FORWARD IN FAITH: Question and Answers about Forward in Faith
What is the purpose of Forward in Faith? Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church (FELC) has been in its present location for over fifty years. During this time many significant changes have taken place in Warner Robins and Houston County, Georgia. Changing to our intended location would increase our future ministry opportunities by providing larger accommodations for our Clothes Closet Outreach Ministry, more potential for evening ministries of all types, including active retirement programs, church sponsored day school or after-school programs, divorce recovery programs, etc. Our visibility would be greatly increased, and with easier access for neighboring counties, we would have a better opportunity for door-to-door outreach/contact program. Our new location would enable us to offer our facility to civic, recovery, and other groups to conduct their meetings. It would increase our recreational and fellowship opportunities for our members as well as other people in the community. We would be more centrally located in the county and would be closer to the schools that have been recently built to accommodate the population shift. Finally, we would greatly increase the worship and educational accessibility for all who enter.
What is the goal of the program? The purchase of land may be $265,000. If the price ends up being lower, we have money to begin thinking of building sooner.
How will this project help our ministry? A church building is a tool for ministry. Participating in the capital stewardship program will allow the whole church family to come together in a new facility, enhance the fellowship experience, and give the congregation a new sense of unity. Forward In Faith will support all of the other ministries of Faith Lutheran Church and will demonstrate our commitment to continued ministry here in Warner Robins in the name of Jesus Christ.
When will we be invited to make our commitment? Members of Faith Lutheran Church will be asked to make a commitment, to be paid over a 3-year giving period, at worship on November 15, 2009 -- Commitment Sunday.
Will we be encouraged to make a commitment? Yes--everyone will be asked to make a commitment for the 3-year giving program. A written commitment will show your investment in the ministry we share and has proven to be a spiritual discipline for individuals as well as congregations. God will help us all every step of the way! In the event of unforeseen personal circumstances, individuals may adjust their contributions as necessary.
How much are we expected to give? That will be answered by each individual and family. Our advisor, Phyllis Wiederhoeft, will help us with our program and guide us as we make our decisions. Using the ELCA's Stewardship Key Leader program, she will see that everyone is given the opportunity to be informed, involved, inspired and invited.
Our goal of $265,000 is substantial and calls for significant participation by everyone. All of us can pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Can people give appreciated stock or other property? Yes. For the proper procedure, talk to a stock broker or other financial advisor. You may contribute other assets as well such as all or part of a paid-up insurance policy, matured government bonds or savings. All gifts are tax deductible, in accord with IRS regulations.
How will the program be conducted? Our congregation will engage in five weeks of Bible reading, reflection, prayer, gatherings, and opportunities to learn about ways of giving. Everyone in the congregation will be encouraged to participate and grow in generosity.
What other results can we expect from the program? Working together on this important project will strengthen us as a congregation, inspiring unity and generosity and bringing new energy. This promises to be a time of personal and congregational renewal.
