Local Church Campaign Overview. for Pastors, Administrative Boards & Lay Leaders

Transcription

1 Local Church Campaign Overview for Pastors, Administrative Boards & Lay Leaders

2 United Methodist Conference, Camp & Retreat Ministry Mission The mission of Blue Lake is to be a center of Christian hospitality and learning designed to help people affirm and expand their faith in God and their service as Christian disciples. Blue Lake will Core Values Be an intentional place apart Extend genuine Christian hospitality and community Nurture Christian faith and discipleship Develop Christian spiritual leaders Teach creation care and appreciation Collaborate with United Methodist churches and agencies Equip guests to do love and service Founded in 1951, Blue Lake is a ministry of the Alabama West Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and is an Advance Special Charity.

3 CONTENTS Letter from the Campaign Chair 1 Blue Lake Campaign Leaders 2 Information in Two Phases 3 The Case for Support 4 Goals & Priorities 7 Giving Models for Local Church Goals 9 One Church s Campaign Timeline 16 Questions & Answers 17 How You Can Help 18 Appendices Phase Two Church Campaign Kit Information Sample Resolution to Participate for Churches Report & Material Order Form for Churches Personal Pledge/Gift Form for Individuals

4 REV. DR. J. GORMAN HOUSTON, III Campaign Chair August 30, 2007 Dear Friends, What a great joy it is to be a part of the new vision for Blue Lake! Our Assembly Grounds have served us well over these fifty-six years, and we are grateful for every life touched by the grace of Jesus Christ at that sacred site. With the help and support of churches and individuals across this conference, Blue Lake Conference, Camp and Retreat Ministry will serve us well as we move forward in faith. Please take time to review this material to catch a glimpse of the new vision for our beloved Blue Lake; to see the possibilities of a comprehensive camping and retreat ministry in our conference; and, to find ways you may help bring about this bold vision. As we live out the Great Commission and seek to engage persons of all ages in the life-transforming work of God, Blue Lake has an important role to play. I invite you to join my family and my church as together we all bring about a new day at Blue Lake. Blessings, $3 Million Gorman Houston Blue Lake Campaign Chair $1,059,400 P. S. I am proud to announce that as of this date, $1,059,400 in gifts and pledges have been received toward our $3 million Blue Lake Campaign base goal 1

5 BLUE LAKE CAMPAIGN LEADERS Campaign Executive Aldersgate United Methodist Church Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster Committee Rev. Randy Woodham Alabama West Florida Annual Conference Rev. Dr. J. Gorman Houston, III Montgomery Prattville District Chair Earl Green Prattville First United Methodist Church Spanish Fort United Methodist Church Campaign Chair Dauphin Way United Methodist Church M. Scott Gilpin Ed Hand Campaign Director Foley United Methodist Church Clay Carnathan Stewardship Resources for United Methodists Leadership Division Chair Bill Hill Ft. Walton Beach First United Methodist Church Board of Trustees Thomasville United Methodist Church Terry DuBose Rev. Winston Dow Jay Major Gifts Chair Terry DuBose, Chair Adams Chapel, Rocky Mount & Texasville Woodlawn United Methodist Church Woodlawn United Methodist Church United Methodist Churches Rev. William E. Elwell James Powell, Vice Chair Virginia Lindley Corporations & Foundations Chair Prattville First United Methodist Church Woodlawn United Methodist Church Opelika First United Methodist Church Lynn Hamric, Secretary Eliese McAllister Emily Garner Centreville United Methodist Church Spanish Fort United Methodist Church Children & Youth Division Chair Fairhope United Methodist Church E. E. Anthony, Jr., Treasurer Rev. T. Grant Parker, Sr. Andalusia First United Methodist Church Rev. Dr. Edward R. Glaize Gulfview United Methodist Church Baypines District Chair Rev. Glenn A. Butler, Clergy Rev. Clyde Pressley, Jr. Brewton First United Methodist Church Representative AWF Conference Disaster Recovery Ministry Bill Hill St. Luke United Methodist Church Rev. Charles W. Price, Jr. Demopolis District Chair Jenean McCawley, Lay Headland United Methodist Church Thomasville United Methodist Church Representative Rev. Dr. John Ed Mathison Rev. David W. Warren Kingswood United Methodist Church First United Methodist Church of Panama City Campaign Chaplain Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church Rev. Pamela Barnhardt Rev. Robert N. West First United Methodist Church of Monroeville Harry Millsaps DeFuniak Springs United Methodist Church Blue Lake Emmaus Campaign Chair Marie Bird Edna Williams Point Washington United Methodist Church Ariton First United Methodist Church Bowen United Methodist Church Rev. Cory R. Smith Jo Blount Montgomery Opelika District Chair Rev. Dric Douglas Williford Dauphin Way United Methodist Church Woodland United Methodist Church Greenville First United Methodist Church Jim Busby Rev. Jeff R. Spiller Mary Esther United Methodist Church Mobile District Chair Executive Staff Christ United Methodist Church Clay Carnathan Ft. Walton Beach First United Methodist Church Chaplain M. Keron Vickers, Jr. Rev. Dr. Timothy H. Thompson Executive Director Church Division Co-Chair Rev. Walker Epps Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church Superintendent, Marianna Panama City District Davy R. Helms Assistant Director of Development Rev. Dr. Wesley H. Wachob Dr. John E. Fountain Church Division Co-Chair Crestview First United Methodist Church Rev. K. Leigh Meekins Pensacola First United Methodist Church Director of Programming Rev. Molly Ann Estes Fulford Rev. David W. Warren Calvert & McIntosh United Methodist Churches Lisa Smith Mariana Panama City District Chair Registrar First United Methodist Church of Panama City Emily Garner Rev. Robin Crews Wilson Fairhope United Methodist Church General Division Chair 2

6 INFORMATION IN TWO PHASES The suggested plan for local church campaigns will come to you in two phases. Phase One is an introduction to local church campaigns beginning at Annual Conference. Phase Two is the complete local church campaign kit, which will be available to your church beginning in August. Phase One information is intended for use by your church s governing bodies. As such, it is presented in a format similar to that of other items calling for discussion and action that an administrative board may be used to seeing. Phase One packet of information includes: A case statement or argument for support, laying out Blue Lake s vision for the future A description of the ministry s priority projects Giving models that suggest campaign goals for churches of varying sizes, with gift levels necessary to achieve each goal A suggested Church Campaign Timeline A Sample Resolution to Participate in the Campaign for Blue Lake Reporting & Materials Order form A Personal Pledge & Gift form A Phase Two Campaign Kit Information Phase Two materials will be made available to you beginning in September in a format that is more personalized, colorful, creative and compelling. These materials are intended to be seen and read by all individuals in your church as they consider making their gifts or pledges to their local Blue Lake Campaign. As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:

7 THE CASE FOR SUPPORT What happens at Blue Lake does not stay there. More souls have had a significant faith-shaping experience at Blue Lake than at any other venue in our Conference. Since its founding in 1951, almost 500,000 participants have attended more than 4,200 events. Almost every United Methodist organization in the Conference and many ecumenical groups have utilized Blue Lake. The number of those called to the ministry while at Blue Lake is significant. The encounters that generations of United Methodists have had there lie deep in their souls, and are often held up as part of the fundamental building blocks of their very being. Riding home from camp with my minister father I answered his questions about the week s happenings by stating that I was suffering from mosquito bites; my cabin did not win any neatness awards; and I now understood more about Christ. What really happened so many years ago around that campfire? A little boy said Yes to the hand of God that was laid upon his life. Former Camper & Present Leader Making Disciples for Jesus Christ Blue Lake extends the reach of the local church. Participants in programs at Blue Lake form unique communities that inspire faithful practice of the Christian life. Children, youth and adults find camping and retreats to be powerful faith-forming experiences in the context of Christian community. Camp provides a kind of laboratory for the practice of one s faith in concrete ways. Whether camp is a person s first exposure to the Christian faith, or a continuation of learning and development, the experience of camp allows young and old to grow and be challenged in their life decisions. Blue Lake provides a doorway for people from all backgrounds to connect with the United Methodist Church. It creates leadership opportunities for those seeking ways to minister to the world. Living in a Christian Community & Facing Our Fear of the Stranger Camp is a great leveler. At camp we meet face-to-face, live with, and overcome our fear of differences with persons from diverse backgrounds beyond our local community. It is a simple temporary gathering where economic differences fade and where prejudices can be challenged as new friendships are formed in an intentional Christian community. 4

8 Camp clearly focuses our attention upon the needs of children. Christian camping has proven to be a setting where the needs of the poor can be addressed, while offering them a new vision of hope. Additionally, congregations facing issues of significant transition and rebirth can be vitally supported in that process through retreats and camps. These isolated temporary systems inspire persons to explore and rehearse new ways of living in community, new avenues of working together, and new means of responding to God's call. Developing Spiritual Leaders It has been the tradition in Christian camping and the passion of staff and volunteers to work with God to identify, nurture, and call persons to lay and ordained spiritual leadership. There is no better setting to equip disciples for mission and ministry in connection with mission agencies and local opportunities to serve in the world. Teaching Creation Care in an Environmental Treasure The value of Blue Lake is inestimable. The beauty of the outdoors helps create an environment where people can gather in faith and focus on their spiritual journeys. Benefiting from fifty-six years of sacrifice and commitment by many kind and generous souls, Blue Lake enjoys an ideal camp location surrounded and protected by the 96,000 acre Conecuh National Forest. Today it would be an expensive endeavor, indeed, to buy 300 such acres in the middle of a national forest. Rich with wildlife and fauna, Blue Lake and the surrounding forest is a rare preserve offering a study in the diverse ecosystems of the region. It is a natural haven that inspires a sense of awe and wonder at God s work, and serves as a perfect backdrop to teach proper stewardship of God s gifts to us. Why is it so important for camps and retreats to be more involved in this endeavor, and why should congregations and conferences recognize and value these centers that they have established even more than they do now? Simply put impact. The number of UM church leaders who point to camps and retreats as key turning points in their faith journey and as settings where they gleaned important leadership skills needs to be recognized. General Board of Discipleship 5

9 Anew day is dawning at Blue Lake. There is a growing, developing vision for the future of this ministry. Blue Lake has an opportunity to make a significant stride forward toward fulfilling its mission, but time is of the essence. Blue Lake s leaders realize that they must proactively go to those responsible for nurturing spiritual leaders and offer creative support and partnering. It is vital to the well being of the denomination and the wider community. Successful United Methodist conference, camp and retreat ministries are becoming close working partners with their conferences, districts and churches. Conference, camp and retreat ministries are partnering with church start-ups to provide significant early defining experiences for new congregations and their leaders. The Blue Lake Campaign positions this ministry to become the partner our Conference needs in its endeavor to win souls to Christ and expand the spiritual life of those who are already Christians. Dr. Steve Furr, Past Chair Blue Lake Board of Trustees Christian camps are hosting creative program offerings for families, children, and youth such as basketball camps, multi-day wilderness hiking and camping, parent/child introductory one-night sleepovers, mountain bike excursions, women s conferences, men s weekend fishing retreats, meaningful retreats for clergy and their spouses, and events for the young at heart. Camp and retreat ministries can be very effective partners with the Church by being much more intentional about identifying and nurturing persons for spiritual leadership, especially youth and young adults, as once was the case. The vision for the future of Blue Lake includes a pristine setting; the exemplary modeling of Christian hospitality by a professional staff and well-trained volunteers; and, most importantly, the ministry s unique capacity to combine the transforming elements of the Christian life. These elements, competently presented, make Blue Lake priceless. With your help, Blue Lake will continue to build communities that represent the kingdom of God, nurturing them in Christian love, and helping them grow into capable and committed leaders for our church and world. The opportunities to reach out to diverse populations of the Alabama West Florida region, coupled with the environmental wealth of the property, work together to make Blue Lake a true treasure of United Methodists in this conference. 6

10 GOALS & PRIORITIES The Blue Lake Campaign seeks $3 million to renovate and expand camp, conference and retreat facilities. The effect of our gifts to this ministry will help redefine the Blue Lake Experience by creating a venue for unparalleled opportunities for touching lives. Gifts will fund the following priorities: Four New Cabins Dogwood Camp 3500 square foot, air-conditioned cabins capable of meeting a wide range of smaller group retreat requirements. Each cabin sleeps 36 in two separate dorms, with separate bathrooms. Common area includes complete kitchen. Wheelchair accessible. Estimated cost: $ 1,254,000 Nine Renovated Cabins Pinewood Camp Air-conditioned and painted inside and out, Pinewood Boys and Girls cabins have new expanded bathrooms with three showers and sinks. Wheelchair accessible. Estimated cost: $ 445,000 Pool House The new E. E. Anthony Swimming Pool will now include a 950 square foot pool house with separate dressing rooms and shower facilities for boys and girls. Wheelchair accessible. Oakwood Lodge Renovation Renovation includes new HVAC systems throughout the facility, a new roof, replacement of all exterior wood doors and exterior cleaning and painting. Kitchen will be upgraded to provide central food preparation for the entire camp. Estimated cost: $ 572,000 Wesley Chapel Renovation Oakwood Lodge Renovation to include new lighting, new roof, replacement of exterior wood, interior and exterior painting, new HVAC system, and an enclosed hallway and storage area that enables traffic to pass around the meeting space. Estimated cost: $ 198,000 7

11 Oakwood Gym Renovation Upgraded flexible space able to accommodate a wide range of new programming opportunities. Renovation includes new HVAC system; exterior and interior painting and repairs; brick exterior wall; projection screens and A/V enhancements; multi-use floor; movable interior curtains for acoustic improvement; and, 700 padded stackable chairs. Estimated cost: $ 275,000 Main Entrance & Campus-wide Signage A consistent, attractive scheme for all signs on campus will provide a welcoming beginning to every visitor s experience and make the camp user friendly. Traffic control signs, directional signs for campus crossroads, registration and building labeling will be added. E ti t d t $ Landscaping & Painting Landscaping includes brush control and deadfall removal; 3 large white sand beaches with six new swimming platforms; 2 new docks; 2 new sand volleyball courts; 3 new horseshoe pitches; and, repairs to Vesper Points. Consistent campus paint scheme. Estimated cost: $ 101,000 A further $2 million in needs have been identified in the Master Plan. Once the initial priorities outlined above are funded, the following second tier priorities are available. New Multi-use Chapel & Large Meeting Facility Quality meeting space is in demand at Blue Lake. An appropriate center for worship capable of seating 350 with a flexible interior design that affords a view of Blue Lake will be built. The facility will include an atrium, meeting rooms and A/V enhancements. Wheelchair accessible. E ti t d t $ New Welcome & Registration Center with Administrative Offices A new welcome center will provide an attractive, easily accessible registration area for Oakwood Lodge, and will centrally locate staff to improve service and camp security. MINISTRY GOALS & PRIORITIES Estimated cost: $ 200,000 8

12 STANDARDS OF GIVING IN THE CHURCH CAMPAIGN The following chart illustrates the size and number of gifts and pledges necessary from churches in the Alabama West Florida Conference if the remaining $2 million of the $3 million base goal is to be raised over a three year period. All gifts, no matter their size, are greatly appreciated and of enormous help and encouragement to all endeavoring to build the Blue Lake ministry. Please consider helping your church set a own goal for its Blue Lake Campaign contribution by exploring the possibilities and needs shown in the following illustration. Number of Church Donors Amount Over 3 + Years Total Added Total Added % Total 1 100, ,000 $ 100,000 5% 3 75, , , , , , , , , , , ,000 48% 15 20, ,000 1,290, , ,000 1,540,000 76% 35 5, ,000 1,715, , ,000 1,850, ,500 82,500 1,932, ,500 2,000, % 274 $2,000,000 $2,000, % 9

13 GIVING MODELS FOR LOCAL CHURCH GOALS There are several ways your church can support this campaign. Experience has shown, though, that the most effective local church fund-raising effort will include setting a goal; educating the congregation; seeking lead gifts and then issuing a general invitation to all in the church to contribute. The following Giving Models were created to help your church answer questions regarding your Blue Lake Campaign goal. Each chart demonstrates the various levels of giving that may be required by persons to meet a particular goal. The models were created using data from statistical tables in Conference materials and are divided into categories based on average worship attendance. The models make several assumptions which historically have proven to be accurate: Not everyone is willing or able to give money. We factored this in through the category Gifts of Prayer and by using Giving Units. Households of more than one person typically give as one Giving Unit. The models acknowledge this by using a percentage of average attendance (60%) to estimate the number of Giving Units. Typically, much of the goal will be achieved though a small number of larger gifts. The giving models recognize that some donors do not wish to pledge an amount over time, so one-time gifts equal approximately 45% of the campaign goal. Churches are encouraged to pay pledges out over three years or longer, if necessary. The models also include a children and youth fundraising category. Their involvement is important to Blue Lake and the campaign. Finally, the Leadership Churches Model (found on page 11) is different from the others in that it recognizes how some churches, regardless of their size, have the capacity, energy and passion whatever word you choose to achieve success in greater measures. 10

14 Model One Leadership Churches Total Participants 250 Actual Giving Units 150 Giving Units Type of Gift Amount Months Total One-Time Gifts 3 One-Time Gift $ 5, $ 15, One-Time Gift 2, , One-Time Gift 1, , One-Time Gift , One-Time Gift , Monthly Gifts 3 Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Other Gifts 100 Gifts of Prayer Gifts from Children and Youth and/or Fundraisers 2, Total $ 75,

15 Model Two Churches with Average Worship Attendance of 250 or More Total Participants 250 Actual Giving Units 150 Giving Units Type of Gift Amount Months Total One-Time Gifts 3 One-Time Gift $ 2, $ 7, One-Time Gift 1, , One-Time Gift , One-Time Gift , One-Time Gift , One-Time Gift , Monthly Gifts 3 Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Other Gifts 100 Gifts of Prayer Gifts from Children and Youth and/or Fundraisers 3, Total $ 40,

16 Model Three Churches with Average Worship Attendance of 150 or More Total Participants 150 Actual Giving Units 90 Giving Units Type of Gift Amount Months Total One-Time Gifts 1 One-Time Gift $ 2, $ 2, One-Time Gift 1, , One-Time Gift , One-Time Gift , One-Time Gift , One-Time Gift , Monthly Gifts 1 Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Other Gifts 60 Gifts of Prayer Gifts from Children and Youth and/or Fundraisers 1, Total $ 30,

17 Model Four Churches with Average Worship Attendance of 100 or More Total Participants 100 Actual Giving Units 60 Giving Units Type of Gift Amount Months Total One-Time Gifts 1 One-Time Gift $ 2, $ 2, One-Time Gift 1, , One-Time Gift , One-Time Gift , One-Time Gift One-Time Gift Monthly Gifts 1 Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Other Gifts 40 Gifts of Prayer Gifts from Children and Youth and/or Fundraisers Total $ 20,

18 Model Five Churches with Average Worship Attendance of 50 or More Total Participants 50 Actual Giving Units 30 Giving Units Type of Gift Amount Months Total One-Time Gifts 1 One-Time Gift 1, $ 1, One-Time Gift One-Time Gift One-Time Gift One-Time Gift Monthly Gifts 1 Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Monthly Gift , Other Gifts 20 Gifts of Prayer Gifts from Children and Youth and/or Fundraisers Total $ 10,

19 Model Six Churches with Average Worship Attendance of 49 or Less Total Participants 33 Actual Giving Units 16 Giving Units Type of Gift Amount Months Total One-Time Gifts 1 One-Time Gift 1, , One-Time Gift One-Time Gift One-Time Gift One-Time Gift Monthly Gifts 1 Monthly Gift Monthly Gift Monthly Gift Monthly Gift Other Gifts 17 Gifts of Prayer Gifts from Children and Youth and/or Fundraisers Total $ 5,

20 ONE CHURCH S CAMPAIGN TIMELINE This timeline provides suggestions on how to use the Campaign materials. You may find other ways to use them during your special campaign events. Use your creativity and your knowledge of your church to create a campaign that will help you meet your goal, and help United Methodists feel pride and ownership in the Blue Lake ministry. Obviously, children and youth are a significant part of Blue Lake s camp, conference, and retreat ministries. Studies have shown that camps and retreats have long been defining experiences that encourage participants to hear, respond and develop as spiritual leaders. In fact, study results show that the most effective setting for a singular spiritual growth experience is a camp and second is a retreat. Campaign materials are available to help your children and youth play a key role in the Blue Lake Campaign. First Week of a church s Blue Lake Campaign Church office mails letter from pastor, pledge envelope and color brochure to all constituent households. A children and youth campaign begins. Second Week Show Blue Lake Campaign video during worship services and distribute bulletin inserts. Conduct a Children s Camp Moment at the beginning of the service. Invite other church organizations to consider making a commitment to the campaign. Third Week Invite a speaker from Blue Lake Speakers Bureau to give a Blue Lake Ministry Moment during worship services. Place second insert in worship bulletin. Distribute giving model and pledge envelopes. Forth Week Offer people from your church the opportunity to share their "Blue Lake Story" during worship services. Place final insert in worship bulletin. Accept gifts and pledges during worship services. Children turn in Blue Lake Campaign banks. Church celebrates success! Fifth Week Mail thank-you letters to all donors. Mail letters to all other constituents giving directions for turning in gifts and pledges not offered the previous day. Sixth Week Complete campaign report form and mail to Blue Lake Campaign office. 17

21 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Q Q Q How soon do pledges need to be paid? Payment may be made over three years, longer terms are possible, if necessary. What if our church s financial commitments may not allow us to pay on a pledge this year? Since our campaign covers a three-year time period, a church s commitment today with a future starting date for payment would be wonderful. What if our church doesn t wish to conduct a local campaign in the form suggested by the giving models? May we raise funds for the Blue Lake Campaign in another way? The giving models represent one effective way a church can raise funds. Obviously, every church s fund-raising scheme must fit its current situation and priorities. Please know that your church s gift is of enormous help and encouragement, no matter how it is raised. Did you ask if I m going to give? Of course, I m going to give to Blue Lake! God lives at Blue Lake! Feasibility Study Participant Spring 2006 Q Why is the Blue Lake Campaign necessary? The Case for Support is a good place to begin for this answer. In short, Blue Lake must be the effective partner our conference, districts and local churches need. Today, more than ever, our churches and communities need a dynamic conference, camp and retreat ministry; and, the improvements to the campus will enable Blue Lake to broaden it programs. For more information on what is possible with camp and retreat ministries, please consider exploring or Q When was Blue Lake s last capital campaign? A campaign was announced in 1986 to help fund the last Oakwood Lodge expansion. Q Do Conference apportionments pay for Blue Lake? No, not entirely. Your church s support of the Blue Lake ministry through the apportionment process provides an important part of the annual budget. Last year s apportionment to Blue Lake made up 14% of the annual budget. Blue Lake is learning how to be less dependent upon apportionments and more entrepreneurial in its function. The ministry s first Director of Development has begun building a comprehensive development program to strengthen philanthropic support. 18

22 HOW YOU CAN HELP Your participation is vital. Our team stands ready to assist you and your church with tailoring a local campaign plan just right for your church s situation. Here is how you can help. Pray for the Blue Lake ministry and for its ability to change lives. Ask your Administrative Board to consider supporting a campaign for your church. Obviously, your church s decision makers support is crucial. Help your church set a Campaign Goal. This booklet includes several possible giving models to help your church determine an achievable goal. Return the Report & Material Order Form. Please include the name and contact information for your church s Campaign Chair and the quantities of materials you will need. Please make your pledge first. Pledges have been made by Blue Lake s campaign Leaders, Trustees and Staff. Your financial commitment as a church leader, coupled with the campaign leaders pledges already made, will provide strong encouragement for your members to give. Volunteer to be a District Vice-Chair. Nine (9) Vice-Chairs for each district will attend an Informational Meeting and the Prospect Selection and Volunteer Training Meeting. They will select a minimum of five (5) churches each, and encourage their support with assistance from the Campaign Staff. Lord, we praise your Holy Name. Grant us the courage to do your will. Help us share your love and the power of the Gospel with youth and adults. We dedicate this campaign to making disciples through greater hospitality at Blue Lake. Lord, may this project be blessed. Guide our plans, our steps, our giving and our words as we face large tasks with high hopes. Lord, please continue to preside over this Holy Ground. Bless it and expand it. Help us continue to change lives in the name of Jesus Christ. Prayer offered at recent committee meeting If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Gorman Houston Scott Gilpin Dauphin Way United Methodist Church Blue Lake 1507 Dauphin Street 8500 Oakwood Lane Mobile, Alabama Andalusia, Alabama ghouston@dauphinwayumc.org sgilpin@umstewardshipresources.org Office Blue Lake Office Birmingham Office Cellular Telephone 19

23 APPENDICES

24 PHASE TWO CHURCH CAMPAIGN KIT INFORMATION Beginning in September, Phase Two information a Blue Lake Campaign Kit is available to all churches in the conference who wish to give. Once your church has decided to participate, please complete the Report & Material Form and mail it to the Blue Lake Campaign office. Please indicate quantities of posters, children s banks, brochures, bulletin inserts and envelopes on the form. Blue Lake Campaign Kit will include 1. A how-to manual for local church campaigns. Included are copy ready newsletter and worship bulletin announcements, campaign logos, ideas for a Blue Lake Sunday, ideas for involving children and youth, etc. 2. Sample information letter. Ministers and lay leaders can use this letter to initiate their campaign. 3. Two DVDs: one for adults and one for children. 4. Worship bulletin inserts that also serve as pledge/gift cards and envelopes. 5. Hymnal wraps and pew cards/bookmarks 6. Posters for children/youth and posters for adults 7. Sample sermons and suggested scriptures. 8. Members names of the Blue Lake Speakers Bureau. This group of staff, retired clergy, lay leaders and youth are keen on sharing their stories about Blue Lake and the impact of a quality camping and retreat ministry. 9. A guide to encourage gifts of appreciated assets, such as stocks. 10. Campaign follow-up materials. 11. Reporting guidelines. 12. Suggestions for ways to celebrate your church s success! Questions or assistance? Campaign Director Scott Gilpin or scott@umstewardshipresources.org

25 SAMPLE RESOLUTION TO PARTICIPATE BE IT RESOLVED: United Methodist Church, in connection with the Alabama West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church and Blue Lake, the conference, camp and retreat ministry of said Conference, will participate in the Blue Lake capital funds campaign and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that a campaign goal of $ be adopted by this church through a plan that calls for the receipt of cash gifts by Blue Lake as soon as is feasible with pledges not to exceed a thirty-six (36) month payment period beginning (date). Respectfully submitted, SIGNATURE DATE Questions or assistance? Campaign Director Scott Gilpin or scott@umstewardshipresources.org Mail to: Blue Lake Campaign 8500 Oakwood Lane Andalusia, Alabama 36420

26 REPORT & MATERIALS ORDER FORM Mail form to: Blue Lake Campaign, 8500 Oakwood Lane, Andalusia, Alabama Yes! Our church would like to help. Our campaign goal is $ Church Name Church Staff Contact Address for deliveries Our Campaign Chair is: Name Address Telephone We need the following quantities of campaign materials: Qty. 1 Campaign Manual Qty. 1 Sermon Notes & Scripture Qty. DVDs for Adults Qty. Posters Qty. Hymnal Wraps Qty. DVDs for Children/Youth Qty. Children/Youth Posters Qty. Children s Campaign Banks Qty. Pew Cards/Bookmarks Qty. Bulletin Inserts/Gift Envelopes Qty. Giving to Blue Lake Q&A Brochures We would like a speaker from Blue Lake Speakers Bureau (check one or both) Blue Lake Ambassador (staff, retired clergy or lay speakers) Youth Representative Yes, we would like to learn more our District s Blue Lake informational event Possible number to attend Questions or assistance? Campaign Director Scott Gilpin or scott@umstewardshipresources.org

27 PERSONAL PLEDGE & GIFT FORM Your Name Address Telephone Your Church s Name As an expression of commitment to Blue Lake United Methodist Conference, Camp and Retreat Ministry, it is my intent to make a gift of $ to the Blue Lake Campaign. This gift is to be restricted for use on the following priority: Outright Gift Commitment My gift in the amount of $ is enclosed. Please send reminders about my outright gift pledge balance and payments due: Quarterly Semi-annually Annually As follows: Charge my: Master Card Visa Expiration / Account # This gift is made in memory of (please print): This gift is made in honor of (please print): Deferred or Estate Gift Pledge We wish to make a deferred or estate gift pledge in the amount of $ Form of the gift: Signature Date This pledge can be changed at the donor s request. Please make checks payable to the Blue Lake Campaign Oakwood Lane, Andalusia, Alabama (334)

28 8500 Oakwood Lane Andalusia, Alabama M. Scott Gilpin Campaign Director, Blue Lake Campaign Cellular Telephone Voice Mail