The Renaissance Campaign seeds to fund several initiatives that will help to ensure a vibrant future for Christ Church.  These initiatives include repairs to our church building, an expanded staff ands enhancements to the Parish House.  The following are taken from the leaflet "The Renaissance Campaign: Common Questions and Answers" which was distributed during our kick-off luncheon.

How long will the Campaign last?

We are seeking gifts over a three-year period.  We ask you to commit now to give a particular amount, which you then have three years to pay.  We do not intend to ask for money for three years!  Rather, we hope to have sufficient commitments now, so that we can focus on the implementation of our goals.  We may talk about the Campaign contributions again next spring, but we intend to limit our requests for funding as much as possible.

 

What will be done to the church building?

As many of you know, our church was finished in 1884.  After nearly 125 years, there are some predictable issues that need to be addressed.  The fundamental structure is sound, but there are some repairs that, if not made soon, will cost dramatically more.  We have already done some urgent masonry work on the south wall (facing the Parish House).  Beyond that, the bell tower needs to be reinforced.  There are many problems with wood trim around the building, and the roof needs some minor repairs.

 

What will be done with to the Parish House?

There are two major projects, and several minor projects. 

        First, we hope to completely renovate the rear entrance to the Parish House (by the parking lot).  We will make the staircase compliant with fire codes (wider, and not so steep).  We will create a direct passage to the Church School rooms, so that parents and children do not need to access the rooms vial the narrow and dangerous staircase near the Thrift Shop.  We will create an entrance directly into the Thrift Shop from this new space, making a primary entrance of the Parish House.  Perhaps, most importantly, we will add a wheelchair lift.  This will give us a wheelchair entrance near our handicap parking spaces; this will also make the basement and main level of the Parish House fully accessible.

        Second, we plan to recover the former Church School room (the loft space above the offices and parlor) as usable space.  For years, it has not been used for safety reasons.  We will add a proper fire egress.  The space will be set up as a café, with a particular focus on our growing youth program.  They need a space in which to spend time.  This space will also be available to others who need meeting space, as well as for Sunday morning classes. See it here.

What about the expanded staff?

Our hope is to call a second full-time priest to serve at Christ Church.  Many of us have known for years that our parish was too large for one priest to serve alone.  Having a second priest will enable more pastoral care, variety in preaching, and additional support for those in need.  Equally important, adding a second priest will enable us to create programs and opportunities for spiritual growth.  This spiritual growth is what will, in the long run, prepare us for a vibrant future as a transforming faith community. 

        We anticipate several efforts that our new priest could lead.  First, we need some small group ministries.  These could be classes, for those who wish to deepen their knowledge.  They could be groups of people who have something in common (new parents; retired members; 20s/30s group). They could be groups of people who will work together (knitting prayer shawls, building houses for Habitat for Humanity).  These groups will help people see God at work in their own lives and in those around them.   Second, a second priest will lead our growing presence on Sunday evenings, with our Emmaus alternative service and our youth group.  Third, we need to implement programs for those aged 15 - 18 on a Sunday morning, so that our program of classes is complete for all ages, 3 - 103. Finally, we could do a better job of caring for our elderly members.  A second priest will enable more clergy visits, but it will also enable us to form pastoral care teams so that we can serve those who have spent so many years of their lives serving the church.

 

Do we really need another priest?

Yes.  One priest cannot adequately lead the current programs, let alone add new programs.  Without a second priest, we are almost guaranteed to be in decline.  This is not about Scott - any of our previous clergy will confirm this, and it's easy to compare our situation with that of healthy churches our size.  We are critically understaffed, which is one of the reasons why our giving has been low.  Without programs and opportunities to connect people with God, we begin to think of church as a social club or we take it for granted.

 

What about construction? Who will do the work?

Our "clerk of the works" is Allen Berry, a regionally known expert in historical preservation architecture.  He will be in charge of selecting and monitoring contractors.  From Christ Church, our Junior Warden, Bob Kay, will work with a team of people to prioritize and monitor construction efforts.

 

I know someone who can do the work inexpensively.  Can they do the work?

Anyone is welcome to submit bids for the work to Allen Berry.  Speak with Bob Kay or Scott Gunn to learn more.  We want to ensure that all work is of the highest possible quality, and if we can get high quality for a lower cost, we would obviously be interested.

 

Can I volunteer my time to save us money?

There may be some work that can be done by volunteers.  There are smaller projects that we will probably do "on our own" without involvement of Alan Berry.  These include renovations of our Parlor, improvements on some of our Church School rooms, and improvements to our kitchen.  You could think of our offices as a model for this work.  We used some professional labor under contract, to do the floors.  Much of the work was done by volunteers (painting, moving things).  Some of the work was done by professionally skilled experts in our congregation, at cost (the curtains, by Wilma Jalbert). This model of work will work for some of what we need to do.

 

When will the work start?

Our first priority is to complete the repairs to the church as soon as possible.  Every month we wait, the costs will go up and the possibility of complications increases.  We will start the work as soon as we have cash in hand.  We also need to pay the balance of a $30,000 loan from the Diocese of Rhode Island; this loan funded part of the work on the south wall, already completed.

 

What about the LaFarge windows?

On the wall above our Altar are three beautiful and historically important windows.  These windows were designed by the world-renowned stained glass artist John LaFarge.  They will need some very expensive repairs in the next few years.  However, after consultation with the nation's leading expert on this type of window, we have been advised that their repair can be deferred for perhaps 10 years.  We will have them inspected annually to ensure they are receiving the care they need.  At present, the repairs would have cost $120,000.  Simply put, we felt there were other, more urgent, projects to fund. 

We need to  work to make Christ Church a vibrant congregation that will be here for another 125 years to enjoy these windows!

 

When should I start paying my Renaissance Campaign commitment?

As soon as possible.  The sooner we receive funds, the sooner we can do the work, which will result in lower costs.  If you can pay a lump sum now, that will accelerate our efforts and reduce costs.

 

What if we don't raise the full amount?

We have prioritized our work this way: first, we repair the church. Second, we hire a priest.  Third, we enhance the Parish House.  If we do not receive full funding, we would limit our work on the Parish House.  However, we do not believe this will be an issue.  We expect to fully fund our Campaign.

 

What is the full cost of the Campaign?

We are seeking to raise $400,000.  This can be broken down this way:

• $130,000 - repairs to church, and some repairs to the Parish House
• $130,000 - second priest
• $140,000 - enhancements to Parish House

 

Can you give some detail on the construction costs?

These are the repair costs, totaling $130,000.

• Masonry work on south side of the Church (done, with money borrowed) - $30,000
• Windows, siding and trim on the south side of the Church - $25,000
• North side, west side and bell tower windows and trim - $30,000
• Bell tower structural repairs - $15,000
• Contingency for wood repair and other issues - $13,000
• Restoration of upper sacristy windows - $5,000
• Replace underground oil tank in Parish House - $8,000
• Drywells in Parish House to help with drainage - $4,000

 

These are the planned expenses for enhancements to our program space, totaling $140,000

• New entrance in rear of Parish House, with handicap lift - $70,000
• Café and youth space on upper level of Parish House - $50,000
• Renovate Parlor - $8,000
• Other projects and contingencies - $12,000

 

What about the costs for a priest?

According to diocesan guidelines, a full-time priest could cost $83,000 per year.  This is not just salary! This number includes salary, family health insurance, pension plan, professional expenses and continuing education allowance. These are diocesan minimums.  Our diocese will contribute to these costs!  The Congregational Development Commission has agreed to give us a three-year grant totaling $90,000.  This is a grant, not a loan.  They believe that with this position, we can grow our church.  By sharing what we learn, we can help other churches.  The Renaissance Campaign will fund $130,000 or the three-year cost of a priest.  In the first year, there will be no impact on our operating budget (which is paid by your stewardship pledges).  Starting in the second year, we will absorb a small amount of the cost.  If we meet our targets, in the fourth year, we could fully fund this position in our operating budget.

 

What about apportionment?

As you may know, "apportionment" is the term that refers to our contribution to support our diocese.  This contribution enables the Episcopal Conference Center (ECC) to bring Jesus Christ to young people; it enables our diocese to minister to Hispanic communities; it supports parishes when they need spiritual or leadership assistance; and it funds the program life of our diocese.  Like all congregations in Rhode Island, we contribute 17.5% of our operating budget to the Diocese.  Capital expenses are not included in this calculation.  All building expenses, in other words, are not apportionable.  We will not pay apportionment on the grant from the Congregational Development Commission.  We are in discussions with the bishop on what apportionment we will pay on the other funding sources for our second priest.

 

How do I make my contribution?

You may make your contribution in several ways,

• You can use the monthly blue envelopes that come with regular stewardship contribution envelopes.
• You can write a single or yearly or quarterly check.
• You can pay weekly (just write your instructions in the memo field of your check).
• You can use our electronic contribution system - and then funds will be debited from your bank account regularly, according to your instructions. Call the Parish Office or speak with Al Mongeau.
• You can make a gift of stocks or other securities.  Contact the Parish Office to learn more.

 

Can I set up an annuity or leave money in my will?

Yes.  If every member of Christ Church left 5% or 10% of their estate to the church, our financial situation would be dramatically different.  Undesignated gifts are ideal.  Then the Vestry can allocate the funds based on current needs.  For example, our operating deficits for 2007 and 2008 were funded by a bequest.  Without this money, it is not clear how we would have continued to operate.  In other times, a bequest could have been set aside for our endowment or a capital improvement project.  Making a gift in your will could even have significant tax advantages.  Speak to us to learn more.

 

Will I receive statements?

Yes.  If you already contribute to Christ Church, the Renaissance Campaign will appear as a separate line on your quarterly statements. If this is your first contribution, you will begin to receive quarterly statements.

 

I have more questions.  Where do I turn?

You are always welcome to speak with our Renaissance Committee co-chairs, Doug Allen and Denyce Johnson.  You may speak with any member of our vestry, or our Wardens - Joel Gardner and Bob Kay.  Of course, you may speak with our priest, Scott Gunn at any time.