Questions & Answers
Family Matters at Morningside. Over fifty years ago, the church began with purpose and design…to reach and disciple young families in the community.
The Morningside community now stretches to Columbus and beyond. If we want to reach and disciple those young families, then we must create a place for them and their children.
What are we doing?
After months of prayer, research, deliberation and consultation, the church adopted a Master Plan in conference, March 20, 2011. Phase One of that plan prioritizes family and children’s ministry.
The initial design calls for two floors of children’s space - their place in every way… sight, size, sound, light and atmosphere. It calls for a safe, secure, inviting, one-stop place where mom and dad feel good about entrusting their little ones to our care. The new, two-story structure attaches to our existing Building D, and allows families to move between the two buildings under one roof. In addition, Building D will receive a much needed face lift.
Family Matters moves Morningside one step closer to implementing a vision of safe, secure, inviting children’s space - their place. It is a vision the church saw as far back as 1962.
Why are we doing this?
Morningside first put paper and pencil to the vision in 1962. Those earlier drawings reflect the purpose and design of Morningside… to reach and disciple young families.
Today, children lead families to neighborhoods, restaurants, schools and places of worship. When children lead, they bring families with them. We want to create a place for children that feels fresh and exhilarating, a place to which they want to bring their families, a place that gives us a chance to capture their imaginations and win their hearts for Jesus.
Why are we doing this now?
Our confidence comes from God. Times, epochs, phases and economies all come from Him.
The current economic situation presents challenges for everyone. Simultaneously, it presents great opportunity for us as a church. Construction and material costs remain relatively low, giving us a cost advantage.
How are we going to pay for this?
We started saving for Phase One over 17 months ago. Part of our yearly budget – $30,000.00 per month – goes into the Building Fund. This fund stands as part of a
“course of action” presented by the Finance Committee and adopted in conference October 9, 2011.
Does all this mean we voted to borrow money and construct a building last October?
No. It means we stand ready to take the next right step, Family Matters, a stewardship emphasis for our church.
What is Commitment Sunday?
May 20, 2012, is the day we make a commitment and disclose our intent to support the work of God through Family Matters. That is the day we make a three-year pledge above and beyond the level of our normal giving.
What is First Fruits Sunday?
First Fruits is Biblical terminology from Proverbs 3:9…”Honor the Lord from your wealth, and from the first of all your produce; so your barn will be filled with plenty…”
The First Fruits of Family Matters is the first gift drawn from your three-year pledge.
On June 3, 2012, we will be given the opportunity to make a First Fruits Gift.
What has been recommended by the Finance Committee of Morningside?
The church Finance Committee proposed an eight-step recommendation that should be met before proceeding with Phase One of the Master Plan. These steps were approved by the church on October 9, 2011. The first five recommendations outlined on Blueprint Sunday have been accomplished:
- Secure a letter of intent from financial institutions
- Fill staff vacancies (a minimum of one)
- Engage Generis, a stewardship consultant firm, to lead a stewardship emphasis
- Launch a stewardship program in the fall of 2011
- Engage CDH Partners, an architectural firm, to proceed with construction drawings and engineering studies for Phase One
- Attain cash equivalent of 25% of construction costs (includes Building Fund total, items paid prior to construction, and First Fruits gifts)
- Receive pledges that are greater than, or equal to, 25% of the construction budget
Proceed with groundbreaking (Following our Family Matters Focus, Morningside will have the opportunity to vote about proceeding with Phase One of the Master Plan.)
In order to meet the established recommendations, the leadership of Morningside - Elders, Staff, Construction and Finance Committees, as well as the Family Matters Team - in conjunction with the consulting firm, Generis, proposes a challenging and attainable goal.
Family Matters Goal: $2.3 million
This goal makes a strong statement about how much FAMILY MATTERS at Morningside.
As outlined by our Finance Committee, we have two opportunities to support
Family Matters:
We can pray and consider our gift as we make 3-year pledges on Commitment Sunday, May 20, 2012.
We can utilize our faith and make a commitment as we bring the “first fruits”, or the first portion of our 3-year pledge on First Fruits Sunday, June 3, 2012.
Do we break ground immediately after completing the Family Matters Focus?
No. We make a decision about proceeding with construction after we assess the outcome of the Family Matters pledges and the First Fruits giving. Effectively, we then ask God, “What now?”
What is the estimated cost?
The estimated cost of Phase One is $6.7 million…final costs will be determined after architectural drawings are completed and bids are received.
Does that mean we are going to borrow $6.7 million dollars?
No. We started saving for Phase One in the fall of 2010. As of March 1, 2012, we have set aside $540,000 in the building fund. We plan to continue to contribute the $30,000 per month until we have completed and paid for Phase One.
How do we get involved with Family Matters?
Pray...The scope of Phase One is big, but not too big for God. Family Matters is about seeking God first and foremost.
Consider Your Gift...The gift you make involves a 3-year commitment above and beyond your current level of giving. Consider your gift before the Lord and follow His leading by faith.
Utilize Your Faith...Take a step of faith and keep believing that our Lord will use you to build His church. “I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18)
Make Your Commitment
Bring the pledge for your 3-year commitment on Celebration Sunday, May 20, 2012. That is the day you disclose your intent to support the work of God through Family Matters…a commitment above and beyond your normal level of giving.
Give the first of your 3-year commitment “whatever He says to you” on First Fruits Sunday, June 3, 2012. Remember, the “course of action” means that we anticipate having 25% of the cost of construction available on First Fruits Sunday.
May 20, 2012 - Commitment Sunday
June 3, 2012 - First Fruits Sunday
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