation. The type of campaign that we are conducting allows the entire congregation to Be involved. For our ministry plans to be effective, all members, whether old or new, must participate. New leadership will be encouraged and given the opportunity to use their gifts. In an age when most congregations are not growing, AMAZING GRACE Lutheran Church enjoys substantial, steady growth. Opportunities abound for all to become involved in some part of this ministry. This bodes well for the future of AMAZING GRACE Lutheran Church as a mission-oriented, regional Lutheran worship center.