What are the facility needs?  They include, in the Sanctuary: painting, window frame repair, audio visual and integrated sound systems, wood refinishing, and pew restoration, paying for the air conditioning already installed, for an estimated total of $360,000.  In the Social Hall: waterproofing, removing the stage and reconfiguring storage, better lighting and acoustics, AV and sound systems, and air conditioning, for an estimated total of $165,000. In the Kitchen: new appliances and stove hood, ventilation, expansion into the stairwell, cabinets, and flooring, for an estimated total of $135,000. For the Parsonage: a new roof, insulation, and replacement of windows and siding for a total of $90,000.

How much will everything cost?  All totaled, everything will cost approximately $800,000 if we are able to do it all. We will do things as funds become available.

Did some of the money used to pay for work already done come from the Endowment and does it have to be repaid?  Yes, for the sanctuary air conditioning and the youth room renovation -- we borrowed against the Endowment. Donors to the Endowment provided those funds so the church would be able to address extraordinary needs when they arose. To keep faith with those donors, the funds should be repaid.

What is the amount of our indebtedness?  $165,000.

Why can't we pay for things that need to be done out of operating funds?  It comes down to routine upkeep versus out-of-the-ordinary maintenance and improvements. It's very similar to owning a home. Most of us can keep up with the routine things that need to be done around our houses, but when it comes to putting on a new roof or replacing a furnace, those things typically cannot be paid for out of our daily household budgets.

How much are you asking every person or family to give? (Can't we just take the total amount needed and divide it by the number of families in the church to come up with the suggested amount?)  The reason we cannot come up with a suggested commitment amount is because everyone's financial resources and situations are different. Stewardship is not about everyone giving the same amount -- it is about everyone giving the same proportion! Not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice wil lead to the success of this Campaign.

Will I have to give a one-time gift or can I spread my commitment over a period of time? Everyone is being asked to make a commitment that can be fulfilled over the next three years. We recognize that everyone is already giving to the ongoing ministries of the church and this giving is over and above that.

How do I decide how much I should give? The Biblical teaching on financial stewardship is to first determine what your total financial resources are (on an annual basis) and then determine what proportion of your financial resources you will give (remembering that the Biblical standard is the tithe or 10%). Interestingly, the average American gives 2.2% of their total financial resources to God's work (which is far short of the Biblical teaching!) So do the math and prayerfully decide what you will give.

When will I be asked to make my commitment?  Sunday, March 18th is Commitment Sunday. During worship (there will be one 10 a.m. service) everyone will be given the opportunity to turn in their commitment cards for the "Opening Doors: Restore, Renew, Reach Out" Campaign, and following that 10 a.m. service there will be a special "thank you" Campaign culminating event.

What is the goal of the Campaign? 100 percent participation.

If you would like additional information on the Opening Doors campaign, please contact openingdoors(at)princetonumc.org.