West Side Presbyterian Church
Seattle, Washington

March 9, 2008 Funding Guide update (.pdf)

Remodeling News and Update

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IRS explains how individuals age 70 1/2 and older can make nontaxable transfers from IRAs to charity.

About WSPC > Connections: Building for Community > RIVER Adventure

Our RIVER adventure continues -- Stewardship Campaign

RIVER is Reporting, Inspiration, Verification, Enlisting, Rejoicing

2008: April | February
2007: October | May | April | January
2006: November | August | July

April 2008

Reporting -- Gifts to date are more than 100% of the original pledges.
Inspiration -- We were able to add the kitchen renovation to the project.
Verification -- All ministries of West Side thrived during the renovation.
Enlisting -- $400,000 of additional pledges are need to repay debt.
Rejoicing -- Faith gifts to the project already exceed $230,000.

This is the second anniversary of our three-year Connections Building for Community stewardship campaign. The campaign has been a roaring success like a river in full flood. The congregation pledged $1,411,000 towards this project. To date pledges collected plus faith gifts total $1,420,000, this is more than 100% of the original commitment. What an inspiration it is to see God’s people being so generous with his resources. Lets celebrate on April 27th.

Through the gifts of God’s people we have accomplished many things that improve our ministry. The elevator provides access to the complete facility for all of our members. Rap hall is more welcoming to our youth. Sprinklers provide improved safety for children in the Christian education wing. Renovated offices connect the staff, strengthening their ministry to us. The Connection room allows us to interact between and after services. The new kitchen supports many functions for our congregation and in reaching out to our community.

During construction Session authorized project expansion, such as the addition of the kitchen and mundane things like a 50-year roof upgrade, plumbing and electrical upgrades and increased costs of city permits. Each change represented good long-term stewardship with a short-term cost. The kitchen renovation, alone added $120,000 of costs. Total costs increased approximately $350,000.

To complete the construction, members of the congregation have loaned the Church $700,000. After collections of all of the pledges $400,000 will still be owed. The increased costs have resulted in an additional financial challenge. Please consider how we have been blessed by God as a congregation and individually. We are called to make equal sacrifices, not to let a few carry the burden for all. If you have not participated in the Connections campaign please consider making a pledge at this time. If you are already participating please consider increasing your pledge. Increased commitment cards will be received through Mother’s Day May 11th and the total of the new commitments will be announced May 18th. Our prayer is that there will be $400,000 of new commitments so that all debt can be repaid by May 2009.

Your fellow servants to our Lord and God,
Chuck & Colleen Morgan, Follow-up Leaders, Connections: Building for Community

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February 2008

Reporting

In December many members chose to complete their pledges to the Connection Campaign. With this surge in the flow of gifts we were able to minimize our construction loan. The balance on our short term borrowing for construction is $700,000. This is $150,000 less than the anticipated amount. Your early gifts will save the Church $15,000 of interest over the remaining 18 months of the Connection Campaign.

Inspiration

One of the fascinating things about rivers is the impact they have on everything they touch or pass. When a river nears the ocean at the end of its journey it continues to cause changes. In the estuary it transforms the environment by mixing with the salt water of the ocean. Here life from both the river and the ocean interact and can be transformed like a salmon returning to the source of its life. We see the same thing happening as we take on the opportunity to meet visitors and other member from West Side in the Connections room. In these informal interactions West Side can help bring the Community back to the source of all life, God our creator. This is the transforming Church and Congregation that Pastor Paul encourages us to be. Please accept the challenge to introduce yourself to someone different each week.

Verification

Please review your 2007 giving reports to confirm that your contributions have been properly allocated between our regular ministries and Connections. If you have questions or need to know the outstanding amount of your pledge please contact Shirley Tupper the Church financial secretary.

Enlisting

Outstanding pledges to be collected in the next 18 months total approximately $250,000. If the Lord has financially blessed you please consider making an additional gift to the Connection Campaign. Outstanding pledges and all faith gifts over and above your initial contribution will be used to repay the short term construction financing.

Rejoice

Through December, gifts from the Congregation to Connections Campaign totaled $1,373,000. All of these gifts have been made while giving to our regular Ministry and Mission funds increased from $900,000 in 2006 to $969,000 in 2007. Thank God for his generosity through our congregation.

Your fellow servants to our Lord and God,
Chuck & Colleen Morgan, Follow-up Leaders, Connections: Building for Community

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October 2007

Reporting

At the October 9 Session meeting the building committee reported the final costs of our Connections Building for Community project. The initial costs were forecasted at $1,800,000. Since then the Session approved the addition of the kitchen remodel for $110,000, and other changes in the projects scope and costs of $312,000 for a total cost of $2,232,000. The initial pledges and other available funds totaled $1,570,000. Session moved forward with faith that the congregation would rise up with additional contributions $230,000 to complete the original project. Since the start of the project $157,000 of additional faith gifts and other funds have been committed to the project for total resources of $1,727,000. The remaining funds needed total $505,000.

Inspiration

During August we were hiking through a dry valley near Leavenworth. The trail was thick with dust, the plants were wilted for lack of rain and the cliffs radiated heat as the sun beat down. As we moved up the valley we were surprised by a large spring flowing from the side of the hill washing over the trail making it difficult to cross with vibrant foliage all around. The faith gifts that have sustained our project are like that gushing spring. They included non-members donating to the kitchen and major gifts to the Connections campaign from new families who came to West Side after our steward ship campaign and grasped the vision.

Verification

Through the gifts of the congregation that already total more than $1,200,000 we believe that God has verified the vision of connecting the West Side membership to each other and the greater community. Your third quarter statement of donations will reflect your most recent gifts.

Enlisting

Congregation members have provided interim construction financing for the project. Peak borrowing will be approximately $850,000. After collection of all outstanding pledges in May of 2009 we expect the remaining debt will be $450,000. That debt will be converted to long-term debt unless we receive additional faith gifts. All faith gifts over and above your initial contribution will be used to reduce the shortfall.

Rejoice

That our construction is complete, that we have dedicated the renovated space to the service of our Lord and God, for the Ministry fair at the open house, for the Fellowship happening in the Connections room each week and for the opportunities to connect to our community.

Your fellow servants to our Lord and God, Chuck & Colleen Morgan,
Follow-up Leaders, Connections Building for Community

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May 2007

Reporting

Our current remodel project requires us to make some changes to the kitchen range hood venting system. As the city of Seattle is holding us to a strict interpretation of the rules, we cannot just extend the roof venting system, but must upgrade the entire system to bring it into compliance with current code. Retrofitting or installing a new system will cost about $25,000.

Renovation of the kitchen was on the WSPC to do list prior to the church remodel project being started. Reasons include workflow problems when serving large functions, safety issues with the location of the convection oven and stove burners, asbestos, a sagging floor, etc. The cost of correcting these items and the stove hood are projected at $75,500.

Inspiration

The goal of a remodeled kitchen had been on the hearts of many in the West Side family. Like a river nourishing fish and wildlife, the food produced in our kitchen nourishes our bodies as we build community through events at our Church. In order to take advantage of completing the kitchen remodel concurrently with the Connections Building for Community project, West Side was offered two generous donations of $20,000 each. One was from a member and one from an outside party. This $40,000 in donations is over and above commitments to the original project.

Verification

The Session verified the need for the Kitchen work and the cost to construct the improvements. They then authorized an addition to the Connections Building for Community project. In support of the additional work they transferred $15,000 from the building fund.

Enlisting

We are seeking additional contributions designated to cover the remaining costs of the kitchen remodel totaling at least $20,500. Please make your contribution in a connection envelope and with a notation of Kitchen Project. This way we will know that this gift is over and above your initial pledge.

Rejoice

That at the completion of the project we will have:

1. A new range hood and venting system that will be in compliance with City of Seattle code requirements
2. Repaired flooring with improved structural support, old asbestos removed and new flooring.
3. New surfaces installed on floor level cabinets.
4. Rotating the current appliance island and work space 90 degrees

Your fellow servants to our Lord and God, Chuck & Colleen Morgan,
Follow-up Leaders, Connections Building for Community

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April 2007

Reporting

Thank you for your continuing support of this project. Through March 6, 2007 $918,000 has been received towards our goal of $1,800,000. $882,000 of additional funds are needed to meet our goal. We have been able to pay all construction costs from funds on hand through the end of February. Those funds are now depleted and we will begin borrowing on the short term construction financing. By your generous and early support we were able to defer borrowing any funds for 3 months longer that anticipated.

Inspiring

Like each congregation that takes on a capital campaign each river is a unique journey with challenges and inspiration. Large rivers like the Colorado in the Grand Canyon and the Snake in Hells Canyon flow in a pattern called pool and drop. A major obstacle dams the river and creates a long calm pool before the river burst over the obstruction and creating an exciting rapid. In the long pools you row to keep moving forward even though it seems like there is little progress. After the excitement of the initial demolition followed by construction framing we can see the potential for our new Connections space. But like the rower crossing a calm pool we are progressing slowly through construction details. We need your continued financial support and regular giving to propel us to the completion of construction. 

Verifying

Soon you will receive your first quarter 2007 summary of giving to West Side. This marks the one-year anniversary of our initial commitment to the Connections Campaign. Your statement will include your initial pledge, your giving to date and your remaining commitment. To minimize interest costs and to pay construction obligations please consider paying your remaining commitment this year. Every $1,000 received now will save us $140 in interest over the next two years.

Enlisting

There are additional opportunities to donate time to the project that will reduce construction costs. Contact the Church office if you would like to help. Please continue to uphold all of the people working on this project with your prayers.

If you are interested in making a construction loan to the Church to pay construction costs until contributions are received please contact Shirley Tupper the financial secretary. The construction financing certificates will pay interest at 7% and are available in $50,000 increments.

If you have not yet made a commitment to this project we have an information packet with all of the Connections materials to answer your questions. It is available in the information center on Sunday morning or you may contact Chuck and Colleen Morgan 937-9528 for more information. When your questions are answered and you are ready to make a commitment, please send a new or revised pledge card to Shirley Tupper our financial secretary.

Rejoicing

Rejoice that God is generous in his gifts to us so that we can share them through West Side Presbyterian Church.

Your fellow servants to our Lord and God
Chuck & Colleen Morgan, Follow-up Leaders, Connections

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January 2007

Reporting

Your gifts continue to flow into the church to support our construction project. Through December 2006, $759,000 has been received towards our goal of $1,800,000. This early outpouring of gifts has allowed us to meet all construction costs through December without incurring any debt. Thank you to all who are supporting the transformation of our building to improve our Connection with our Community.

Inspiring

Even in the midst of the wildest river ride there are times when the river flows placidly between its banks. Following the recent floods I have had the opportunity to float some of our local rivers. The banks reflected the recent ravages of high water like our Church building shows the dramatic effects of construction in process. Though not obvious nature was rebuilding, with soil deposited in new areas, beaches appearing were there were none and quiet new pools and backwaters. This is like our project with the hidden portions of construction taking place such as plumbing, electrical and other systems work. Like the rearranged river’s banks they will support new life in our church.

Verification

Your end of year statements will reflect your contributions to the project as well as your regular support of West Side Presbyterian. Please verify that your contributions have been credited to the proper area. Prayerfully consider accelerating your remaining commitment or increasing it to minimize our future interest costs.

Enlisting

To provide financing for the remainder of the construction costs session has approved issuing up to $1,000,000 of Connections financing certificates. The certificates will pay interest at 7% and are available in $50,000 increments. They will be issued beginning in February of 2007, as funds are needed to pay construction costs. If you are interested in making a loan to the Church to support the project please contact Shirley Tupper the financial secretary for additional information. Please continue to uphold all of the people working on this project with your prayers.

If you have not yet made a commitment to this project we have an information packet with all of the Connections materials to answer your questions. It is available in the information center on Sunday morning or you may contact Chuck and Colleen Morgan 937-9528 for more information. When your questions are answered and you are ready to make a commitment, please send a new or revised pledge card to Shirley Tupper our financial secretary.

Rejoicing

Rejoice that the project is proceeding and like water flowing around a rock, obstacles are being overcome and passed by.

Your fellow servants to our Lord and God
Chuck & Colleen Morgan, Follow-up Leaders, Connections

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November 2006

Reporting

In the midst of a River flood every thing is churned up. Channels are blocked by debris, water is diverted onto the riverbank, and rocks tumble on the river bottom reshaping the main river course. Bridges are overcome by high water so that you can’t cross the river by following a normal path.

Does this remind you of the current condition of West Side Presbyterian as we proceed through the peak of disruption caused by our building project? Each week our ministries are challenged and God’s people respond successfully to operating in a disrupted environment. This shows us that the Church is God’s people carrying out ministry, not simply the building located on the corner of California and Spokane Street.

Keep watching the weekly bulletin construction update, so that you will know how to navigate the coming weeks’ challenges.

Inspiring

We are inspired by the incredible gifts of time that our congregation is making to this project. We could not possibly name all of those who have contributed time to this project. Some key functions are project manager, electrical consultant, demolition crew, brick cleaners, clean up crews, color committee, lunch makers, prayer partners financial supporters and many, many more.

Vision

Session authorized proceeding with this project in July. They moved forward in faith, confident that it would strengthen the WSPC ministry to our community. From resources on hand and pledges from the people of God, 85% of the funds needed to complete the project were identified. The Session acted with faith that our members would contribute additional funds to carry the project to completion. A contingency plan for payment of the remaining 15% from apartment rental proceeds and a ten-year loan were discussed.

Enlisting/Encouraging

We would like to fully fund the project in the initial 3 years with additional contributions. This will eliminate excess interest costs and allow future resources to be applied to other areas of ministry.

Are you new to the Church; an active participant who has not previously pledged support, or a current supporter who is considering increasing your pledge? Please pray about making a commitment and respond as the Holy Spirit directs you. We have an information packet with all of the Connections materials to answer your questions. You may contact Chuck and Colleen Morgan 937-9528 for more information. When your questions are answered and you are ready to make a commitment, please send a new or revised pledge card to Shirley Tupper our financial secretary.

Rejoicing

Through Mid October we have received $534,000 of contributions and $160,000 from Session designated funds towards our total costs for design, capital campaign, permits and construction of $1,826,000. Our costs incurred to date are $454,000.

We thank God for the generous spirit of the WSPC congregation. Through your faithful giving we are more than one third of the way towards our total need. Thank you to all who have given time and money to this exciting project.

Sincerely,

Chuck & Colleen Morgan
Follow-up Leaders, Connections

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August 2006

Reporting

We are excited to Report that like a raging river at flood stage volunteers and crews from our contractor have begun demolishing walls, removing wiring, disconnecting plumbing and preparing the way for our remodeling. The demolition gave us an exciting preview of how new channels of circulation will be opened up.

Inviting/Inspiring

With cookies and coffee as bait the congregation was Invited into the expanded Narthex. Like fish in an eddy at the side of a stream, people were gathering in newly opened areas to Connect with each other and discuss the project. The new area is already Inspiring ideas of how our ministries can reach our Community.

Verifying

Gifts poured in during July like the heavy down pour of a thunderstorm. Over $110,000 was received during the month bringing the cumulative gifts to over $440,000. WSPC members have Verified their support of this project by pledging over $1,400,000 of special gifts to this project. These gifts and Session approved transfers will fund the initial construction costs so we will not have to pay any interest expense. We are inspired by these early contributions and urge you to send yours as soon as possible. If you have not made a commitment please pray about how you can contribute to the success of the project.

Enlisting/Encouraging

Each week there will be opportunities to volunteer on the project. Call the church office if you would like to be informed of the needs. We Encourage all of you to Pray for the project, the safety of the workers, for the staff in restricted workspaces and the furthering of our ministry to West Seattle.

Rejoicing

REJOICE that the building permits have been issued and that demolition and construction have been started.

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July 2006

Reporting

Our project has been launched. On July 11, 2006 at a special meeting the Session unanimously approved the scope, costs and start of construction for our long awaited renovation project. See building update for detailed information. The total costs for design, capital campaign, permits and construction are $1,826,000.

Inviting/Inspiring

The flood of gifts has started. Through the end of June over $330,000 of gifts have been received. WSPC pledged over $1,400,000 of special gifts to this project. As we begin construction our expenditures will rapidly increase. We INVITE you to make your contributions as early as possible. This will decrease our interest costs by delaying when we start borrowing on our construction loan.

Verifying

The Session VERIFIED the financial feasibility of the project. The have charted a course through the construction period. In faith they have trusted the people of God to provide additional funding. With the special gifts from the Connections Campaign, transfers from Church reserves and income from the apartment rents 85% of the funds needed for the project have been identified. If you have not made a commitment please pray about how you can contribute to the success of the project.

Enlisting/Encouraging

The building committee is ENLISTING your help. In order to minimize the project costs the contractor Trig Winquist Construction will work with us to utilize volunteer labor when ever practical. This will include demolition work, painting, cleanup, and other tasks. A major task is preparing the Church for use in Worship every Friday. This will require a crew each week. Please contact Jerry Ernst if you can help with coordination or the actual work.

Rejoicing

REJOICE with us and celebrate the start of construction on July 24, 2006.

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