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What should I do between now and the time I pledge?

Pray for God's guidance about your pledge decision, and also pray for the entire congregation and the success of this ministry. Excitement is contagious, so encourage others to seize this wonderful opportunity to be a part of what God is doing in our midst. Also be sure to mark your calendar to attend church on Commitment Sunday, May 15, when there will be a celebration brunch for the entire congregation between the two worship services. This will be a time to give thanks for God's unending faithfulness to St. John's United Methodist Church.

How long will the REACH campaign last?

REACH will continue through May 2008 so there will be three years to fulfill pledge commitments. During this time, future new members will also be given an opportunity to contribute.

When and how will pledge payments be made?

You may give weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, or in a lump sum. Most will prefer a system of regular giving throughout the three years. If you place a check in the offering plate, just make a notation for "REACH" on the check. The church administrator will be glad to assist if you choose to make a non-cash gift such as stocks, mutual funds, or real estate. Some non-cash gifts might be made in a tax-advantaged way, so you may choose to consult your tax advisor.

What if I need to know more or have questions?

Additional information on the REACH campaign will be distributed in April and May. Campaign Steering Committee members and pastors would be delighted to answer any question - big or small, practical or spiritual.

Why is our church initiating a capital stewardship campaign?

The St. John's congregation has already paid about 50% of the $5.1 million cost of the extensive renovation and construction project completed in 2002. For the first three years, 2002- 2005, monthly payments to the Texas Methodist Foundation (our lender) were interest-only payments. Beginning in summer 2005, monthly payments must cover both principal and interest. Without a capital campaign to lower the amount of principal owed, approximately 25% of the annual budget would have to be devoted to debt service. This increase would necessitate a large cut in the amount budgeted for staff, ministries, and missions. So to continue to maintain and expand our ministries with the congregation and the community, we must raise a significant amount of money through pledges to reduce the principal and avoid long-term debt.

How much money does the congregation want to raise?

We are seeking to pay off a significant chunk (or all!) of the outstanding $2.6 million in debt.

Who will be asked to contribute?

Every member and friend of St. John's is invited to participate. Many people - young and old alike - have never helped to build a church. It's exciting to know that your pledge will make a difference in the ministries of the congregation today and for generations to come.

How will I know how much to pledge?

That is up to you and God. Your gift can be any amount and in any form you choose. While most gifts will be cash, some may choose to give assets of a tangible nature such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds or other securities, cash value of life insurance, real estate, or property. The best way to reach this decision is to pray about it over a period of weeks. You might begin by writing down several possible amounts and then prayerfully consider which one expresses your faith as you practice it through the missions and ministries of St. John's.

What is sacrificial giving?

Sacrificial giving involves stewardship above and beyond regular, planned giving. It requires serious assessment of spending and lifestyle priorities with God's guidance about any readjustments. All will be asked to consider a commitment proportional to their ability to give. A few general guidelines are:

• Your decision must grow out of prayer. Pray also for boldness.
• It should represent a real sacrifice, showing willingness to give up something so greater things can be accomplished.
• Your heart and soul should feel warm about your decision, leading you to thank God for the opportunity to help this church.

How can I know my financial situation three years from now?
What if I move away or my circumstances change?

Your three-year pledge may be changed at any time. The strength of sacrificial giving is your belief that God is part of your future! Have faith that God will produce opportunities and resources to enable you to fulfill the commitment you make.

Will gifts be tax-deductible?

Yes. Any contribution to this campaign can be treated as a charitable contribution in the year in which payment is actually made, just as regular gifts to the church can be.

Will campaign gifts be confidential?

Yes. Any gift to the church remains confidential unless a member wishes it to be made known.

How will this affect my annual pledge?

A contribution to REACH shouldn't affect your annual pledge at all. Your capital campaign pledge should be above and beyond your annual estimate of giving for tithes and offerings.

When will we turn in REACH pledges?

There are two optional dates. First, church leaders and any others who are interested will be invited to submit pledges early to be a source of encouragement for others. "Leadership Challenge" pledges will be due May 6, and the amount pledged by leaders will be announced May 8. Everyone else will be invited to turn in their pledges during the worship services on May 15 or by mail, and the total amount pledged will be announced and celebrated in worship services May 29.

When will I receive a pledge card and more information?

Friendly "couriers" from the congregation will make a quick visit to your home on April 17 to drop off a bag of information and small gifts. Couriers will answer any questions you may have, but they will not accept pledges at that time.