The Next Step
New Covenant United Methodist Church
Questions
A Capital Stewardship Campaign is a church project that seeks pledged donations from members of the congregation to be used in paying for a major construction project.
• A new 24,000-square-foot children's building with an indoor and outdoor playground that's safe and secure
• New, larger kitchen
• Renovated and expanded existing gymnasium
• A new, regulation size basketball surface
• Renovated and reorganized current children's space for adult classrooms
• A new gathering space on the East side of the worship center with a café/coffee bar
• The addition of a new courtyard with a meditation garden in the center of the campus
The vision of New Covenant is to make more fully devoted followers of Christ and to reach new people for Christ. We have experienced unprecedented growth in our worship services, children's program and adult discipleship. Our resources and space are stretched to the maximum. We know some visitors have not returned to New Covenant because of a lack of security in the children's area. Our gymnasium has become an eyesore and is badly in need of renovation; an updated gymnasium will allow us to reach out to our community and draw them in. Our kitchen is too small to meet the growing needs of our congregation; a larger, user friendly kitchen would lend to increased abilities for outreach food ministries. We have no additional space for more Sunday morning classes; additional space would allow us to start more classes to reach more people.
In 2008, we lost approximately 20,000-square-feet of classroom and office space in a fire. Prior to this event, the church had approved a Master plan developed by Studio Architects to expand and renovate the church to meet our growing needs. The loss of this space, along with the growing membership, intensified our need for expansion.
The total cost of the building with architectural fees is still being determined and won't be finalized until final blue prints are drawn; the estimated cost currently is $7.28 million dollars, of which, we currently have $1.5 million dollars. So we will need to raise an additional $5.78 million dollars.
Construction could begin by spring/summer 2012 with completion as early as fall 2013.
New Covenant has been strategically placed in Edmond as a mission field by the United Methodist Conference. We know by making more fully devoted followers, we are sending out people into our community to share the light of the world, Jesus Christ! By our recent investment in the youth building, "the North End" and our proposed expansion in our children's area, we are pouring into the next generation of missionaries and ambassadors of Jesus Christ to the world!
No. Participation in the capital campaign is not considered a tithe. Giving to the capital campaign is giving over and above your normal contributions to the church. All members will be given the opportunity to contribute if they wish to do so.
Allow God to speak to your heart through prayer. Read Scripture passages that speak about stewardship and giving, such as:
• 1 Corinthians 16:2
• Proverbs 11:25
• Proverbs 3:5-9
• 2 Corinthians 8:7
• Acts 20:35
• Luke 6:38
• Psalm 116:12.
On November 20, Commitment Sunday, everyone in our church will be given the opportunity to make a 156 week or three year commitment over and above what they are currently giving to the operating budget. We know some will choose to give weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually or a one time gift.
Absolutely! All pledges matter, regardless of amount, because we all participate according to our ability, God multiplies our giving. Our goal is not equal gifts, but equal sacrifices.
Contributions can be made by cash or check or online. Other forms of contributions can include the transfer of title to marketable stocks, bonds, and real estate, etc.
Yes. You may update your commitment at any time.
Our hope is we will raise more than we need. If we don't reach our goals, the building project is phased.
No. Participating in the campaign is a personal decision for each of us, and anyone may contribute to God's work in our church.
If the whole project is not in His timing then it will be a phased project.
The Children's Center is the main priority and the pledges will determine which phases will be completed. The Administrative Council will be involved in setting priorities.
We certainly hope the money will be there, but if not it will be a church decision as to what is done.
Janitorial staffing needs will be evaluated when we are able to occupy and use the space. Janitorial and utilities expenses are part of the annual operating budget and not a part of this campaign. Also, those expenses went down when we lost the space after the fire. Now they will be back to where they were before the fire.
Proceeds from the insurance coverage can only be used for capital projects.
The only debt we have is a $100,000 line of credit that is used when needed to deal with the seasonal nature of our giving.
Yes, between 5%-10%.
There are approximately 70 parking spots where this project will be built.
Yes, but the City of Edmond requires a certain amount of parking for the size of a project and that parking is needed to accommodate the Master Plan adopted in 2007.
That may be an option on some projects.
The Great Hall has undergone a successful renovation and it will not be affected.
The office space will remain the same except for the bathrooms which will be remodeled.
No, during the time the new building is being built the other children's area will not be affected.
Yes, but it will be minimized as much as possible.
Money for carpet renovations is not in the scope of this campaign; however the trustees have funds available for some of this type of work.
Yes, it will be built for multi-uses for what God is calling us to do.
The cafe is indoors with some outdoor patio seating. The plan does not include outdoor patio coverings attached to the building. Oklahoma weather is upredictable, but does provide for many months of outdoor activities.
There is an elevator in the Children's Center.
The purchase of these items is not included in this campaign. We will assess what items we already own, what needs to be acquired and what future funds will be available.
Email any other questions to TheNextStep@ncovenant.org.
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