CAPITAL CAMPAIG Q & A

Transcription

1 Volume 34, Issue 5 The Congregational Church of Needham, Massachusetts, UCC May, 2011 CAPITAL CAMPAIG Q & A As we begin to consider the capital campaign, many people have questions. That is a great thing. It means that we are really engaging in this possibility as a congregation. Answers to some of the questions we ve been hearing are below. We hope you will continue to ask questions as we travel on this journey together. What is behind the idea of doing a capital campaign? The Church Board is now in its third year of existence and has been listening to members of the church, the committees and staff. The Board is in a unique position to have a big picture view of what is going on in the church. They have gathered three main messages that form the basis of why we need to embark on a capital campaign. 1. Our covenant says we are welcome to all; but our building does not say welcome. The Deacons have been concerned about the fact that we are not completely up to code on our handicap accessibility, making our church less than welcoming to this segment of the community. The Deacons worked with an expert on handicap accessibility to study how we can improve in this area, and they reported to the Board on their findings. Our building s ramps are not up to code. Our bathrooms are not handicap accessible. Once inside the building, a person in a wheelchair cannot easily move between floors. The capital campaign would address these needs. 2. The Green Church Task Force came to the Church Board concerned about energy efficiency in our building. They had a proposal to put solar panels on our roof. The Board studied this idea and discovered that solar panels are only cost effective when the building is not leaking out the heat that is generated by them. Our doors and windows leak so badly that they are the first priority. This winter, one of our radiators froze and caused considerable water damage because a nearby door let in too much cold air. The capital campaign would support our green church goals. Will our congregation support a Capital Campaign? The Church has hired Capital Campaign Feasibility Consultant Robyn Provis from Kairos and Associates ( Her job is to interview many of our members to see what their questions, ideas and concerns may be about the capital campaign. Robyn is a professional with experience in stewardship development, communications and pastoral ministry. Robyn will spend time with us from Thurs, April 28-Sun, May 1. We hope that everyone who is interested in the church s future will find time to talk with Robyn, ask questions and give feedback. We have arranged three general meeting times for anyone who is interested. Meetings will take place in the Reception Room: General Focus Group Times: Fri, April 29, 4:30pm Sat, April 30, 2pm Sun, May 1, 1pm If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by calling the church office ( ) or sending an to office2@needhamucc.org. 3. The building manager has come to the Church Board to report that the building has about $500,000 of deferred maintenance. We have leaking roofs that cause unsightly stains on the ceiling and other water damage. We have rotting wood on windows, gutters and the steeple. We have decorative woodwork that is literally crumbling over the front door of the church. Our heating system is costly and inefficient. The list goes on. The Capital Campaign would provide us with the funds to make these repairs and improvements. Why embark on a Capital Campaign now? We have put off many of these maintenance issues for years, partly because of budgetary reasons, partly because we weren t sure where to start. The price tag for repairs and improvements is only going to climb higher. The Board has gotten a clearer picture of what the priorities are and it is time to start taking care of the most threatening building issues and work down the list from there. As part of the improvements, we can incorporate the handicap access and greener church aspects. (Continued on page 6)

2 2 FOCUS, May 2011 A Message from the Senior Minister.. There is a Greek proverb that says, A civilization flourishes when people plant trees under whose shade they will never sit. What is true for civilizations is also true for churches. Churches flourish when they plan for a future that many of us can only see dimly. Our church is strong today because visionary people have worshipped here for 300 years. Needham was established the moment the Parish Congregational Church was founded in Our church is flourishing today because for centuries now farmers and craftsmen, business people and teachers have brought their families to worship. They baptized their children and buried their loved ones through the Parish Church. They shared communion over the years. When our congregational forebears were voted out of the church by the Unitarians, they did not give up on faith. They moved and built a new church on Chapel Street. When fires ravaged the church, they re-built it. Year after year, they made sure this church would be here for us. The vibrancy of our church combines what we bring with what they left for us. There is no way to re-pay the families who have built this church those who watered this soil with their tears and left the echoes of their hymns in the rafters. The only way to show our gratitude is to pay it forward. We did not earn this church, but we can be worthy of this gift of faith, handed down over generations, by making sure that the church we leave will be strong for the future. In a time when many churches are not surviving, we have a unique mission to make sure that our church lives on. It is our strong commitment to the future that compels our Church Board to take the first steps in preparing for a Capital Campaign. This weekend, you can help the church take the next step. The Board has engaged Rev. Dr. Robyn Provis, a minister with a background in marketing, to do a capital campaign feasibility study. It is one way to hear from you. What do you treasure about our church? What is your vision for the church going forward? I hope that you will pray for the church this weekend, and I also hope you will take some time to talk to Robyn about your hopes and dreams for our church. Peace, Rev. Susan ~The only way to show our gratitude is to pay it forward. ~ May Sermon Theme: Stewards of the Earth May 1: Rev. Susan Cartmell preaching. What Does Jesus Say: Consider the Lilies, Matthew 6: May 8: Bible Sunday & Mother s Day. Rev. Susan Cartmell preaching. What Does the Bible Say About the Earth? May 15: Youth Musical, Joseph: From the Pit to the Palace, during worship presented by the Joyful Noise and Hallelujah youth choirs led by Youth Choir Director Joy Emerson Brewer. May 22: Rev. Susan Cartmell preaching. What Does God Require of Us? May 29: Rev. Jamie Green preaching. E pluribus unum Focus is published once a month. Contributions from all members and friends of the Church are warmly invited. Please submit materials by to office@needhamucc.org. DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE Sunday, May 22, 2011 Focus is edited by Christine Edmonds. Many thanks go to this issue s production team: Jean Andrews Gail Browne Adele Chang Hiroko Hardeck Betty Peterson Joan Dimond The Congregational Church of Needham United Church of Christ 1154 Great Plain Avenue Needham, MA tel fax office@needhamucc.org The Rev. Susan Cartmell, Senior Minister The Rev. Heike Werder, Associate Minister Christine Edmonds, Administrator Bobby DeRegis, Director of Music Ministries Joy Emerson Brewer, Director of Youth Music Rev. Jamie Green, Director of Youth Ministries Heather Clarke, Office Assistant Doris D. Cook, Volunteer Office Assistant

3 3 FOCUS, May FOCUS, May 2011 Youth Musical Sunday is May 15 During Worship, 10am Your Joyful oise and Hallelujah Choir present: Children and adults of all ages are invited to attend a special worship service on Sunday, May 15 at 10am featuring our annual youth musical. Instead of a sermon, the congregation will be treated to Joseph, from the Pit to the Palace, a lively musical about the life of Joseph and his family, and, of course, that amazing coat of many colors! Created and written by Jimmy and Gail Getzen, this upbeat musical will please little kids and grandparents alike. Join us for this entertaining performance and bring your friends! 2011 Vacation Bible School Is June 27- July 1, 2011! Sign up for this summer s Vacation Bible School! Using the brand new UCC-specific curriculum, Faith Practices, your kids will experience living and playing joyfully as a disciple of Christ. Director of Youth Music Joy Emerson Brewer will lead children, age 3-year-old through entering 5 th grade, on a fun-filled week of games, songs, and stories. Written for a smaller audience, this curriculum lends itself to growing bonds with children of multiple ages. Some of the activities are, indeed, age specific, yet others will count on our older elementary-aged youth to lead our youngest members in fun, worthwhile activities. The fee for all five days is $75 for the first child and $60 for the second child, with a $150 maximum per family. Applications are available in the church office or can be e- mailed to you if you call the church office, We are also looking for high school and adult volunteers to make this program a success. Call the church office or Joy at sopranojoy@gmail.com with any questions you might have and to let us know if you can help. Women s Retreat, May 6 & 7 Space is still available, act now! 23 wonderful women have signed up for the Women s Retreat. We have a few more spaces available for this getaway from Friday, May 6 to Saturday, May 7 at the Craigville Conference Center on Cape Cod. The theme is Power, Love And a Sound Mind (based on 2 Timothy 1: 5-7), reclaiming our God-given gifts. Join us for spiritual renewal, fellowship, food and fun! The cost per person is $95 for the overnight and three meals. Contact Rev. Heike Werder (revheike@needhamucc.org) to sign up In the Parish ew Members: In March, we welcomed two new member families into our congregation. Look for their photos on the bulletin board in the narthex and be sure to say hello when you see them! Amy and Steven Massey :Amy and her husband Steven have been living in Needham for seven years. Steven is safety director for Bond Brothers Construction Company and Amy is home with Maya, age 5, and Emilia, age 3. David and Kellie Marshall: David and Kellie have lived in Needham for about a year. Kellie is an operations analyst at Computer Associates in Framingham and David is a patient accounts specialist at Newton Wellesley Internists. Deaths: R. Todd Pratt, died April 6, Survived by his wife, Nancy. Address: SE River Road, #2085, Portland, OR Men s Breakfast on Sunday, May 15 We continue our quest for the Perfect Religion at our breakfast with a homework assignment: Bring a tenet or belief from another religion that is meaningful to you but lacking or underemphasized in our tradition. Our April Breakfast featured some fascinating discussion on the importance of community in nurturing faith, paths to achieving spirituality, and how spirituality influences the way we live. As expected, we haven t solved anything yet but that s not stopping us from trying! Join us at 8:15am for fellowship and breakfast or by 9am for the discussion. For more information, contact Dave Rhoads (oldvid@verizon.net).

4 4 FOCUS, May 2011 Chapel Sunday, Bible Sunday, and the Youth Musical are just a few fun events coming our way in May and June. See the schedule below. Childcare for infants through kindergarten-age children will be available EVERY Sunday. Christian Education ews..... Teacher Appreciation Luncheon You re Invited Who: All teachers, assistants, childcare providers, crib/ toddler caregivers for the school year (and their families!) What: Teacher Appreciation Luncheon Where: Linden Hall When: Sunday, May 1, after worship Why: The Christian Education committee wants to thank all of you for giving your time and talent to our Sunday school program. RSVP: Please RSVP to the e-vite notice you received via . Or contact Rev. Heike at (revheike@needhamucc.org). May 1 is a Chapel service for all kids in grade 1-6. The children will join their parents for communion in the Sanctuary during the middle hymn. Preschool and kindergarten age children can join Cici Hunt on the lower level for a music program. May 8 is Bible Sunday. Our kindergartners are getting their first Bibles (The Children s Illustrated Bible) and our 4 th graders are getting a grown-up Bible (New Revised Standard Version). We are also giving Bibles to the children in our Walker School class. Sunday school will begin after the Bible presentations. May 15 is Youth Musical Sunday. Everyone is invited to stay in church for this year s musical, Joseph: From the Pit to the Palace. Kids of all ages will enjoy this entertaining play. See page 3 of this newsletter for details. Childcare will be available downstairs. May 22: Last day of Sunday School. All kids leave for their final class after the Time for Children. May 30: Memorial Day Weekend. Childcare available downstairs during the worship service. YOUTH GROUP NEWS Youth Group Update: The Senior High Youth Group has been preparing for their Summer Mission Trip to Mississippi to rebuild homes that were damaged in Hurricane Katrina by watching the Spike Lee documentary, "When the Levees Broke." In addition, they helped plan and lead a chapel service for the younger kids on April 3. Both Youth Groups participated in a Pennies War; the Junior High Youth group beat out the Senior High Youth group in this loose change collection with a unique set of rules. The Junior High Youth will receive all $300 raised for their fundraising account and will celebrate with a pizza party on May 15. In addition, both youth groups participated in a Passover Seder to experience the traditional Jewish holiday meal where Jesus shared bread with his disciples (what we now call communion). The youth also helped lead and organize the Easter Egg Hunt. A big thank you to everyone who donated candy and eggs for this year s successful hunt. Looking forward, the Junior High Youth Group invites all current 5th graders to come to "5th graders welcome party" on May 22. There will be make-your-own ice cream sundaes and lots of fun games and activities. Youth Sunday will be June 5th, and will feature the Shepherd's Staff choir, the Youth Worship Band, and Reflections from Seniors. Calendar: April 30-May 1: Junior High Lock-in Overnight May 1: 9:30am: Sr. High Youth Lounge 6pm: Youth Worship Band Practice 7-8:30pm: Sr High Youth Group No Junior High Youth Group May 8: 9:30am: Sr. High Youth Lounge No Jr or Sr High Youth Groups. Happy Mother's Day! May 15: No Lounge; Meet in Sanctuary for Youth Musical 5-6:30pm: Jr High Youth Group PIZZA PARTY 6pm: Youth Worship Band Practice 7-8:30pm: Sr High Youth Group (8th graders invited to visit this meeting) May 22: 9:30am: Lounge 5-6:30pm: Jr High Youth Group's "5th grade welcome party!" 6pm: Youth Worship Band Practice 7-8:30pm: Sr High Youth Group May 29: Memorial Day Weekend No Lounge: Come hear Jamie preach in the Sanctuary No Jr or Sr High Youth Group meetings.

5 5 FOCUS, May 2011 During the recent Guatemala Servathon, 12 sponsored workers cleaned out two large storage areas at the church, raked and cleaned the grounds at Needham Community Council, and picked up litter at the Needham Junction. Thanks to all who supported us so generously. We hope you will join us for two more exciting spring events, which give us the chance to enjoy the community both within and outside our church: LATI DA CE WORKSHOP & SILE T AUCTIO SU DAY, MAY 1, 3-5 pm Sabrina Aviles, artistic director of the Flamenco Dance Project, and guitarist Juanito Pascual will lead us in a beginners workshop for Latin dance. Learn salsa, meringue and more in a fun relaxed atmosphere perfect for the whole family. This event, in Fellowship Hall, also includes a demonstration of Flamenco dance and guitar, a silent auction (including Guatemalan handicrafts, vacation homes, sports tickets, and services from our 7th-8th grade students), homebaked desserts, and a dance contest. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 children (family max of $30), available at the door. Proceeds support education in Santa Maria Tzeja. GUATEMALA YARD SALE SAT, MAY 14 DO ATIO S A D VOLU TEERS EEDED! WHE : Saturday, May 14, 9am 2pm WHERE: The Fisk's (369 Manning St., Needham) ITEMS WA TED: Virtually anything in good, working condition: Children s Equipment and Toys, Sporting Goods, Household items, Small Appliances, Electronics, Bicycles, Collectibles, Jewelry, Books, DVD's, Small/medium furniture (including patio furn.), Tools, etc. (NO clothing, no TV's or computers). For larger items or questions, call Brenda Metzler (781) DROP-OFF DATES: MONDAY, May 9th (8 am-8 pm daily) to FRIDAY NOON (May 13th), space allowing. Plan to drop off items early to assure that your 'treasures' fit into the Fisk's garage! VOLU TEERS EEDED: For sorting and pricing, weekdays (9am-5pm), Tues-Fri, May (Volunteer Special: Sort/price for 2 hours minimum, and you can make pre-sale purchases). For Sale Day, Sat. 5/14, workers needed from 7am to 4pm. Call or Brenda to help (bmetzler7@verizon.net). PART ER FAMILY LETTERS will be distributed after church on May 1st in Fellowship Hall. If the delegation was able to visit your family, your letter may include a photo of your family as well as a brief write-up of our visit! LOOKI G FOR A GIFT IDEA? for teachers, graduates, family or friends? Look beyond traditional gifts and consider an alternative gift of a donation to Santa Maria Tzejá, our partner village in Guatemala. It s a great way to honor someone and give something very meaningful - the gift of education to the village. Look for more info at Coffee Hour or contact Sarah Libbey (phone: ; sarahlibbey@comcast.net). Outreach News Walker School Honors Jean Veigas and the church: This church community has played a significant role in the lives of many of the Walker School s children. Since 2000, more than 50 children have directly benefited from the Church Buddy Program which is coordinated under church member Jean Veigas tireless and inspiring leadership. On Saturday, May 7, at The Walker School s annual gala, Jean and the church s Buddy program will be recognized with the Outstanding Volunteer Organization award. Jean will retire from her leadership role this year and this award was created specifically to honor her work on this program. Rev. Heike will attend this event with Jean and Travis Veigas. Outreach voted to allocate $1500 (including $800 from the Church Fair) as a special gift to the Walker School in honor of Jean. VIP program of eedham Youth Board: Outreach allocated $2350 to support the initiation of a non-academic mentoring program in Needham. The program will match high school mentors with younger kids. Look for news of this program in the local paper. Youth Drop-In Center Update The church has been exploring the possibility of starting a Youth Drop-In Center at the church starting in September The Center will provide supervised time for enrichment and recreation in the after school hours for all Needham sixth graders. A Youth Center Steering Committee was formed: members are Diana Conroy, Kellie Marshall, Heather Salerno, and Barbara Suarez. The committee developed a survey for parents of current 4th and 5th graders to get a sense of the need for such a program. They have received over 50 responses, all very supportive of the program, and are analyzing the results in order to determine the logistics of the program. They are also looking to find more funding and donated materials for the center, advertising in local newspapers, and developing registration materials for early registration in May and June. Stay tuned for more information in the next FOCUS.

6 6 FOCUS, May 2011 Capital Campaign Q & A (cont d from page 1) Why did you hire an architect? We sought the advice of Colin Smith of Colin Smith Architecture to get some ideas on how to make the building handicap accessible, as well as more energy-efficient. Colin also helped with a full building audit of our electrical, heating and plumbing systems. It makes sense and saves money to address all these building issues at once. Colin has also helped us to recognize safety issues we had overlooked. We wanted a professional to help us prioritize the needs of the building and develop a plan that made the most sense and could help us save money. Why involve the parking lot? You cannot ignore parking when you consider handicap access. When Colin was considering parking, he showed us the dangers in our parking lot: the playground entrance cuts across the traffic patterns. His plan addresses this, a situation he considers to be quite serious. We plan to consult with the families that made the contributions to these projects to make sure they agree to have the funds used in this way. Should we be fixing our building when there are so many people we could help with this money? Our building is in such bad shape, we are courting trouble. We hope these improvements will enable us to welcome more people, so we can continue to pursue our goals, and help even more people. We hope this article answers some of your questions, and we invite you to attend one of the focus groups listed on page one for more information. Or contact Rev. Susan at or via at revsusan@needhamucc.org. What about the other building projects, such as the memorial garden or the chapel renovations, that haven t happened yet? That is a fair question. The difference now is that we have a Church Board in place that has financial oversite of all our assets property, finances and endowment. The Board also has the responsibility to evaluate our overall needs, to set priorities, and focus our resources. So when we make a decision at the Board level, we are taking all aspects of the church s well being into consideration. We hope to incorporate some ideas from the memorial garden and the chapel project into the phases of this current project. (cont d in next column) THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF NEEDHAM, UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 1154 Great Plain Avenue Needham, Massachusetts Artist s rendering of the church with suggested improvements. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Needham, Mass. Permit No Nonprofit Organization