January 9, 2023
Dear Lord of Life Members,
We are writing to you today to inform you about a proposal coming to you for approval at the upcoming congregational meeting on Sunday, January 29, 2023, and to invite you to informational forums on Sundays January 15 and 22.
Some Context:
You will recall, at our last meeting in May 2022, the Council commissioned a Capital Campaign Study Team. The purpose of this Team was to determine if a capital campaign would be appropriate, and, if so, to define a scope for the potential campaign. The Study Team met weekly for the last 8 months and proposed to the Council a campaign scope, timeline, and fundraising goal. At its December meeting, the Council unanimously approved the proposal. The Study Team is now preparing to bring the proposal to the congregation for approval.
A Summary:
At the direction of the Council, the Study Team’s work began by evaluating existing facility needs and by soliciting feedback from staff and committees regarding building usability. Possible funding solutions were discussed and evaluated by the Team, and they determined that a campaign would be the most appropriate path forward. Then, with Council approval, the Team engaged the help of outside professionals to further define the scope of the campaign and develop cost estimates for several projects. In that process, the Team discerned that the projects were integral to our present and future definition and expression of our congregation’s affirmed Mission and Vision.
We owe this team our gratitude. They have worked diligently and faithfully to vision for the future of our congregation. Now, with Council’s full approval, the Team is proposing a development campaign to fund projects in three areas:
- Brand Identity Refresh (including website and communications plan),
- Facility Improvements, and
- Facility Maintenance.
The estimated cost of this work is $1.36 million. It is the belief of the Council and the Study Team that this work is necessary to help us live into our Vision “that all have life through the love of Christ” and to proclaim the Gospel message: “You are welcomed, loved, accepted, and forgiven here. Come and know God’s love for you.” The work of this development campaign is one avenue through which we live into this message as a faith community—now and into the future.
You’re Invited!
We are excited to share the work of the Study Team with you and to answer your questions about their proposal.
We invite you to join us for one of two forums hosted by the Council and Study Team on Sundays January 15 and 22 at 9:45 am. Then, please plan to join us for the congregational meeting on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 12:30 pm, as we make a decision on this proposal and other matters that will be identified in the meeting agenda that will be sent out ahead of the meeting.
Thank you for your partnership and faithful support of God’s ministry at Lord of Life. May we continue to boldly pursue our Mission “to seek and welcome all to connect, celebrate, and serve in God’s love.”
Peace in Christ,
Joe Cox
Council President
David Bauser
Lead Pastor
The Council’s Campaign Study Team Members are:
Nick Brown – Chair
David Bauser – Lead Pastor
Craig Bourgeois – Finance Liaison
David Harris – Property Liaison
Rick Janacek – Staff Liaison
Bruce Mestemacher – Member at Large
Ed Spaulding – Council Liaison