What is an endowment?
An endowment is a special long-term fund established to ensure the sustainability of the organization it supports. Typically, the principal is invested and the earned income (i.e. interest) is used for designated expenses. This provides a steady, ongoing source of income for a not-for-profit organization, such as GHCC.
What is the purpose of the David Rowe and Alida Ward Endowment Fund and how is it different from our other current funds?
The David Rowe and Alida Ward Endowment Fund is an unrestricted endowment fund named to honor the many years of service David and Alida have provided to GHCC.
GHCC’s present financial base is comprised of many different funds, most of them restricted. In addition to an Endowment Fund for general use, there are such funds as the Huebner Fund to maintain the Memorial Garden, the Shalom Fund for initiatives connected to the Church’s mental health ministry, and the Families in Crisis fund for emergency help. The new Endowment Fund will be unrestricted, meaning that it may be used to support the work and ministry of the church as there is need: from youth programs to outreach to facilities.
Why do we need more money in our endowment?
GHCC’s current general use Endowment Fund, which had a balance of under $500,000 at year end, is far smaller than other Congregational churches of its size, membership, and role in the UCC community. Increasing our endowed funds to $3 – 3.5MM would allow us to increase our programming, be more proactive about maintaining our facilities, and give more mission dollars to those in need — as well as provide investment opportunities that are currently closed to us.
If I pledge to the Capital Campaign, will I also be asked to make a pledge to the annual Stewardship Campaign?
Yes! The money we receive from the Stewardship Campaign funds our annual operating budget which includes salaries, programming, facility maintenance and mission. The Stewardship Campaign is a yearly campaign while we only have a special Capital Campaign once every 20 years or so.
Who oversees the endowment and stewardship funds?
The Finance Board is responsible for managing all our funds.
What did we vote on at the 2023 Annual Meeting?
The congregation authorized the Church Council to complete and implement plans for the renovation of the Sanctuary and Len Morgan Youth Barn, to initiate a Capital Campaign to raise funds for these renovations, and to establish the David Rowe and Alida Ward Endowment Fund. In other words, the congregation has entrusted the Church Council to oversee the renovations as conducted by the 300th Anniversary Project Manager and Advisory Committee.
Why do we need to renovate our beautiful church?
Our church IS beautiful, and the renovations will in no way detract from that beauty – they will only enhance it! The renovations to GHCC are the vision of David and Alida, who have seen our church and congregation evolve over three decades. David’s White Paper, a document he wrote several years ago, addresses some of their wishes and concerns. The renovations to the Chancel area, designed in consultation with the pastors and music director, will create a more versatile, safe, and welcoming space for worship leadership, children’s performances, musical events, and more – all of which keep our Church thriving and growing. The Church interior was last renovated in the 1940’s so updates, improvements, and safety precautions are long overdue!
When does the construction begin and end?
Our plan is to begin construction in April of 2024 in order to have all work completed by the first day of Church School and the Deacons Picnic in September 2024.
What is the financial goal of the Capital Campaign?
The Capital Campaign’s goal is to raise $3 million.
What is the breakdown of the money used from the Capital Campaign?
The estimated breakdown for the use of the funds is $1.25 million for the renovations and $1.75 million for the endowment.
Where will services take place during the renovations?
We have many options! Because the renovation will take place in the warmer months, many of the services will be held outside. In the summer, our 8:15 services are already held outside, so only the 2nd service will need to be relocated. The Memorial Room is available in inclement weather, and other local churches have offered their sanctuaries for funerals and weddings.
Why are we eliminating the attic in the Len Morgan Youth Barn?
In the past, the attic has stored leftover items for Kate’s Corner, the Dogwood Festival’s tag sale. Kate’s Corner is no longer running, and the attic is currently only sparsely used. Vaulting the ceiling of the barn will allow more windows and add light to a room that often holds 100 teenagers for youth group meetings. The game room/balcony will not be changed,
Wasn’t the Len Morgan Youth Barn renovated recently?
The barn was partially renovated in 2007. The planned renovation will complete this “wish list” and provide better access to the kitchen, a larger food service area, larger windows, a gas fireplace and a sorely-needed new roof!
Will the Parlor layout change?
There will be no structural changes to the Parlor but we will be making cosmetic improvements including new carpet and furniture.
What accommodations are being made for handicapped accessibility?
Several updates will be made to allow people in wheelchairs seating options. The existing ramp by the church kitchen will have a new, wider entrance separated from the kitchen itself. The front pews will not have the partition in front of the seats, so people can position wheelchairs in front of the seats or easily access seats. Aisle seating for wheelchairs (similar to movie theaters) is also under consideration, as is a ramp leading into the Narthex. There will be renderings available on the church’s website.
How will the church’s kitchen change?
The kitchen will be consolidated to accommodate current needs. The same components will still exist — refrigerator, stove, sink, storage, and counter space.
Who will be making the decision on design? Will there be a chance to weigh in on aesthetic choices?
We have formed a building and design committee comprised of church members and staff and will hire a professional designer to help us with design choices. There will be updates on the design process along the way and feedback will always be welcomed and encouraged!
Why would we replace the pews rather than repair them?
The pews have served us well! However, they are in severe disrepair. Exposed nails, splintering wood, and unstable seating demand attention. We are also concerned that sanding them the necessary amount would pose a problem with lead paint.
Based on feedback during the Annual Meeting, we will require each submitted bid to provide an amount for repairing and restoring the existing church pews to better determine if new pews are necessary. Factors to be considered are handicapped accessibility, safety, seating capacity, and expense.
New pews would be modeled after the Church’s original design and provide improved handicapped accessibility. There is also a possibility of removing the vertical partitions in each pew to increase seating and allow families and friends to sit together.
How can I get involved?
Right now, we need your vision and support! Please prayerfully consider your pledge. This is a way to honor David and Alida’s outstanding work and prepare our church for the next 300 years. As the anniversary year approaches, there will be many volunteer opportunities to help with events, community projects, and special tributes, announced in the Church Bulletin, via email, and through mailings.
If you’d like to be involved with our fundraising efforts or the 300th Anniversary in general, please get in touch with Wendy Simon at wsimon@greenfieldhillchurch.com.
Will the CC committee solicit pledges from people outside of the church?
Absolutely! GHCC has many friends beyond our congregation, whether they have been married at the church, sent a child on ASP or to the nursery school, or joined us for a Christmas service. We will also be approaching our collegiate and young adult church members who value their experiences at GHCC and have benefitted from youth groups, Easter Egg Hunts and Church School!
What are some of the ways GHCC will celebrate the 300th Anniversary?
The plan is to complete the renovations in time to celebrate our 300th birthday for an entire year! With a newly renovated sanctuary and youth barn, and increased financial security, we will welcome members — and future members — to participate in parties, exhibits, tours, parades and more! There will even be GHCC merch… We hope you’re as excited as we are!
I have more questions!
Great! Always feel free to email Wendy Simon our 300th Anniversary Project Manager at wsimon@greenfieldhillchurch.com.
