Q & A

NOTE: The first two questions and answers are from an earlier Q & A document dealing primarily with questions about construction – copies are available in the church office.

Q     Do we have funds for a project like this?  Now we have a preliminary idea of the project scope, and a conceptual estimate on what this undertaking will cost.  Does it make sense to motion to try and raise a portion of the funds first and, if we are able to do that, then we move forward with continuing to design and finding a contractor to do the work?

 A.     That is precisely what the committee has recommended to the Session.  Based on projected income and expenses, and feedback from church members, we believe that the plan is economically feasible.  Allen Park Presbyterian Church is one of the largest commercial property owners in the city and none of our properties are currently encumbered with loans.  We also hold title to Camp Wakanda, and have a cash endowment fund that is rapidly approaching one million dollars in principal.  Some income from this fund could be used to offset interest payments, while contributions are used to pay down the principal.  The committee and Session are also currently investigating interest rates for different financing options in anticipation of developing a formal, detailed financial plan. The Session granted the committee a limited operating budget to pay for professional services needed to develop the initial building proposal.  The next step is to seek the congregation’s approval to mount a capital campaign to finance the actual construction. What we have recommended is that this capital campaign be conducted for a period of 90 to 120 days, at which time we will reassess the financial picture.  A two-tiered threshold was proposed to the motion that the Session will bring to the floor at the congregational meeting on April 13^th.  If the first threshold is met, then we would move forward with renovation of the restrooms in the main building, and construction of the smaller addition to the Fellowship Hall containing the elevator and barrier free restrooms.  If sufficient pledges are obtained, then we would proceed with construction of the larger multi-purpose room as well. Regardless of whether or not sufficient pledges are obtained to support either addition, the committee will still press for funds to renovate the restrooms in the main building. 

Q.    Does the church have a plan to trim some monies from existing budgets, to help support this program?  It seems we have a difficult time staying within budget on a yearly basis, how do we plan to keep this project and the overall church budget in check?

A.     The Session was deliberately conservative in the budget that was proposed and approved by the congregation at the annual meeting in January, in anticipation of mounting a major capital campaign.  There will inevitably be unforeseen emergencies, such as the recent plumbing problems in the main building, but we are committed to keeping operating costs as low as possible. 

Q.    Why try to raise money for a building now? We haven’t had special accommodations for handicapped and disabled for over 70 years and got along just fine.

Q.    This is a difficult economic time. Shouldn’t we wait until the economy improves?

Q.   It seems that $2.4 million is a lot of money for a congregation our size to raise.  What s

A.     We have over 1,200 members in our congregation. In July of this year the First Congregational Church of Rochester announced the completion of a $3.5 million project financed by the 600 parishioners of that church. Yes, it can be done.

Q.    If we raise the funds to improve our buildings, who benefits? Do we really have that many handicapped or disabled people to justify the cost?

A.     To understand the growing need of our congregation, stand at one of our doors on a Sunday morning and watch those who come in using canes, walkers or the help of family members. And those are the people who can come and overcome the barriers in our church. Think of those who want to but seldom or never come because of those barriers. Think of members of your own family, or yourself. How long will it be before stairs or lavatories you cannot use will hold you back?

Q.    Why are you asking people to pledge money to a project when we don’t know all the details of the building? Shouldn’t we wait until we know exactly what it will look like before we try to raise money for it?

A.     Our committee has been charged to ask our congregation to commit funds for barrier free buildings. After meetings last Spring, our congregation voted on and overwhelmingly passed the following motion: We move that in order to make our buildings barrier free and to further the vision of this church for future generations, we engage in a four month capital campaign to raise funds. Within 5 (five) months time, we will report back to the congregation the amount of funds pledged and how much of this vital work we can accomplish and revise the plan at that time. Once we know that we have funds committed, the details of the buildings can be voted on.

Q.    It seemed that there were some objections to the design concepts of Wilkie and Zanly along with the construction advice of McCarthy and Smith. There were suggestions and questions from the floor about adding a “green” roof, changing the design of the building to better match the two current structures and relocating the kitchen – among others. Why should we base our financial goal on this design?

 A.     Frankly, we had to start somewhere. The designs gave us something on which to base our financial goals. Once we know how much we can raise, we can go back to discussion of different ways to build. If we exceed our goal, we can certainly consider the “extra cost options” that were recommended in our congregational meeting.

Q.    What happens if the full amount is not pledged and we don’t meet the goal?

A.     We have faith that the congregation will raise the full amount of $2,500,000. But if we should fall short, we will base our building on the amount of funds available. It’s that simple. If we don’t have the commitment in funding, we won’t make the commitment in the buildings.

Q.    What would Jesus do?

A.     That’s for you to answer. It’s between you and Jesus.  But let us remember the passage from Matthew: “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these of my family, you did it unto me. “

Q.      We don’t need the community room. 

 A. It’s not about need; it's about vision and growth in the future.  This is the same vision that built the fellowship hall.  This same vision built the sanctuary.  This same vision acquired Camp Wakanda.     

 Q. We’re doing all this so we can have an elevator, but even if we get handicapped people in the door, they cannot get out in the case of a fire or an emergency.

  A. As in any building, the Fire Department is trained and ready to rescue all people, in cases of a fire or emergency.  Handicap people should have every opportunity to enjoy a full life and have access to all places, as the Americans with Disabilities Act mandates in public facilities.    

Q. I’m happy to give, because I can.  But I’m worried about those who cannot afford the cup of McDonald’s coffee a day, for whom money is just too tight to give.  I don’t want them to feel left out.  What is being done to help our whole church feel like this is all our project, whether you can give or not?

 A. Time, Talents and Treasures…just like any other offering.  There will be a place for everyone to offer her or his time and talents.