NextGenerationCapitalFundCampaign - Saint Paul Episcopal Church

SAINT PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH

COLUMBIA, PA

"A Jubilee Ministry Center"

TOGETHER BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD

NEXT GENERATION CAPITAL FUND CAMPAIGN

WE DID IT!

AS OF NOVEMBER 2, WE HAVE RAISED OVER $355,000 (OUR GOAL WAS $350,000) TO HELP RENOVATE VARIOUS PARTS OF OUR BUILDINGS. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THIS FAITH-FILLED EFFORT!

On June 8, 2008, the Vestry approved the Next Generation Capital Fund Campaign as outline below. The Capital Fund Campaign Committee consisted of : Bev Euculano - Chair, Suzanne Ollar, Tom Martin, George Brommer, Ethel Edelman, Jean Geesey. This capital campaign was the first one in a very long time and so it \was a journey of faith for us as a parish family. We stayed focused on Christ and our Mission and Ministry so that as there are turbulant waters upon which we walked, we kept walking toward the Lord.

The five-year Mission and Ministry Plan approved by the Vestry in late 2007 has a number of ambitious restoration and renovation projects that we need to accomplish in order to do more ministry within our community. We have been blessed with two buildings that have almost unlimited potential for parish and community use; yet because of deteriorated conditions or insufficient adherence to building maintainence, we are unable to make full use of these facilities. We have been given "talents" by God and the question is what will we do with the "talents" we have been given. Will we bury them or will we use them? The Next Generation Capital Fund Campaign provides resources for us to restore and renovate our facilities. We, in this generation planted a "tree" that we will never sit under; but will be strong so that future generations will have a place of shade and rest. The goal as approved by the Vestry was $350,000. As of November 2, 2009 (Phases I, II, III, & IV) we raised over $355,000 with about 70% of our members responding. We are continuing to work with those who have not yet responded so that we can continue to exceed our goal both in amount of dollars pledged as well as the percentage of those pledging.

There were five phases of our Next Generation Capital Fund Campaign:

Phase 1: An appeal to all members of the parish and our parish family friends that they at least tithe (10%) of their economic stimulus payment that was received between May and July, 2008. This payment was not part of anyone's budget and is in a sense "extra" money.

Timeframe: May, June, July, 2008

Phase 2: A written appeal to all the churches in the Episcopal Church named after Saint Paul to give to our Next Generation Capital Fund Campaign. We received numerous responses and was worth pursuing. In response to the "economic stimulus" letter sent to all members and friends (including local and diocesan churches) in April, one church in our community sent us a check.

Timeframe: July, August, September 2008

Phase 3: A personal appeal by the Rector (and other parish leaders / members) to individuals, businesses, and organizations to invite them to give to our Next Generation Capital Fund Campaign. This appeal went specifically to those who had the ability to give large amounts to the fund.

Timeframe: January and February 2009

Phase 4: This phase was directed to our membership to pledge to the Next Generation Capital Fund Campaign. The pledge could be paid over a period of time.

Timeframe: June through September 2009

Phase 5: This phase was "behind the scenes" work by the parish Grants Committee. They sought funding for restoration and renovation projects from civic, religious, and other foundations and organizations that give to churches for these types of projects.

Timeframe: August 2008 through October 2009

The goal set by the Vestry for the Next Generation Capital Fund was $350,000. As of November 2, 2009 we have raised over $355,000. This amount includes grants, gifts, bequests, and the results of Phase I, II, III, and IV of the campaign

Focused Needs for this Campaign

A Committee and a strong Committee Chair who are willing to have faith that we can accomplish our goal over the next 12 - 6 months. - Accomplished.
The setting of a reasonable, attainable but faith-ful goal. - Committee after meeting with Campaign advisors established a goal of $350,000
Create a set of restoration and renovation projects. The Mission and Ministry Plan outlines 29 different projects but does not list them in priority order (this was intentional so that the Vestry and the parish would focus on the plan rather than the priority order of projects). - Accomplished. A parish survey was completed in early July 2008 that ranked the 29 projects in priority order. This list is below. The focus will be on the top 10 priority projects.
We need to have a strong commitment by the Vestry to be involved by publicly and personally supporting the campaign. - The Vestry grew into this stance and showed remarkable support. Accomplished.
We need to have a consultant who has experienced in capital campaigns in Episcopal parishes. - Rev. David Lovelace, Saint John the Baptist Episcopal Church, York, PA agreed to serve as our consultant. Father David has led a number of capital campaigns in a variety of parish settings. He also supported us with input from members of his parish who have been involved in capital campaigns.
We need to create a stong link between our past, our present, and our future. "Honoring our past; Celebrating our Present; and Securing our Future" might be a core focus of our campaign. We need something to grab people so that they want to be a part of what we are doing. - The Committee working with our consultants established a connection of "The Next Generation" This ties to honoring our past, celebrating our present, and doing for the next generation what has been done for us by past generations. It also establishes a link to having the parish grow into the future.
Need to create a high-impact visual that shows the money at work. - Our new heating / air-conditioning system on the main floor of the parish hall, the new heating system in the church, the refinished church floors, the new carpet in the church, and new lights and ceiling in the parish hall demonstate the money at work. These items are seen as tangible results that encouraged all to particpate in this important program. These items were some of the highest priorities that came from the survey - they are important to people.
Need to create ways for people to give - especially breaking down potential gifts into easily understood amounts that are reasonable for people in our parish. - The Committee worked on this with our consultants and in keeping with the established goal. This was done by breaking down the suggested pledge into monthly amounts for from 1 - 5 years which makes the suggested pledge of $3,000 attainable for most members.
We need to decide on who will do the asking during Phases 3 & 4. All input has indicated that personal invitations (as opposed to written letters / requests) result in much higher levels of giving. - We are asking for 100% participation of members in Phase 4 by means of a letter. Visits will be to those who do not respond.
We need to establish specific time-frames for each Phase - specifically Phase 4. - It was June through September 2009.

PRIORITY PROJECTS (see status update after the priority list)

Listed below are the 29 restoration and renvoation projects. The priority was determined by a full parish survey using a list of restoration and revovation projects from the Mission and Ministry Plan. The current capital fund campaign will focus on the top 10. In the list below there are comments for each of the top 10 priorities that give some addtional explanation. The remaining 19 projects are listed without comment at this time.

Air-condition the main floor of the parish hall - The Renovation Committee and the Vestry have been working on this with an HVAC consultant. It is a heating / air-conditioning system. The Vestry on August 10 approved the proposal by the Renvovation Committee to install this beginning this Fall (2008). The Finance and Investment Committee proposed a financing option that was also approved by the Vestry. The system has been installed and is working.
Fix the parish hall windows - There are a number of problems with the parish hall windows. There are a few that are simply ready to fall out of the building while others have been painted shut. Some need new ropes and pulleys. All of them need weather-stripping to prevent air transfer. Many panes of glass are cracked and may need replacing. We would start on the main floor of the parish hall. At this point (August 2008) no estimates have been obtained; but since this came out as a high priority, we will be getting estimates beginning in September. Please note: at one time the parish hall had glass in its windows similar to the glass in the windows in the Groome Room. The obstacle is that, so far, we have not found a company that can make replacement windows that match the current ones in size and shape. We are continuing to work on this issue. As of June 2009, we have found two manufacturers that are able to duplicate the shape of our windows. We are in the process of obtaining costs estimates. Cost estimates and options have been obtained. A committee has narrowed the options to two and hopes to have a recomendation for the Vestry at their September 2009 meeting. The recommendation of the Committee was approved by the Vestry on September 13 and the windows are in the process of being ordered. They should be installed by Thanksgiving. Installation will begin on November 12, 2009.
Roof Repair / Replacement - When the Mission and Ministry Plan was finalized we had not yet received the final report from Leeland Slate. At that time it was thought that the roof needed complete replacement on both buildings (estimate at more than $500,000). The final analysis by Leeland Slate indicates that if we adhere to a yearly maintenance program we can extend the life of the roof for 50 - 75 (and maybe more) years. There are sections that need serious work and most of the valleys and gutters need work. The Vestry has approved an eight-year maintenance plan (approximately $25,000 a year) and work should begin in the fall. We began this multi-year program in the fall of 2008 and will continue each year over the next eight years. Year One was 2008 and Year Two is 2009.
New heating in the parish hall - This will be integrated into the new air-conditioning system for the main floor of the parish hall. The basement and the second floor are not included in new heating or air-condtitioning at this time. This item is complete (see item #1)
New Handicap Ramp - The current ramp does not meet the American with Disabilities Act guidlines. It is too steep and the railings are made of wood. Someone by themselves in a wheel chair cannoot go up or down the ramp. Those in walkers have difficulty. Splinters have been a source of complaint. A ramp is also needed for the back entrance since about half of those who might use a ramp enter that way. In addition, food deliveries to the food bank (and food bank clients) could make good use of a ramp. To meet ADA guidelines, each ramp must be about 30 feet long (1 foot in length for every inch in height - the top step of both doors is about 30" above the ground). The ramps would come down from the door and then turn (with a 5' x5' platform - all turning platforms must be at least this size) and then run along side the building for the rest of its length. We are actively seeking grants to cover the cost of the ramps. We have received an additional two bids and are awaiting a third. The food bank will cover the cost for one of the ramps. This will be more clear by December 2009
Paint the Hall (temporary measure) - We are in the process of exploring how to get this done. A number of people made the suggestion for this (and other items) to use volunteer help from parishioners. We will explore this; but we have found that many of our members are no longer physically able to handle this kind of work and those who can are often working at daily jobs. In addition, if something goes wrong, it creates a difficult situation. Another thing to consider here - the installation of the new heating / air-conditioning system in the parish hall will require the removal of the current dropped ceilling. We will need to install a new ceiling and that means examining the hall lighting. Painting should wait until all this work is complete. We hope to have this done (not just a temporary fix) by the end of January 2010. This will not be a temporary fix; but will be part of the complete renovation of the main room of the parish hall. Specifications for this will go out to bid in mid-November.
Fix the Chapel steps - While this item did come out as important to people, it will be put on hold until a full analysis of chapel access is decided. We may do some minor repair of the chapel steps but it would be better to hold-off on any major expense until the chapel access analysis is done.
New Carpet in the Sancturary - We are in the process of getting information on this item. There was a suggestion by a number of members that we restore the floor in the sanctuary and not cover it with carpet. That also is being explored. At the moment the thought is to replace the runner that goes from the steps at the Rood Screen to the altar rail step and then put a runner from one side of the sanctuary to the other on the inside of the altar rail (where the priest walks to give Communion). Depending what the platform under the main altar is made of - hardwood or plywood - we will decide to show the hardwood or cover the plywood. In addition, the carpet at the side altar would be replaced to match that in the sanctuary. We are actively seeking gifts to cover the cost of the carpet. This project is complete. We also have included refinishing the oak floors throughout the church. This part of the project is to be completed in 5 phases. Phase 1 & 2 are complete with Phase 3, 4 and 5 to be completed in November 2009. Carpet project is complete. The floor project is in progress.
Repair the Slate Floor in the church - We are working on this item. Some of the slate is lose and some of the grouting needs replacement. So far it seems minor.
Re-point the outside of both buildings - Three years ago we had our buildings examined by a structural engineer and it was determined that re-pointing the buildings was necessary within the next 5 - 10 years. This is not a cosmetic issue and it is very expensive. Patches that were done over the past years used improper mortar which has only made the situation worse. The problem is that water can get behind the stone and cause damage to the inside of the building, or, during the winter, freeze and force the stone out. In addition, the capstones (those while panels of stone that are on the ridges of the roof) can simply fall off and do serious damage to the roof or to someone walking by.
Replace or fix the kneelers - Our pews were not designed for kneelers and the kneelers we have are too low and beginning to fall apart. We have not yet explored the cost of this item; but when we have the information, we will share it. It is far to expensive to replace our kneelers since our pews were not designed for kneelers. We will continue to repair our current kneelers as needed. This is being done as the floor is being refinished and the pews put back into place.
Upgrade the lighting in the church - the lights in the Nave are not bright enough for the space so addtional lighting is needed. We have not explored our options here; but one thing is certain - any additional lighting will be done in keeping with the style and decor of the church. We are in the process of installing energy efficient light bulbs of a higher lumens that the current bulbs. Thus far the lighting has improved in the fixtures taken care of. We will continue to replace as the pews are moved for the floor refinishing.
Fix the stain glass windows in the church - We have recevied estimates from just over $50,000 to one in excess of $150,000. We need to thing this through more to get better and more consistent information. We have two windows with major problems. The first is the rose window by the pultpit - it is sagging and needs major restoration work. The other window is the one over the altar - mortar has fallen out and a number of pieces of glass have slipped creating open spaces to the outside. On the postive side the two "mosaic" windows in the back of the church on either side of the entrance are very rare windows. They were made by a company in New York that only was in existence for about 7 years and the style is also rare. They basically are thousands of puzzel pieces of glass sandwhiched between two panes of glass. This technique make them very hard to repair. You will note that a pane of glass on each of them is cracked and will need to be replaced.
Air-condition the church - not a priority at the moment. The fans of the heating system that are run (without heat) during the summer seem to ease the heat in the church.
Create a parish library - no real location to do this at the moment.
Refinish the floors in the church - part of the floors (sanctuary and side altar area was done as the carpet was replaced in these areas. This project will be finished in November 2009.
Install a fire stairwell for the parish hall for a second exit for the second floor and the basement - basic requirement for the use of the second floor.
Create a memorial garden - Being worked on as a Master Plan for the churchyard that will include landscaping, lighting, and seating. Master Plan is complete. Old trees have been removed. New locust tree has been planted. Work on Memorial Garden is in progress regarding costs of walkway and marker. Walk and marker is complete as of August 2009. Final completion will wait to the spring of 2010. Dedication of the Memorial Garden took place on September 20, 2009.
Create additional parking - have not had succes with this item. Owner of parking lot is not interested in selling at this time.
New landscapinig for the church - See item #18
New Sunday School classrooms
Install a elevator for access to the second floor and the basement
Create new meeting rooms
Obtain a van to bring people to church and to church events - The food bank is working on this item for their needs. The church would be able to share in the use of it.
Complete renovation of the parish hall - all three floors
Install technology in the parish hall (internet, web-streaming, etc.)
Pave the crypt of the church to create additional space for meetings, programs, etc.
Move the parish offices off-site
Install a pipe organ

PROJECT UPDATE

RENOVATION PROJECTS – UPDATE

There are a number of renovation projects that either have been completed or are in progress and we wanted to update you on them.

Church Carpet: This project is completed.

Church Floor: This project is being done in five phases. Phase I – the chancel and sanctuary floor – was completed prior to Christmas. Phase II – the side chapel and part of the nave in front of the lectern was completed in January. Phase III – the rest of the lectern side of the church – will be completed in the fall of 2009. Phases IV and V - The pulpit side of the church - will be completed in two stages in November 2009. The work being done will protect the solid oak floors for many years to come and has already begun to enhance the beauty of our church.

Heating System in the Church: This project was completed in October and what a difference from the old steam heat. The new system is a gas-fired hot air system with two units in the crypt and dual programmable thermostats. This gives us the ability to provide automatic HVAC control for the entire week which makes the system very energy efficient. The system was designed that if we want to add air-conditioning to the church in the future, we need only add the cooling units.

Church and Parish Hall Roof: A number of repairs were made to both the church and parish hall roof in late November. A year ago the Vestry approved an eight year maintenance program that will extend the life of our roof for another 50 – 100 years. This maintenance program will continue in the spring. This will prevent ongoing leaks, slate tiles slipping, and other problems that could damage the interior of the church. Year 1 of the multi-year project is complete as of August 2009

Heating / Cooling System in the Parish Hall: This project was begun in October and substantially completed in late November. Because it is split-air system that combines heating and cooling it is not as easy to fine-tune as the new heating system in the church. We continue to work with our HVAC consultant to work out some issues that have arisen. The units in the main room and the kitchen seem to work more efficiently that the ones in the parish office, the choir room, and the Rector’s office. Related to this project is the renovation of the main room of the parish hall. We have a consultant coming to recommend new lighting which we hope to have installed during the fall of 2009. We will then put in a new ceiling. We will also the current linoleum on the floor. Painting the all will complete this project. All of this will give the main room in the parish hall a much more attractive look. We also plan to continue replacing the tables and chairs as we begun last year. Window replacement will also be done (the 7 windows in the main room of the parish hall). This project should be completed by January 2010.

We will continue to update all these projects as we progress. If anyone would like to be part of our exciting future and participate in our Next Generation Capital Fund, make a memorial donation, take on a specific project, provide technical assistance, and / or be part of our parish family, please contact the Parish Office and ask to speak to Father Patrick, Bev Euculano (Chair - Capital Campaign), or George Livingston (Chair - Renovation Committee).