Churchofthe Nativity.org -> Stewardship -> 2006 Capital Campaign -> FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT OUR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

 The Fall is usually stewardship time.  Is this the normal pledge drive?

No.  Our “Building Up On Faith” Capital Campaign focuses on improving the ministry of Nativity over the next 3 years, and commitments to it will be received during December, with commitment payments to begin from January, 2007 to December, 2009. Our normal Fall Pledge Drive, “Secure Foundation”, focuses on supporting the normal ministry of Nativity over the year 2007, and pledges to it will be received during November, with pledge payments to begin from January to December, 2007.  More information about our Pledge Drive will come to you next week. 

Why are we doing this Capital Campaign?

The leaders of the parish, particularly the Vestry and the Long-Range Planning Committee, recognized that our facilities and staffing levels are no longer sufficient to fulfill our mission of being and making faithful followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Though we have recovered substantially from the losses suffered in the last decade, our ability to grow has been limited.  Improvements to our buildings, additions to our staff, and a renewed commitment to financial and ministry outreach are needed so that we can continue to offer a reconciling refuge, an environment for spiritual deepening, and a home to raise faithful followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, and particularly children and youth. 

Our attendance has been stagnant.  Is this a good time for a Capital Campaign?

Though it would be reassuring to be on a growth curve at this time, we can’t wait for growth, and need to take a step with God to help foster the growth we desire.  Though growth is ultimately God’s business, the parish leaders believe that God has told us to move forward now, and to trust Him for the results. 

Consumer confidence is ebbing, and the economy appears soft.  Is this a good time for a Capital Campaign?

Though parish leaders are aware that these are tough times for some of us, they believe that waiting for “better times” would be impossible, and unfruitful.  They are also aware of the abundant resources which God has given to all of us (when compared with people in other parts of our region and world) and that He may show us creative ways to release and relinquish those resources to Him.  And, throughout the Bible, there are many stories of God’s people stepping out for Him without resources in-hand, in order to allow God to provide, so that He can get the glory, not them. 

There is an uncertainty felt by some of our parishioners generated by the direction taken by the Episcopal Church relative to the worldwide Anglican Communion.   Is this a good time for a Capital Campaign? 

The Church of the Nativity is in and of the Episcopal Church.  We hold true to the creeds of the church, the sacraments, core beliefs and doctrine of the Episcopal Church.  The building, properties, and financial holdings of Church of the Nativity are held in trust with the Diocese of Western Massachusetts.  We have enjoyed a long and healthy partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts.   

This capital campaign is about building God’s kingdom and building God’s people.  Building us up in faith - with a common trust and a common hope.  We need to live out the mission of our church.  We cannot wait for better times.  In being good stewards of the facilities God has provided us to conduct our mission, we need to update, renovate, and repair what we have now.  Our Mission and our People need to be reconciled and transformed in Christ. We cannot wait. 

The capital campaign has been defined in a “pay as we go” approach, described in the fact sheets which follow.  This allows the church to adjust the projects as we go forward.  We are fully committed to executing this Capital Campaign and we hope in the days ahead you will be asking God the following question “ Lord, what do you want to do thru me to accomplish your will at Church of the Nativity”. 

In the upcoming year the Vestry will lead a process of seeking God’s direction for our relationship with the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, even as we continue to be an active and supportive member of our diocese and denomination.  We intend to work together in faith for the greater glory of God.