1. What happens if I can’t fulfill my pledge commitment?
We appreciate that your pledge is not a contract and that your circumstances can change. Any monthly or periodic payments from your bank can be set up as a Standing order so you always have control and can ask your bank to stop the payments at any time. If you need to stop the payments please write to Giving Officer, CONNECT c/o Parish Office or email giving@connectwoodford.org.This information will remain confidential. Just contact the Church office and we will stop the preauthorized payments.
2. Am I able to make contributions on my own without filling out a pledge form?
Yes. Please clearly indicate that the money is for the building fund and it will be forwarded to the Capital Campaign. If you are going to put it in the weekly offertory or Sunday collection, please write your name and address on an envelope clearly marked for the campaign. A supply of CONNECT envelopes will be available in the Welcome Area.
3. What happens if the parish does not reach its target for raising money? What will the funds be used for that have been raised to that time?
If the project has to be abandoned because of a lack of funds all donors will be contacted and told how much the project has cost to date and the net amount still in hand. They will be asked whether they want their pro rata share repaid or whether the church can retail the funds and use them in a similar project which will be described in full at the time.The money will be used in the current building to make as many of the needed changes as possible.
4. If we happen to exceed our fundraising target, what will the extra funds be used for?
If this happens, the extra money will be offered back pro rata to donors. We would offer donors also the option of converting their excess pledge into giving towards further development of ministry both at All Saints’ and (as needed) in the external projects which we are supporting.
5 Will the parish go into debt for this project? If so, how much?
We do not anticipate having to borrow to finish the project because we believe that God’s people will respond and meet the needs. However the church already owns several properties that could be used as security for short term borrowing if the PCC believed that this was the right way to meet a funding gap.
6. How much am I expected to give?
There is no specific amount requested from each family.The campaign is a three-year commitment. We simply ask that you and your family prayerfully consider the needs of the parish and the diocese and give to the best of your ability. We realize this is a sacrifice for the extraordinary needs of the parish, the diocese and the local community, and that everyone’s situation is unique. Therefore, there is no specific amount requested from each family. If everyone contributes to the best of their ability, we will reach our goals. The campaign is likely to last three years and therefore any amount you decide to give can be spread over the period of the building works. If you wish to give over a longer timescale please contact the Giving Officer as in question 1.
7. Why are we doing this at this time?
We need to be to ensure that the church is equipped to serve theits congregation and its community for the foreseeable future. Our parish is extremely active and we need the space facilities for all the ministries to carry on growing and developing. We also believe that God is calling us to a larger vision for the role of All Saints in both the locality and the wider region. If we are to answer this vision then we will need to enlarge our facilities so that we can better serve the community we are called to serve. We believe that we are being asked to respond in faith to the vision that God has given us.
8. Will this make the parking lot smaller?
No. It will be the same capacity, only re-sited on land presently in the Vicarage Garden, with regulation-sized Disabled parking bays in front of the new entrance to the complex.
9. Isn’t this a bad time because of the economy?
Not if this is God’s timing, which we believe it is. It might be easier to raise the money when the economy is booming but God wants to show us his faithfulness and grace in his ability to meet our needs as a church and as his people. In addition a contract like this could enable people in the building trade to remain in work. There is never a best time for such a big project as costs tend to increase whilst you wait. By doing it now, we can get the best prices and keep people working.
10. Is this going to affect the area we have for worship?
No, the part we use for worship will remain the virtually the same; although there will be a new entrance to the Atrium through the middle window in the North Aisle. The atrium itself will however be able to serve as an overflow for exceptionally large services or as a withdrawal space for parents with crying babies. It will be connected to the main church building by glass doors, affording a good view, and will be served by a large screen providing audio/video relay.
11. How did we determine the total spend for the Capital Campaign?
The figure of £3,000,000 over a period of three years was arrived at as a result of consultations with the appointed Architects and a firm of Quantity Surveyors. It represents a cautious approach which allows for fitting out costs and a sizeable contingency sum, as well as giving to external projects. Costs have been falling for similar building projects but we feel it wise to retain the initial target.
12. Our aim in all the ministry that we do is to serve and give away what God has given to us.
We believe that God has given this vision to expand our facilities and resources so that we can serve the local community and better serve the wider community of faith that looks to All Saints for leadership and support. We believe that this is the most strategic manner in which we can advance the Kingdom both locally and abroad. Nevertheless we are also mindful of other ministries and within the campaign plan on supporting a local charity and three overseas charities. These are charities with which we already have links. We want to help them grow as they answer the call of God to meet the needs of the communities they serve.
13. Why don’t we use money from the sale of the other church property to pay for the project?
The church does not have any surplus property that it could sell and raise the necessary finance. All our properties are currently in use for the staff on the team and the accounts show that their value at 31 December was only £1.5m. Whilst the sale of the property All Saints owns is an option, in this economic climate it is certainly not the time to do this. Our assistant clergy live in the properties we own and it may therefore be counterproductive if by selling, we then have to pay rent to a landlord elsewhere.
14. What will happen to the outside play area?
Please see the plans and the flythrough to see how the new buildings will look. You will see from the flythrough that the grounds of the church will be landscaped and redesigned. There will be a secure play area at the rear of the new Youth block which will be used by the Play group and Church groups. Unfortunately, the play area has been somewhat reduced in size after the conservation officer’s intervention required us to move the location of the new block. This has, however, resulted in a larger garden space at the top of the site in front of the atrium.
15. Will the new interior match the style and materials of the existing structure?
Please see the flythrough for an overall impression of the look and feel of the interior. We have had to make great efforts with the Architects and Planners to ensure that the new buildings do not overwhelm the current listed buildings. Every effort will be made to blend the new addition with the existing area and be sympathetic to the overall look of the church.
16. If there’s a large donation, will there be a room or space named after the person?
No.
17. Will our plans be approved/allowed by the council? What if they don’t allow it, or if the neighbourhood complains?
We are working on approval from the council and our application is due to be heard on June 11th. With regard to our neighbours, no objections have been received to the scheme. We aim to be good neighbours so will keep them informed on the renovations and the progress of works.
18. Will there be full kitchen facilities for events (church functions, weddings, etc.) and will a wine and spirits license be permitted?
There will be a good size kitchen, a light industrial kitchen which will be fully equipped to cater for the anticipated needs of the parish. The Hall complex will be available for hire as at present but there is no intention to have a permanent license to sell alcohol.
19. When the project is completed what will be the implications for events and conferences?
With the new facilities we will have much more usable space, better kitchen facilities and a more welcoming site. The atrium is a perfect space for gathering, break-out groups or coffee breaks. In addition we will increase the number of toilets on the site by a factor of three.
20. What will be the maximum capacity of the new hall?
The new hall is similar in size to the existing hall. We do not feel that we need much larger halls now that the church itself is such an attractive and flexible space.
21. Is there an estimated date of completion for the addition/renovations Project?
Overall the project is likely to take two to three years from the receipt of Planning Permission to the dedication of the New Complex. However the timescale will depend on our ability to raise the finance. It will probably take one to two years for all the construction and renovations once they break the ground. We hope to break the ground in the months after Council approval has been obtained, but that will depend on how quickly we raise the money. In order to break ground we need to have pledges totaling 90% of the estimated cost of the project before we can start.
22. Where will church groups meet during the construction?
We will deal with this issue as we go forward and may need at times to make alternative arrangements for the Sunday School groups as well as mid week activities. These are likely to change during the project. Much of the project can be phased so that, for example, the new block may be available for use before the existing hall is affected.
23. Will there be any renovations done to the current worship area?
The church’s worship area will remain the same physically, but some elements maybe
upgraded so that they match the facilities in the new complex. An example is that the heating system will be addressed as part of the construction with one boiler serving the whole complex. This will also result in a much more spacious choir vestry as the existing boiler is removed from that space.
24. Will money from the weekly offertory Sunday collection be used to help offset the cost of the addition/renovations?
No it will not. The Project will be funded through specified giving to CONNECT. It is important that we maintain our regular giving so that we can maintain our ministry.
25. Who are the architect and constructor of the new building?
MEB Design has been appointed as our architects. Once Redbridge Council has granted
planning permission we will consider how best to handle the construction contracts.
26. To what extent is the Architect committed to using a sustainable ("green") design for the new building?
The Architects understand the concept of "green design", and an approach that recognizes the interrelationship between a building, its components, its surroundings, and its occupants. They know that "green" choices might be made in the selection of building materials, choice of construction methods, use of natural light, installation of innovative waste management systems, and implementation of energy-efficient heating and air systems. Weighing construction costs against factors such as reductions in consumption of energy and water, the Architect is committed to designing a healthy and comfortable building and surrounding grounds that a) helps us answer the vision God has given us and that we can afford, b) will meet our needs, c) minimizes operation and maintenance costs, and d) upholds our principle of
cherishing the earth. Consultants have been appointed who specialize in these areas. The heating for the site will be provided by a “biomass” boiler, in keeping with best practice in this regard.
27. Why should I give to the CONNECT Capital Campaign?
We hope every parishioner will choose to give to the CONNECT Campaign, for this is the vision that we believe God is calling us to. Giving to the Capital Campaign is an opportunity and a responsibility to strengthen our church and protect meet the future needs of the church family and wider community. We hope this campaign will be ever more faith-raising than fundraising. We want to fuel our vision and turn it into reality. The CONNECT Campaign is not about glorifying ourselves, but rather glorifying God and reaching out to change people’s lives.
28. How is the Capital campaign different than regular giving?
Pledges to the capital campaign should be viewed as being above and beyond the planned giving through the Freewill Offering Scheme weekly free will offerings, which support the day-to-day operations of the church. The capital campaign is an opportunity to invest in God’s vision for the future role of All Saints’ both in the local and wider community. It is a special way to meet the needs that cannot be met through the weekly offerings.
29. Do I still need to make a pledge to the 2009 Freewill Offering Scheme?
Yes. We need your weekly and monthly offering to support the day-to-day operations of the church.
30. How can I make a gift to All Saints through my estate?
Please see the Booklet on “Giving to the Lord - Bequests” in the Welcome area which gives details of how you can leave a legacy to All Saints’ in your will. If you want to talk to somebody about it you can contact Martin Williamson, our FWO Officer, who can provide the specific information on providing gifts from your estate. He can be reached by phone at 0208 504 3252 or by email at martin.williamson20@ntlworld.com. Such gifts are a wonderful expression of love for All Saints’ and its ministry.
31. What about those of us who are on fixed incomes or in difficult circumstances?
Some of us simply cannot afford to pay much or anything to the Capital Campaign.
It would be unhealthy for you and for All Saints if you gave more than you could
afford, and we would never expect it of you. Our strong desire is that everyone be
involved in a positive way with the campaign. While we have asked you to stretch in
your giving, the size of the pledge does not matter so much as the fact that you are participating. If you cannot afford to make a pledge, you can participate by praying for the project or volunteering to assist with any number of tasks that will become apparent as the project develops.
32. Will there be any strings attached to gifts from major donors or foundations that will affect All Saints’ mission?
No, we are not going to accept gifts that limit the vision and mission of the Church.
33. Will there be someone to talk with if I need to adjust my pledge?
Yes, you may speak to Martin Williamson regarding any concerns you may have. He will be the only person who knows the amount of your gift or that you have made a pledge to the project.
34. What are the tax benefits to campaign donors?
If you decide to make a Gift Aid Declaration in respect of your gifts to CONNECT the Church will be able to recover the basic rate of income tax on the amount. This is currently 28p for every £1 you give up to 2011. After that date it will reduce to 25p in every £1 given. However you need to have paid Income tax or Capital Gains tax up to the amount recovered by the Church. If you are a higher rate tax payer you will get increased relief on the amount given when you declare your Gift Aid donations on your Tax Return. Any contributions to the All Saints’ Capital Campaign are tax deductible. You may wish to “Gift Aid” your donation which means that providing you earned enough income to cover the donation in the same tax year the Church can reclaim this tax back from HMRC on your behalf. Please ask Martin Williamson, the Campaign Giving Officer, for more details if you require clarification.
35. I have already pledged, and given part of my pledge amount some time ago to help with the cost of setting up the planning application. Do you want me to complete a further pledge form for the rest of the amount?
Thank you for making an early pledge. This pledge, and the gifts made under it, will already have been recorded. There is no need for you to complete a new pledge form.
36. I have already pledged, and I now believe that God is prompting me to increase my pledge. How do I do this?
Thank you for being open to the Lord's prompting and stepping out in faith by increasing your pledge. You will need to complete another pledge form, setting out only the amount of the increase. Do not include your original pledge. Please clearly mark your pledge form ADDITIONAL PLEDGE.
37. Who will open my pledge envelope?
The ONLY person who will open the pledge envelopes is Martin Williamson. He alone will record the pledges and will be the only person who knows who has given what amount.
38. Where do I get a pledge envelope?
A supply of pledge envelopes is available from the Welcome Area in church.
39. Can I pledge anonymously? What are the disadvantages?
Of course you can donate anonymously. The disadvantage, from the church's point of view, is that, if you are a UK tax payer, we cannot reclaim a tax refund under Gift Aid.
Please be assured that all pledges will be teated in the strictest confidence and will ONLY be known to Martin Williamson, our Freewill Offering Officer.