Connect! Campaign Projects

Why are we not building a new education building as we discussed?  How did that switch happen?
After months of church-wide discussion and with the help of architect Jack Duran, we decided on a master plan for our facilities that would help us live out our mission of building disciples on the cornerstone of Jesus Christ.  Originally, we planned for Phase 1 to include a much-needed new education building.   We hired out Horizons Stewardship Co. to help us discern how much money we could expect to raise and to help us raise the funds for our Phase I building project.

After a thorough feasibility study, it was clear that we could not afford to build the education building and keep our debt at a manageable level.  However, we could address five other pressing needs, including a welcome center and the identified maintenance and renovation projects, which could help our church be more inviting to guests and more comfortable for members.  These projects have become Phase I of our master plan.  The new education building is still part of the overall master plan.

What is a "Connection Center"?  And why do we need it?
FUMC's Connection Center will serve as the new "face" of our church.  It is a place to welcome all who enter.  Currently, when someone new comes to the church they may not be sure where to enter.  And that is understandable, since which door you enter depends on where you are headed!  Is it worship in the Sanctuary, adult Sunday school, or the Fellowship Hall?

The new Connection Center will literally be a connection point for all ministries.  Picture it as the primary entry point for the church with a receptionist and welcome desk, opportunities for ministry and mission highlighted,  and a gathering place before and after worship for fellowship and conversation.  It truly connects people with each other and with the heart of God at FUMC Katy.

Does this campaign take the place of our annual pledge drive?
No.  We will hold our annual pledge campaign this spring to support the operating expenses of the church.  The Connect! Campaign asks us to support these special projects in addition to our regular financial support of the church's ministry.

Do I have to pay my pledge all at one time?  What if I need to adjust my pledge?
Your pledge is for three years.  It can be paid all at once, annually, monthly or weekly.  You have discretion over how you pay your pledge.  Any pledge can be adjusted at any time should your financial situation change.

Who will establish the priorities for spending once we know the results of the Connect! Capital Campaign?
How much we do will depend on how much we raise and how much debt we decide is within responsible limits for our church.  Nothing will be built without approval of a Church Conference.  After the commitments are received, the Building Committee will make recommendations to the Church Council who will decide the priorities for the use of the funds to complete these projects.  The Church Council will then make a recommendation to the church for approval at a Church Conference.  These meetings will be well publicized, and input will be sought from the congregation prior to final recommendations.

Our last building program (Family Life Center) left us with a large debt that we had difficulty repaying.   Are we going to take on debt with this building program?
The decision about amount of debt load depends on: (1) the results of the capital campaign (the more we raise, the less unfunded expenditures we'll have), (2) which components of the renovations we decide to undertake (see previous question for the process of setting priorities), and (3) the level of debt our church decides is prudent to tolerate.  Because the estimated costs of the projects total $3 million, we do anticpate unfunded expenditures.  If we keep these unfunded costs to $1.5 million or less, they can feasibly be eliminated in a single, follow-up, debt retirement campaign held three years from now.  If the church decides to hold such a campaign, the debt load can potentially be eliminated without affecting the operating budget of the church.  Retiring the debt on this timeline also reduces the amount of interest paid and frees the church to address the next phases of the master plan debt-free.

What approvals are necessary for the building program?
Final construction and financing plans will be approved by the District Board of Church Location and Building as well as by a Church Conference, in which professing members of the congregation have a vote.