Informational Meeting Summary Notes (March 2, 2025):
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of this campaign and why now?
The Orchard has grown to a point where we need two full-time pastors to provide pastoral care. Research has shown there is a barrier to real growth once you hit 200 people on a Sunday and we are at 350. On top of that, Pastor Ken will be retiring in four years, so the time is now to get someone in place to begin a smooth transition. The Session, our Board of Elders, has invited Kevin Kyle to become our Assistant Pastor and he should be on board in late 2025. The second part of the campaign is to eliminate debt that would fund 80% of his salary.
How can we afford a second pastor this fall, given the campaign will last up to three years and we expect Kevin later this year?
· The giving to our General fund has grown year after year. The last 3 years saw annual growth of $6,000 in fiscal year (FY) 2021/2022, $40,000 in FY 2022/2023, and $80,000 in FY 2023/2024.
· We have an agreement with our bank that as campaign funds are received, they can be applied monthly towards the principal at no extra cost. The payment will be recasted at a lower amount corresponding to the amount paid down.
· Cost cutting and budget alterations have been made and will continue to accommodate the payroll needs of two full-time pastors.
· Orchard Kids has been profitable now for several months. We hope this continues into the next school year, which will also have additional classes. Proceeds from Orchard Kids will come to The Orchard.
· When Kevin starts, he will immediately begin expanding our reach, adding additional leadership to present and new ministries.
· Prayer!
Who is Kevin Kyle?
Kevin is a Chaplain in the US Navy and is currently deployed overseas with his wife Megan, daughter Carolynn, and baby boy due in May. Kevin served at The Orchard for a short time but long enough for the Kyles to develop a deep love for our fellowship! He has been approved to leave the Navy in the Fall of 2025 when he will come to join The Orchard.
How much are we trying to raise?
We are praying to raise $874,000
Are there any savings we can realize by raising this amount?
The current mortgage is scheduled to be paid off in 2040. We can save over $700,000 in interest payments if we retire the mortgage in 2028! Additionally, the current monthly mortgage payment of $5,500 will rise to $10,000 monthly when the current interest rates are scheduled to change in 2032.
What is a Ministry Campaign?
A Ministry Campaign is a church-wide endeavor that seeks pledged donations from members and attenders of the congregation. For The Orchard it will be used to pay for debt elimination.
What if we do not get all the money?
Whatever money is received throughout the campaign can be applied monthly towards the principal and our bank has agreed to recast the monthly payment to a lower amount corresponding to the amount paid down. So, we will have the ability to lower our monthly payment as pledges are received towards the goal of eliminating it completely.
What about the annual budget?
Ministry Campaign giving is, by definition, above and beyond what people give to support the annual ministry and mission of the church. Other churches, however, have found an increase in annual giving after a ministry campaign! God unleashes our generosity and it becomes contagious. Obviously, it is important that we keep up our regular gifts so that our ministries and missions don’t suffer during
the campaign.
Will I be pressured to make a pledge?
No. Participation in the campaign and how much you give will be entirely up to you and God. All members and friends will be given the opportunity to contribute if they wish to do so.
How does the pledge thing work?
We are asking you to make a 3-year pledge. You will then make the donations as soon as you are able, and no later than by the end of the three-year period. The pledge card will provide options for the frequency of your payments (one-time, monthly, quarterly, annually). These gifts will be applied to debt elimination.
Where does the money come from?
For many of us, we will need to reach into our savings and other assets to make those meaningful gifts. Other churches have seen their members give up monthly subscriptions to newspapers, stop drinking Starbucks for three years, work a part-time job, trade in appreciated stocks, sell an asset. The bottom line is what kind of gift will be meaningful, joyful and sacrificial!
Who receives pledge cards?
All members, active and inactive, as well as all friends of the church will be asked to prayerfully consider supporting the church.
Why make a pledge?
Building Tomorrow Together facilitates a planned pastoral transition fostering the continued health of The Orchard. Your pledge makes possible the continued positive health of The Orchard.
Why should I participate?
Why wouldn’t you want to be part of a really exciting piece of our ministry and growth as a church?! Why be left out? When our growth and outreach continues to expand with our new Assistant Pastor, we can all look around with excitement and know that we each had a key part in making it happen.
Do you have to be a church member to participate in the campaign?
No. Participation in the campaign is a personal decision for each of us, and anyone may contribute to God’s work in our church.
When do I get a pledge card/make a pledge?
Pledge cards will be mailed to members June 2nd as well as being available at the church.
When am I expected to give the amount pledged?
Pledge cards will be turned in on Commitment Sunday on June 8th, and pledges can be received anytime thereafter. You may pay your entire pledge in one contribution or spread over the three year period. Pledges can be made by cash or check. “Gifts of Kind” can also be given, such as marketable stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.
Is it possible to give money from an IRA?
Those of us over age 70½ may make tax-free charitable contributions from an IRA and the gift can satisfy part or all of the minimum withdrawal requirement. If you are in this category and think you might be interested, you should discuss this option with your tax advisor. Your tax advisor is a great resource for other questions or ideas on charitable giving options. Obviously, the church is not in a position to give you tax advice.
When do we know the totals?
The announcement will be made two weeks after Commitment Sunday, on Announcement Sunday, June 22nd, in the worship services.
Can my commitment/pledge change?
Yes - a pledge is not a contract. You may update your commitment at any time. If your circumstances change significantly, then your commitment pledge may also need to change. Good surprises happen at least as often as difficult surprises. You can contact our Financial Secretary at any time if you need to make a change.
If I can’t give a large amount, does my pledge really matter?
Absolutely! All pledges matter, regardless of amount, because we all participate according to our ability. God multiplies our giving. The foundation for our campaign is the principle “equal sacrifices, not equal gifts.” We want everyone to pray and to support this effort regardless of the size of their gift.
How long will my commitment be?
You are asked to make a three-year commitment.
How are we paying for the campaign? With all the printed materials, mailings, videos, popcorn, luncheons and dinner, couldn’t this money be used to pay the debt?
It does cost money to send out the newsletters and print the brochures, but it is important that we make every effort to inform everyone as to what’s happening. History tells us that the benefit of creating these materials for the campaign greatly outweighs their cost. A significant portion of the costs for the campaign have been covered by the generous gifts of donors within The Orchard.
How may I prepare to participate?
Pray the daily prayer that is in the devotional. Pray for discernment, inviting God to show you what He wants to do in and through you to accomplish His will and vision for The Orchard. You will be provided a devotional as part of the campaign that will provide the scriptural and spiritual guidance needed to help prepare your heart for what God wants you to do in support of His mission.
I like the way we are … why should we change?
Again, the issue is how do we best respond to the calling and opportunities that God has given to this ministry? The questions are not just "what do we want to be" or "what are we most comfortable with” the questions are “What does GOD call us to be?” and “What is GOD leading us to do?
“Gifts in Kind”
These can also be given, such as marketable stocks, bonds, real estate, etc. Your financial advisor and our office staff/treasurer can help you make a donation “in kind”.
What is an average gift? What should a capital gift be?
Stewardship is not about equal gifts but about equal sacrifice. There is no formula for determining that pledge, nor is there an "average gift" kind of benchmark. Instead of measuring your gift by the dollar amount, use the "measures" below
· Does this investment make a difference to me? Does this gift change me, change my whole commitment level?
· Was this a prayerful decision seeking God's will … did I even invite God to be a part of this decision process?
· Did I have a real conversation about this decision … with my spouse, children, family, church family, etc.?
· Did I learn something about commitment and giving? Did I take a step of faith that deepens my own discipleship?
· If everyone else in the church made a sacrifice equal to my own (in terms of commitment rather than dollars), would God be honored by that level of commitment/investment?
What if we raise more than $874,000?
To the extent there are substantial additional funds raised during the capital campaign, the Session will decide if there are other priorities that should be addressed as a result of additional funding.
The Orchard has grown to a point where we need two full-time pastors to provide pastoral care. Research has shown there is a barrier to real growth once you hit 200 people on a Sunday and we are at 350. On top of that, Pastor Ken will be retiring in four years, so the time is now to get someone in place to begin a smooth transition. The Session, our Board of Elders, has invited Kevin Kyle to become our Assistant Pastor and he should be on board in late 2025. The second part of the campaign is to eliminate debt that would fund 80% of his salary.
How can we afford a second pastor this fall, given the campaign will last up to three years and we expect Kevin later this year?
· The giving to our General fund has grown year after year. The last 3 years saw annual growth of $6,000 in fiscal year (FY) 2021/2022, $40,000 in FY 2022/2023, and $80,000 in FY 2023/2024.
· We have an agreement with our bank that as campaign funds are received, they can be applied monthly towards the principal at no extra cost. The payment will be recasted at a lower amount corresponding to the amount paid down.
· Cost cutting and budget alterations have been made and will continue to accommodate the payroll needs of two full-time pastors.
· Orchard Kids has been profitable now for several months. We hope this continues into the next school year, which will also have additional classes. Proceeds from Orchard Kids will come to The Orchard.
· When Kevin starts, he will immediately begin expanding our reach, adding additional leadership to present and new ministries.
· Prayer!
Who is Kevin Kyle?
Kevin is a Chaplain in the US Navy and is currently deployed overseas with his wife Megan, daughter Carolynn, and baby boy due in May. Kevin served at The Orchard for a short time but long enough for the Kyles to develop a deep love for our fellowship! He has been approved to leave the Navy in the Fall of 2025 when he will come to join The Orchard.
How much are we trying to raise?
We are praying to raise $874,000
Are there any savings we can realize by raising this amount?
The current mortgage is scheduled to be paid off in 2040. We can save over $700,000 in interest payments if we retire the mortgage in 2028! Additionally, the current monthly mortgage payment of $5,500 will rise to $10,000 monthly when the current interest rates are scheduled to change in 2032.
What is a Ministry Campaign?
A Ministry Campaign is a church-wide endeavor that seeks pledged donations from members and attenders of the congregation. For The Orchard it will be used to pay for debt elimination.
What if we do not get all the money?
Whatever money is received throughout the campaign can be applied monthly towards the principal and our bank has agreed to recast the monthly payment to a lower amount corresponding to the amount paid down. So, we will have the ability to lower our monthly payment as pledges are received towards the goal of eliminating it completely.
What about the annual budget?
Ministry Campaign giving is, by definition, above and beyond what people give to support the annual ministry and mission of the church. Other churches, however, have found an increase in annual giving after a ministry campaign! God unleashes our generosity and it becomes contagious. Obviously, it is important that we keep up our regular gifts so that our ministries and missions don’t suffer during
the campaign.
Will I be pressured to make a pledge?
No. Participation in the campaign and how much you give will be entirely up to you and God. All members and friends will be given the opportunity to contribute if they wish to do so.
How does the pledge thing work?
We are asking you to make a 3-year pledge. You will then make the donations as soon as you are able, and no later than by the end of the three-year period. The pledge card will provide options for the frequency of your payments (one-time, monthly, quarterly, annually). These gifts will be applied to debt elimination.
Where does the money come from?
For many of us, we will need to reach into our savings and other assets to make those meaningful gifts. Other churches have seen their members give up monthly subscriptions to newspapers, stop drinking Starbucks for three years, work a part-time job, trade in appreciated stocks, sell an asset. The bottom line is what kind of gift will be meaningful, joyful and sacrificial!
Who receives pledge cards?
All members, active and inactive, as well as all friends of the church will be asked to prayerfully consider supporting the church.
Why make a pledge?
Building Tomorrow Together facilitates a planned pastoral transition fostering the continued health of The Orchard. Your pledge makes possible the continued positive health of The Orchard.
Why should I participate?
Why wouldn’t you want to be part of a really exciting piece of our ministry and growth as a church?! Why be left out? When our growth and outreach continues to expand with our new Assistant Pastor, we can all look around with excitement and know that we each had a key part in making it happen.
Do you have to be a church member to participate in the campaign?
No. Participation in the campaign is a personal decision for each of us, and anyone may contribute to God’s work in our church.
When do I get a pledge card/make a pledge?
Pledge cards will be mailed to members June 2nd as well as being available at the church.
When am I expected to give the amount pledged?
Pledge cards will be turned in on Commitment Sunday on June 8th, and pledges can be received anytime thereafter. You may pay your entire pledge in one contribution or spread over the three year period. Pledges can be made by cash or check. “Gifts of Kind” can also be given, such as marketable stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.
Is it possible to give money from an IRA?
Those of us over age 70½ may make tax-free charitable contributions from an IRA and the gift can satisfy part or all of the minimum withdrawal requirement. If you are in this category and think you might be interested, you should discuss this option with your tax advisor. Your tax advisor is a great resource for other questions or ideas on charitable giving options. Obviously, the church is not in a position to give you tax advice.
When do we know the totals?
The announcement will be made two weeks after Commitment Sunday, on Announcement Sunday, June 22nd, in the worship services.
Can my commitment/pledge change?
Yes - a pledge is not a contract. You may update your commitment at any time. If your circumstances change significantly, then your commitment pledge may also need to change. Good surprises happen at least as often as difficult surprises. You can contact our Financial Secretary at any time if you need to make a change.
If I can’t give a large amount, does my pledge really matter?
Absolutely! All pledges matter, regardless of amount, because we all participate according to our ability. God multiplies our giving. The foundation for our campaign is the principle “equal sacrifices, not equal gifts.” We want everyone to pray and to support this effort regardless of the size of their gift.
How long will my commitment be?
You are asked to make a three-year commitment.
How are we paying for the campaign? With all the printed materials, mailings, videos, popcorn, luncheons and dinner, couldn’t this money be used to pay the debt?
It does cost money to send out the newsletters and print the brochures, but it is important that we make every effort to inform everyone as to what’s happening. History tells us that the benefit of creating these materials for the campaign greatly outweighs their cost. A significant portion of the costs for the campaign have been covered by the generous gifts of donors within The Orchard.
How may I prepare to participate?
Pray the daily prayer that is in the devotional. Pray for discernment, inviting God to show you what He wants to do in and through you to accomplish His will and vision for The Orchard. You will be provided a devotional as part of the campaign that will provide the scriptural and spiritual guidance needed to help prepare your heart for what God wants you to do in support of His mission.
I like the way we are … why should we change?
Again, the issue is how do we best respond to the calling and opportunities that God has given to this ministry? The questions are not just "what do we want to be" or "what are we most comfortable with” the questions are “What does GOD call us to be?” and “What is GOD leading us to do?
“Gifts in Kind”
These can also be given, such as marketable stocks, bonds, real estate, etc. Your financial advisor and our office staff/treasurer can help you make a donation “in kind”.
What is an average gift? What should a capital gift be?
Stewardship is not about equal gifts but about equal sacrifice. There is no formula for determining that pledge, nor is there an "average gift" kind of benchmark. Instead of measuring your gift by the dollar amount, use the "measures" below
· Does this investment make a difference to me? Does this gift change me, change my whole commitment level?
· Was this a prayerful decision seeking God's will … did I even invite God to be a part of this decision process?
· Did I have a real conversation about this decision … with my spouse, children, family, church family, etc.?
· Did I learn something about commitment and giving? Did I take a step of faith that deepens my own discipleship?
· If everyone else in the church made a sacrifice equal to my own (in terms of commitment rather than dollars), would God be honored by that level of commitment/investment?
What if we raise more than $874,000?
To the extent there are substantial additional funds raised during the capital campaign, the Session will decide if there are other priorities that should be addressed as a result of additional funding.
