In 2002, Old Union Church sensed a call from God to begin a building project. Because of our response to that call, on April 19, 2009 we dedicated a new building that offers marvelous possibilities to enrich our congregation’s life and strengthen our outreach to the community.

We have only been able to reach this milestone because of the prayerful, generous, joyful, and sacrificial giving and service of many people. “Faithful Month by Month” is our opportunity to help Old Union Church continue its response to God’s call so that we can turn our possibilities into a reality.

The church took on a $450,000 loan to pay off the building. This means that we have monthly loan payments of $3,000. Our goal is to raise $300,000 over the three years between June 1, 2009 and June 1, 2012 and reduce the loan to $150,000. Doing so will cut down the roughly $270,000 of interest on the loan that we would have to pay. It will also allow us to lower our monthly payments from about $3,000 to about $1,000, so that we have more funds to cover the church’s operating expenses and to begin new ventures in Christ’s name.

Over the next three years, can you and your family pay off one month ($3,000) of the church’s loan?

“Faithful Month by Month” is not just a challenge. For all of us and for Old Union Church, it is an opportunity…

· To live out our faith. In a society obsessed with money, we proclaim that Christ is truly our Lord when we offer our financial resources to Him.

· To eliminate or significantly reduce the church’s debt. Our loan is a very real need that Old Union is facing right now. The church needs your help.

· For Old Union to begin new forms of ministry and church life. Once we are freed from this financial burden, we will be able to devote our resources and energy to exciting new projects.

As you and your family decide how much you would like to commit to the capital campaign over the next three years, please consider some of the following topics.

· How can my commitment reflect my gratitude to God and the fact that I am His servant?

· If I am not already tithing, can this commitment help me offer a higher proportion of my income to the Lord? If I am already tithing, am I able to devote something to God above and beyond my tithe?

· Are there luxuries in our family’s life that we can reduce or eliminate as a form of devotion to God in order to be Faithful Month by Month?

· Can we commit to paying off one month of the church’s loan ($3,000) over the next three years?

· What is a realistic three year goal that I am confident that our family can meet?

· Are we able at least to match the level of giving that we committed to in the past, or perhaps increase it? If not, what amount will we be able to give?

PLEASE REMEMBER: Your commitment to Faithful Month by Month should not replace your support for the church’s ongoing ministry. Our general fund needs to continue to be healthy even while we are paying off our loan. Your commitment to this campaign should be in addition to your regular church giving.

Why does the church want me to make a commitment?

Financial commitments are a regular part of our lives. We make them when we sign a cell phone contract, when we subscribe to cable TV, and when we take out a car loan. By making a commitment, you will help the church leadership be able to plan for our church’s financial future. You will also be expressing your support for God’s work at Old Union.

What if I want to be “Faithful Month by Month” but I don’t want to make a commitment?

If you prefer not to make a commitment, simply tell us. If you are not able to contribute financially to the campaign, please offer regular prayers for God’s blessing on our efforts. If you decide to contribute but do not want to make a commitment, the church will be grateful for whatever support we receive from you.

What if I make a commitment but cannot fulfill it?

Your commitment is not a contract or a pledge, but a statement of your intentions. If circumstances in your life change and you cannot give as much as you hoped, please give as much as you are able.

How can I be “Faithful Month by Month” if I am financially unable to make a commitment?

1. The most important thing you can offer is your prayers. Without God’s blessing we will not be able to be Faithful Month by Month. But with His grace, all things are possible. Everyone can pray!

2. Our Fund-Raising Committee will continue to plan events to generate money that will pay off the loan. If you are able, we will appreciate your help with these events.

3. Old Union Church is also equipped to receive gifts of stock and other “in-kind” contributions.

4. Please speak with the pastor to learn more about alternative types of giving.

Is $300,000 a realistic goal for Old Union to raise in three years?

Yes! We know that we can do it because we have in the past. Being Faithful Month by Month means that as a church we continue to support the building project the same way that we have during the last three years.

What happened to “Debt Free in Three”?

Old Union’s original construction loan was for $300,000, and we had planned for a capital campaign to pay off the loan completely. However, the loan needed to be increased when the church’s investments were affected by the stock market decline. Ideally, we would still like to be “Debt Free in Three,” but the extra $150,000 of loan money will make this very difficult.

Why not try to pay off the entire loan in three years?

Paying off the entire $450,000 loan in three years is too ambitious of a goal for our church, based on past giving patterns. A goal of $300,000 is reasonable and do-able.

How much would I need to give each week to pay off one month of the loan?

If you give $20 a week for the next three years, you will be able to pay off one month of the church’s loan.

What if I can’t pay off an entire month?

Some people in our church have the financial resources to pay off more than one month. But others are not able to make a $3,000 commitment over three years. If you cannot pay off a whole month, consider paying off half a month or three weeks of the loan.

What happens after three years?

When our three year “Faithful Month by Month” campaign is over, we will work with the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program, which holds our loan, to restructure our loan payments so that they will be more affordable. And of course, we will still be happy to receive extra contributions to continue paying off the loan.

What plans do we have to remodel the basement and sanctuary?

No specific plans have been developed yet, but we are hoping to remodel the church basement into a child-friendly space with permanent and inviting classrooms. We may also move the choir room to the basement, so that the sanctuary can be remodeled. With the choir room gone, the sanctuary can be rearranged so that space in the annex is used better. But we will only be able to work on these plans when we can afford them. Being Faithful Month by Month will help us do so?

How are we going to use the new building?

Even though we’re not moved into the new building yet, people are excited about the many possible ways we can use it. Here are some of the ideas that we’re talking about:

· rental space for family gatherings and community events

· square dances

· after school homework club

· dance classes and dance groups

· exercise or yoga classes

· game nights

· concerts

· cooking classes and clubs

· preschool recreation events

· volleyball and basketball leagues

· religious instruction and church leadership training seminars

· children and youth sport programs

· breakfast club

· a preschool program

Your participation in “Faithful Month by Month” will make these and other opportunities possible!

Who will know what commitment I make?

Old Union Church is committed to confidentiality in giving. The only person who will know your commitment and track your giving is Linda Wright, our financial secretary.