Remember the Sunday in May when we joyously rang the bell in the steeple for the first time in many months? The steeple repair project that started the whole assessment of building needs was finally completed. But what else has been accomplished? First, rainwater no longer cascades over the Houghton Room fireplace now that the roof over that room and the kitchen has been fully replaced. Second, we made a commitment to repay the Memorial Fund loan held over from the last capital campaign. That’s been done. Third, a decision to determine the impact of installing sprinklers might have on the sanctuary renovation led us to hire a qualified engineer to design a fire suppression system for the entire building.  Getting bids on the design will tell us what the system will cost in the sanctuary and we can make decisions based on real information. And, finally, we are beginning to assess the steps needed to upgrade the building’s outdated electrical system.

This has all been done using the pledged funds contributed during the first year of our four year campaign. As agreed in the beginning, we’re only doing projects as pledged funds become available.  On behalf of the entire church, the capital campaign committee would like to thank all those who have paid their first year pledges up-to-date.

As we go forward into year two, we understand that individuals may be facing circumstances that make it difficult to meet their original pledge or make it possible to give more than they had originally thought possible.  In either case, the campaign committee would appreciate being notified of any change so we can better estimate the resources that will be available to continue our needed building upgrades.  In a few weeks the committee will be mailing reminders to all who pledged.  It will include a card and return envelope for your use to notify us of any pledge changes.

We encourage newcomers to consider pledging to the campaign.  Campaign materials and pledge cards are available in the lobby.  If you need to know more about the proposed projects or have questions about pledging, a member of the Capital Campaign Committee would be happy to meet with you.