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Life and faith in the new sanctuary

Tackling the debt

In a Q&A format, this information is offered to help St. Paul people understand the nature of the Acting with Love for the World capital campaign, 2009-2011.

Why is this campaign urgent?

There is a $3,000,000 mortgage pressing on us. Every month, $18,394 is due — that’s the minimum we must do.

Attacking the principal in any serious way will require larger payments. Everything we count on as part of our daily ministry and mission is affected if we do not pay down this principal fast.

Are we sure the debt is $3 million?

Yes, it will not exceed $3 million, but only if we succeed with the completion of the Shining with Hope to the World campaign, 2005-2008. There is still about $600,000 outstanding for this campaign, set to end in October (or through the end of the year, for those who want to stretch out their giving).

How are we making payments now?

The only source of funds continues to be the steady giving of St. Paul people to the Building Fund.

What is the ‘Acting with Love for the World’ campaign?

It’s all about reducing the debt on the building project. In addition to paying for our “home” — our first priority — this campaign also launches a partnership with our schools: Madison Elementary and J.B. Young Intermediate.

Acting with Love includes a small allotment to fund the start-up cost for a new part-time coordinator of this volunteer-based mission for kids, starting in 2009.

Why do we need a capital campaign?

We have no other way to make the mortgage payments. When St. Paul people voted to build the new sanctuary, we knew as a congregation that there would be sizeable borrowing. It takes the commitment of all to tackle a responsibility this large.

When will I be asked to give?

Your gift and commitment will be indispensable. Every St. Paul adult member is asked to give something of their resources. It will take faith, sacrifice, and plenty of personal resolve. This is our church family’s home, and we all have a stake in it.

You’ll be asked to stretch your giving over a period of three years, January 2009 to December 2011. We will bring our pledge cards to worship on Acting with Love Dedication Weekend — Nov. 8 and 9.

When St. Paul members receive offering envelope boxes in December, you’ll find special green envelopes for the Building Fund, alongside the envelopes for Daily Ministry offerings.

If you have any questions about your method of giving, or if you’re interested in giving by electronic funds transfer, contact:
Paula Durham,

Does the school partnership include me?

Yes. When you make your financial pledge commitment, you will be asked to sign on to support the school partnership. Everyone can pray for our neighborhood and the kids in it. Beyond that, many will choose to get involved in a classroom, an after-school program, or special events — wherever your faith might lead you to volunteer.

How do I know what to give?

No one will tell you specifically what to give. Giving is a deeply spiritual matter, at the heart of your life priorities. You’ll certainly want to pray about your Acting with Love capital campaign pledge.

What about the economy?

Recent concerns in the national and global economy are unsettling. Switching on the news can give anyone an excuse not to give.

Instead of surrendering to anxiety, let this be a time of faith and resourceful giving. Do whatever it takes. Talk with friends, consult a financial planner, tap savings, consider an unusual asset, examine your priorities. Stretch your imagination beyond this month’s bills.

How could my gift make a difference?

“It takes all of us. Not a single one of us could write a check for $3 million,” says St. Paul member Kristy Fuller. “That’s why we all need to pull together and get this done.”

Would it help if I continue to give at the level of my ‘Shining with Hope’ pledge?

Absolutely! You may even be able to stretch beyond that pledge (2005-2008). People new to St. Paul in the last three years are also invited to give now.

This Acting with Love capital campaign, 2009-2011, begins just as we are closing up the first three-year campaign, Shining with Hope to the World, 2005-2008.

If you pledged to the earlier campaign, please do your best to complete your Shining with Hope pledge by year’s end. The streams of both campaigns flow into the same river: the Building Fund to pay down the debt.

Can I give electronically?

Many people utilize Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to automatically deposit their giving for the building project. EFT can be a great discipline and convenience for you.

What about my giving to the church’s daily ministry?

Please do not ignore the vitality of our daily ministry. Your pledge for this daily ministry is the bedrock commitment you make to St. Paul life. It’s an expression of your gratitude for all God’s blessings.

Your Acting with Love pledge is over and above your faithful support for our congregation’s daily ministry. Joy Sunday, when we bring pledges for the daily ministry in 2009, is Nov. 22 and 23.

More information

If you would like more information, feel free to send your questions to campaign leaders Joan Baril and Lee Gaston,

"May God, who lightens our paths, accompany you on your journey this day and always." ~Worship blessing