When do I get a pledge card so that I can make a pledge to the capital campaign?
Pledge cards are available for the church's controller, Cristen Mugford. For a pledge card, contact Cristen at cmugford<at>parkstreet.org.
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How long do I have to complete my pledge to the Capital Campaign?
Pledges will be made with the expectation that they will be paid by May 2010, although a longer period of time can be requested.
The Capital Campaign renovations began in the summer of 2007, with a focus on external work on the meetinghouse and on the elevators in One Park Street. During the summer of 2008 work will focus on the interior of the meetinghouse, to include a Welcome Center, a new elevator, and multiple handicap accessibility and life safety improvements. No work would be done during 2009 as we celebrate the church's bicentennial. Provided that a sufficient funding has been pledged, work will continue with sanctuary renovations and a number of projects in Two and Three Park Street to be done in 2010. However, whether we can do all the work planned or whether we can be this aggressive in doing the work depends on how much money is committed and pledged by the congregation. If less money is available, then the timeline and the work done will have to change from that planned.
Our need is now. In fact, it is immediate; many of these needs have existed for several years. One can always argue for a different timing for a campaign. However, the church's leadership believes that there are real needs now, which we are called to address now. If we do not get started now, then when and how will we ever respond? What would waiting another year or two cost us in lost opportunity? If not now, then when? If not us, then who?
Capital giving is, by definition, above and beyond what people give to support the annual ministry and mission of the church. The approved total annual budget for Park Street Church in 2008 is $4.6 million ($1.8 million for Missions and $2.8 million for Ministry and Operations). The Capital Campaign is in response to a need of $10 million over three years above this annual budget.
Stewardship is about equal sacrifice, not about equal gifts. There is no formula for determining what your pledge should be, nor is there an "average commitment" benchmark. Instead, as you consider what your commitment should be, ask:
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Am I seeking God's will regarding my commitment? Did I even invite God to be a part of my decision process?
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Does this investment in my church make a difference to me? Does this gift change me? Does it change my whole level of commitment?
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Did I have a real conversation about this decision - with my spouse, children, family, church family, etc.
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Did I learn something about commitment and giving in the process? Did I take a step of faith that deepens my own discipleship?
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Would God be honored if everyone in the church family made a sacrifice equal to my own (in terms of commitment rather than dollars)?
Yes, a pledge is not a contract. If your circumstances change significantly, then your pledge should also change. Good surprises happen at least as often as difficult surprises.
The church will need to commit itself to long term building plans and sign contracts (and possibly loan agreements) during the period of this campaign. The church cannot make thoughtful, wise decisions without thoughtful, intentional pledges from the congregation. If everyone in the congregation were to underestimate their commitment, the church might delay or limit the work done (likely leading to increased costs in the longer run). And, if people significantly overestimate their pledges, the church could easily commit itself to more projects than it could handle.
Why do we have to do this work on our buildings
The meetinghouse is almost two hundred years old. It was built well, and has been well maintained. However, due to its age and heavy use, it, as well as the other buildings in our campus, all require significant work to renew them for our future ministry. The key issue then is how does our church best and most effectively enable its ministries and missions, respond to God's call, and show gratitude for God's blessing of this ministry?
The issue is how do we best respond to the calling and opportunities that God has given to His ministry through our church? How do we best enable the ministries and mission of Park Street Church? The questions are not just "what do we want to be" or "what are we most comfortable with." The questions are: What does God call us to be? What does God lead us to do here, today, at the corner of Park and Tremont Streets, in the center of Boston?
Absolutely. Input through information sessions, focus groups, and individual conversations will always be welcome as more detailed plans are developed through the leadership of the Facilities and Administration Committee to renew our buildings to better enable and strengthen our ministries and mission. Special sessions will be scheduled with the church's ministries and the users of our buildings to obtain input and ideas on how best to put to use the resources entrusted to us by the congregation and friends of Park Street Church during the Capital Campaign. Information will be provided with each new phase of the renovation.
The Finance and Administration Committee and its Facilities sub-committee always seek the best price and quality of workmanship for any work done at the church. They are stewards of gifts given to the church, and take this responsibility seriously. Competitive bids are sought whenever possible. Decisions are based on the reputation and experience of the contractor, life cycle costing, and the initial expense for the repair or improvement that is being done.
The church is a historic building. Is it eligible to receive funding from government agencies or from private donors for its renewal?
Yes. We seek to identify opportunities and submit grant proposals when it is possible to do so in a way that would not compromise the mission and purpose of Park Street Church. Information regarding sources of possible grants would be appreciated and can be forwarded to the capital campaign administrator. However, it is not prudent for us as a church body to plan on such gifts, or to assume the government or some private foundation will commit funds to our church buildings if they do not first see the financial commitment of the church membership. If appropriate government or private foundation funds do become available, we will certainly be able to incorporate them into the planning, and use them to help to address the needs.
