125 for 125 Fixing our Foundations

 The campaign will fund four priorities, helping to make our basement space safe and inviting once again, and to support our Missional commitments outside the church:

• Water Mitigation in the basement (Fellowship Hall & adjacent rooms) $89,000
• Upgrading the kitchen $20,500
• Audio/Visual additions to Fellowship Hall $3,000 
• Missional support beyond the walls of the church (GR Neighbors for Neighbors, Al Amana Centre, and RCA Global Refugee Ministries) $12,500

More details on these priorities and their costs may be found in our Campaign Case Statement, linked here.

Our Campaign kickoff will be September 13th.  For the 4 weeks following that Sunday, you are asked to prayerfully consider what you can give to support our campaign. 

October 11th will be Campaign Commitment Sunday when we ask for final commitments. 

We will announce the total commitments we have on October 25th, so for your commitment to be included in that total we must receive it by October 16th.  This gives us time to get mail-ins and total accurately.

You should give the amount that is right for you. And that amount will vary for each of us. The campaign committee has done some work to see how we can take on this challenge. We know that  if everyone gives, in addition to their regular general fund giving, an additional 50% we will meet this goal.  

For instance, if you are giving $4,000 this year, 50% more would be an additional $2,000. To make that manageable, you can spread this gift over the next two years — for example, half now and half next year, or in whatever installments work for your household.  We ask that all campaign payments be made by Dec 31st, 2028.

EXAMPLE: 

• Your regular annual pledge: $4,000
• 50% in addition for the campaign: $2,000
• (payable over two years)

_________________________________

Total annual church contribution in year one: $5,000 ($4,000 + $1,000)

Total annual church contribution in year two: $5,000 ($4,000 + $1,000)

We know this is a meaningful ask, and we don't make it lightly. Everyone’s individual situation is different. And this is a task we are doing as a community. Because some of us will not be able to add 50% to their giving, some of us will need to step forward and give a bit more. As a community we can share our resources and do this together 

We'd be glad to talk with you about a giving plan that fits your circumstances.

 Yes. We accept one-time gifts as well as weekly or monthly recurring pledges spread out over the next 12 to 24 months.  All campaign payments should conclude by December 31, 2028. 

Campaign commitment cards will be made available starting in worship on September 13th, when we hold our Campaign Kickoff.  We ask that everyone prayerfully consider their level of participation and return their signed commitment card or complete it online. In order for your commitment to count towards our total announced on Oct 25th, we must have your commitment by October 16th.  Of course we will be happy to accept your commitment after that but it will not be included in our Celebration Total announced on the 25th. 

 Any additional funds will directly support the goals of the campaign, particularly in making the Fellowship Hall and Kitchen a safe, functional, attractive and catalytic space for fellowship and community collaboration. Use of such funds will be decided by Consistory in consultation with the Facilities Team.  

 Portions of the repair work and construction have begun in order to complete necessary changes before winter and before construction costs increase. Construction schedules are notoriously prone to change, but as of the end of August, here’s an overview:

Phases 1 and 2:  Preparation and Demolition; Building Preparation (July-August 2026).  Completed by church volunteers and contractors. Kitchen items removed and stored, flooring removed, radiators removed,

Phase 3: Water Mitigation Construction (September 2026)

Ayers Basement System will complete water mitigation (trenching) and drainage improvements.

Phase 4: Restoration and Improvements (September–October 2026)

Congregational volunteers will prepare and paint walls and surfaces in the Fellowship Hall and adjacent spaces. A contractor will replace existing light fixtures with new LED fixtures.

Phase 5: Flooring Installation (October–November 2026)

Phase 6: Kitchen Renovation (September–December 2026)

Construction completed by December 31. 

The campaign committee will post articles in our church newsletter and on our Facebook page. Volunteer opportunities, such as prepping and painting, will be included there. 

Campaign questions may go to Susan Gray, campaign chair, or any other members of the campaign committee:  Valisa Downing, Katie Shin, Todd Buchta, and Brian Piacentini.  As chair of the Facilities Team, Brian Piacentini can take your construction-related questions.