Q1: Why is the goal $250,000?

Q2: Does this mean that the benevolence in our regular congregational budget will be funded through this program?  Should I adjust my regular giving?

Q3: How were the projects and priorities chosen?

Q4: I would prefer to give to another worthy cause that you didn’t list as a project in this program.  What should I do?

Q5: Your presentation to the congregation referenced that for underfunded projects, moneys would be moved to other projects at the discretion of the 25th anniversary committee.  That concerns me.

Q6: What do you mean by “partial funding is not an alternative”?

Q7: Why can't I designate a second choice if a program becomes overfunded?

Q8: What if the entire program is overfunded, that is, what if we raise more than a total of $250,000?

Q9: Besides my monetary gifts, how else may I help?

Q10: This is great, but I wish I had some more input in this process.

Q11: Giving as a way of celebrating is great.  But is funding an internship really giving?  Doesn’t an intern work for and serve members of the congregation?

Q12: I am concerned about the Mnene mission trip to Zimbabwe.  I am aware that travel to that country is not safe and many countries do not allow employees to travel there.  Why would we consider doing so?

Q13: When will the gifts be disbursed to the respective projects?

Q14: Must I give over the three year period, or can I give in a one time gift?

Q15: Can I give weekly?  Monthly?  Per year?

Q16: Will contribution statements reflect my giving and pledge?

Q17:  What if I don't pledge but give to the 25th Anniversary appeal.  What will my money be used for?

Q18:  How will we be updated on the projects’ progress?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q1: Why is the goal $250,000?
A: We searched for a giving goal that would be both meaningful and obtainable.  $250,000 mirrors our 25th year and is a significant and meaningful amount.  It is also obtainable.  Because this is a three year campaign, the full amount comes to about $83,000 per year.  Last year, GSLC members gave over $100,000 in extra funding beyond normal giving, so we feel this goal is realistic based on previous giving patterns.

Q2: Does this mean that the benevolence in our regular congregational budget will be funded through this program?  Should I adjust my regular giving?
A: No.  The congregational budget will continue with the same funding priorities we have established over the years, including the benevolence line items.  “Thank You, Lord!” is a celebration that is separate from our regular budget operations.   Our regular budget will continue to operate with the current projections, required yearly changes, and giving patterns. “Thank You, Lord!” contributions should not replace or reduce normal giving.

Q3: How were the projects and priorities chosen?
A: The 25th Anniversary committee came to these choices after much consideration and prayer.  The original ideas came from the GSLC Outreach and Evangelism committees along with brainstorming from our committee.  We went through many different iterations of worthy project lists during multiple meeting sessions.  The final version was approved by the Church Council at its January meeting.

Q4: I would prefer to give to another worthy cause that you didn’t list as a project in this program.  What should I do?
A: If you are being led to give to a different cause that is not part of this program, that’s great!  You can either give directly to that program, or in some cases the program may be supported by GSLC and you can give through the church. 

Q5: Your presentation to the congregation referenced that for underfunded projects, moneys would be moved to other projects at the discretion of the 25th anniversary committee.  That concerns me.
A:  We are sorry for the confusion that this has raised.  We have tried to create a giving program under which priorities are the basis for decisions and not the discretion of one or more people.  The updated wording regarding underfunded projects is as follows:

At the end of the three-year campaign, if a project is not fully funded and if partial funding is not an alternative; the designated funds for the project will be shifted to the highest priority project requiring funds.

Q6: What do you mean by “partial funding is not an alternative”?
A: Most of the programs do not have fixed costs, so a partial amount can be given if we do not reach the stated goal.  However, the Pastoral Internship has a specific monetary minimum that must be achieved.  For example, we must sponsor an intern for a full year, which amounts to approximately $30,000 (year 2005 dollars).  Partial year internships are not an option.

Q7: Why can't I designate a second choice if a program becomes overfunded?
A: Bookkeeping for this method becomes extremely difficult.  The priority system allows reasonable bookkeeping, while still giving donors the ability to designate projects.

Q8: What if the entire program is overfunded, that is, what if we raise more than a total of $250,000?
A: If this should occur, the congregation will be informed and we will seek direction from Church Council before any extra moneys are distributed.

Q9: Besides my monetary gifts, how else may I help?
A: The Habitat and mission programs will require significant gifts of time and talents from members of our congregation.  We’ll need volunteers!  There will be opportunities for both youth and adults.  Some of the other programs will also require gifts of time and talent.

Q10: This is great, but I wish I had some more input in this process.
A: There is still much to do!   By no means have all the decisions been made.  For example, our specific involvement in the Habitat for Humanity home and mission trips is still to be determined.  We will need volunteers to help guide these programs with the resources collected.  Watch for updates on these programs as we get closer to actual involvement.  If you already have an interest in these programs and are willing to help, let a committee member know.

Q11: Giving as a way of celebrating is great.  But is funding an internship really giving?  Doesn’t an intern work for and serve members of the congregation?
A: A pastoral internship is a very important and required part of a pastor’s education.   A pastor cannot be ordained in the ELCA without a proper supervised internship.  An internship requires a significant commitment from our congregation and pastors during this important formation period. Although we are making a giving commitment, all of these programs will surely bless back our congregation many times.

Q12: I am concerned about the Mnene mission trip to Zimbabwe.  I am aware that travel to that country is not safe and many countries do not allow employees to travel there.  Why would we consider doing so?
A: Actual details for this mission project must be worked out by a subcommittee which will be formed.  It is possible that the only mission trip would be from Zimbabwe to Raleigh and not vice versa.  We certainly would not ask members to travel to an unsafe location. 

Q13: When will the gifts be disbursed to the respective projects?
A: Some will be disbursed on an ongoing basis; others will be disbursed when the project takes place.  It depends on the project.

Q14: Must I give over the three year period, or can I give in a one time gift?
A: It is your choice.   The three year period is convenient to split up a meaningful gift over a period of time.

Q15: Can I give weekly?  Monthly?  Per year?
A: It is your choice.  Please designate any gifts as “Thank you, Lord!” or “25th”.  Your gift will be allocated according to your original pledge designations.

Q16: Will contribution statements reflect my giving and pledge?
A: Yes.  There will be a line item on your contribution statement that reflects actual giving and pledge for the specific year.  We will also send separate statements specifically reflecting giving and pledges for the full 3 year period for the 25th anniversary campaign.  We suggest you keep a copy of your pledge card as another reminder.

Q17:  What if I don't pledge but give to the 25th Anniversary appeal.  What will my money be used for?
A:  If your gift designates a specific project, then it will be directed at that project based on the same guidelines specified for pledges.  If it is not designated, it will be directed to the highest priority project which is not yet fully funded.

Q18:  How will we be updated on the projects’ progress?
A:  Watch the GSLC web site, Shepherd’s Voice newsletter and weekly Pewsletter for updates.  There will also be reminders of volunteer opportunities.

 

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