From Frank

"What comes next?"

July 2008

The last several weeks have been truly remarkable in the life of John Knox Presbyterian Church. We embarked on a journey of discipleship with the affirmation of the congregation to conduct a capital campaign this spring. We took a leap of faith by celebrating our gifts from God with our kick-off dinner and Commissioning Sunday on the first weekend of May. We met in small groups and talked openly, honestly, and deeply about how we feel God is leading us as a congregation, and how our financial first-fruits might be given to serve God’s will. We celebrated our gifts for ministry on Dedication Sunday on June 1st in a joint service, including the celebration of the Lord’s Supper as a reminder of Christ’s visible presence in our communal life. Now, many of you are asking, “What’s next?” Before I address the next steps we face, let me share with you some information regarding where we are and what we have learned about ourselves.

As of June 22, we have received 100 pledges or gifts from individuals totaling $610,000. That is an incredible amount of commitment on behalf of our congregation, especially considering the current economic climate we are in. What also is uplifting about that total is over $18,000 of that amount has been pledged or given by individuals who are not members of John Knox, but are former members or friends who believe in the vision God has given us. In addition to this total, we have received a $15,000 grant from the Indianapolis Center for Congregations to further our work with URS Corp, architects, and the chancel choir has contributed $5,000 toward the capital campaign. This brings the total we have received to $640,000. Thanks be to God!

You might read that, though, and say, “But our goal was $700,000. What does this mean?” The reality was that our goal of $700,000 was taken as a true estimate, a best-guess for what we thought a congregation our size could raise over a 3-year period. While our total may not have reached this goal, it is still an impressive amount which reflects your understanding of God’s goodness in your life so you might return thanks in this way. The other factor we continue to work on is the process of submitting grants, which will continue throughout this summer. As we receive word on those, we will be able to better estimate the scope of our project.

So, what’s next? The first thing is that we are all asked to begin making payments on our capital campaign pledge this July. If you have made a pledge, you can pick up your envelopes outside the sanctuary and either make payments weekly, monthly, quarterly, or on whatever schedule you had indicated on your pledge card. PLEASE NOTE: we are asked to make these payments SEPARATELY from our regular giving to the church; this will help the financial record-keeping of all our giving to the church.

Second, we are all asked to consider if we can give our amount pledged more up-front or in a bulk sum. The more capital we raise early-on, the sooner we can consider breaking ground. You also might want to consider if the amount you have pledged is all that you can give – is it a sacrifice for you, and if not, what would that sacrifice look like to you?

Third, later in July, the Building Task Force will meet again to start the conversation with our architects regarding our next steps. This will include considering options and priorities, what things cost more specifically, and how we might achieve our goals. We will not waste time on this process, but we also will not rush into anything and make decisions without proper discussion and discernment. Then, when the Building Task Force is ready to make a proposal to the Session and the congregation, we will all have the opportunity to share our thoughts, ask questions, and then make a decision which is reflective of God’s Spirit moving in our midst.

To conclude, I am deeply appreciative to all who have participated or helped lead in this capital campaign, because I believe that is a sign of its success. When the Capital Campaign Team evaluated how many people participated in all the aspects of this campaign, it was determined that 94% of people who participated pledged to the campaign. That is a sign of the ownership you have taken of this vision, and I am deeply moved by your response. May we continue to sense God’s presence in our lives – as individuals and as a community – as we emerge into a new body for years to come.

Peace be with You,
Frank