150 Anniversary Offering Q&A

150th Anniversary Offering Frequently Asked Questions GENERAL QUESTIONS What do we plan to accomplish through this 150th Anniversary Offering?

We plan to reduce our debt, increase our giving to missions to benefit those outside the walls of Taylors, and to enjoy and utilize a new Welcome Center as a tool to help us initiate the connection of present and future generations to people and to ministries at Taylors.

55% FOR RENOVATIONS Primary Objectives 1) a larger, open and updated space that visually demonstrates our continued commitment to make disciples in this community into the 21st Century; 2) a more welcoming and inviting environment for our guests; 3) an open connection center for the busy traffic on Sunday mornings; and 4) a clearly identifiable main entrance

30% FOR DEBT REDUCTION

This percentage represents close to 10% of our total remaining debt. If the 150th Anniversary Offering goal and budget are both met, we will reduce our debt by nearly $800,000 this year.

15% FOR MISSIONS

In addition to our regular contribution this year of $1,120,053 (which is more than 18% of our budget), 15% of this offering will fund REACH trip scholarships of up to 50% and potentially provide additional money for our partnerships in Boston, Salt Lake City, and our unreached/unengaged people groups.

Will the percentages change based on the amount received?

No. Regardless of the amount raised, the percentages assigned to each emphasis will remain the same...whether we meet, fall short, or exceed our anticipated goal.

What happens if we fall short of our goal?

In regards to the Renovations portion, the Renovations Committee and Senior Staff will meet and determine the best course of action based on determined priorities and amount received. Regardless of amount received, debt will receive 30% of receipts and Missions will receive 15% of receipts.

Can I designate my gift to specific aspects of the 150th Anniversary Offering?

As we have done in the past, we will gladly receive any designated gift that people may be led to give towards a particular emphasis. However, because the intended goal from the start was to make this a unified offering to accomplish three specific goals, all 150th offerings will be subdivided based upon the stated percentages listed above. Again, designated gifts are always welcome, though they will not be counted as part of the overall amount received towards the 150th Anniversary Offering.

Will the church have a chance to vote on the project?

Yes. No contracts will be signed nor will construction begin before the congregation has an opportunity to vote to approve the recommendations of the Renovations Committee and Finance Committee concerning a proposed project.

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What process was undertaken to adopt the plans for the 150th Anniversary Offering?

While planning our yearlong celebration, our Pastor was struck by the sacrifices and generosity of God’s people in years past, which prompted him to ask two questions. First, “What would the Lord have us do today to advance the gospel to others through our church?” And second, “What legacy of faith and sacrifice will this generation leave for those who will worship here in the decades to come?” He along with Senior Staff began praying about potential ideas and explored the possibility of inviting the church to make a sacrificial offering to accomplish 3 specific goals: Renovations, Debt Retirement, and Missions.

This idea was then presented to the Chairmen of the Deaconate, the Renovations Committee, the Finance Committee, and the 150th Anniversary Committee. These men considered the idea, asked questions, and gave their approval to take the next step. Their encouragement led to inviting the Renovations Committee to begin praying about and discussing which renovation priorities should be considered for our campus. The consensus was to make the current Welcome Area the focus of our renovations efforts. Together they read the book “Why Church Buildings Matter” by Tim Cool and began the process of visiting numerous churches to gather concepts and ideas for consideration. In keeping with the desired goals for the Welcome Area, they developed a list of priorities and consulted with Ron Geyer of Good City Architects to discuss possibilities and to develop some conceptual drawings of what was possible if we were to meet our stated financial goals.

Upon completion of these renderings, our Pastor presented those concepts to the congregation and, at present, has invited the congregation to prayerfully consider how the Lord might have them respond to this anniversary offering opportunity.

What is the process after October 5?

We are encouraging people to give between August 24 and October 5. On Sunday, October 5, those who have not been able to give all they desire may make a pledge to fulfill by the end of the year. Thus, by early October we will have a good idea of what funds we have on hand and other funds we anticipate receiving. If we meet our goal of $1.5 million and plans are approved, detailed drawings will first be developed and then construction bids will be considered. It is likely the earliest we would begin construction would be during the first quarter of 2015 with a possible completion date in the third quarter of 2015. The biggest variable that determines our course of action is the response of the church and the amount given to the 150th Anniversary Offering which will not be known until mid-October 2014.

RENOVATION QUESTIONS Is it realistic to complete the proposed Renovations for $825,000?

Yes. Based on conversations with our architect and contractors, we believe the initial cost estimates will allow us to accomplish the renovations as seen in the architectural renderings.

Are we planning to finance any of the renovations if we do not meet our goal?

No. We will not incur any additional debt. If we meet our goal, we believe this project can be completed based on initial cost estimates. If we fall short of our goal, we will then reconvene and prioritize what we can do with what we have received.

Why was the decision made to give the majority of the 150th Anniversary Offering to facility renovations in the Welcome Center?

As we considered the three emphases, renovations is the only one of the three we do not include in our annual budget.

In 2014 we have budgeted $1,120,053 for Missions and $345,900 for debt principle (not including interest), but no dollars were budgeted for renovation projects. Since renovations like this are not undertaken regularly, we rely on special offerings or capital campaigns for raising necessary funds. The Welcome Center was given priority because of its being a “hub” that the majority of those on our campus use. If we meet our goal, it will allow us to give the sum totals of $1,345,053 to Missions, $795,900 to Debt Reduction, and $825,000 to Renovations.

What will happen to the handicapped parking area where the proposed entrance will be?

There will be no net loss of handicapped spaces. The proposal for the new entry and covered walkway will require us to relocate some of the handicapped parking spaces across the parking lot from where they are currently located.

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Are we eliminating our library? If not, what proposed changes will be taking place?

No. The library and the particular space that it currently occupies will undergo renovations. The plan is to relocate the existing library to a classroom area adjacent to the new café. In so doing, we hope to maintain its primary functions while also redesigning the space to accomplish additional overall goals for the church. Thus, adult resources will be relocated to a classroom adjacent to the Cafe. Children’s Resources will be relocated to our preschool and children’s area to make them more easily accessible to kids, parents, and grandparents picking up kids downstairs. Lastly, the social aspects of the library would be accomplished through the utilization of the café area and its seating arrangements with tables, chairs, sofas, etc. to foster community relationships and conversation.

When will construction begin on the Welcome Center Renovations?

If we meet our goal and have the funds available to complete the proposed plan, once voted on and approved, construction would most likely not begin before late first quarter of 2015. Because it is a cash only project and because we are taking pledges through the end of 2014, we will not know how much we have received until the first of January 2015. Detailed working drawings must be completed and then bids must go out before construction could begin.

Will any renovations be undertaken in the Worship Center?

The only aspect of the Worship Center included is the widening the two middle Worship Center doors opening up into the existing Welcome Area. We do plan to add a fourth door to assist with traffic flow. Because we recently completed the stage project and also upfitting the Fellowship Hall for Modern worship, the decision was made to prioritize the Welcome Center as the focus of the renovation efforts.

Is a covered drop-off area included in the project? Has the idea of installing a new elevator to connect the Welcome Area to Taylors Children area been considered?

Yes, we intend to provide a covered drop off. We would also love to include an elevator in the existing elevator shaft currently in the Fellowship Hall foyer area. The Renovations Committee has discussed this need and has included an elevator as a high priority item on the list of potential renovations. As with all renovation priorities, the amount received will ultimately dictate what is possible to include as part of the overall renovation project.

Where will the Welcome Desk be located?

We plan to make use of mobile kiosks in the New Entry area as well as at other entry locations around the campus.

The existing Welcome Desk would be removed and that wall space could potentially be used for ministry promotion (i.e.

Women’s, Men’s, Missions, etc.)

In addition to the Welcome Center, will other areas of the church be renovated?

No. The Welcome Center was identified as the priority space to focus on. In light of the proposed plans, our stated goal, and initial cost estimates, we are limited in what we can realistically accomplish. Thus, the Welcome Center will be the focus of our attention at this time. See the diagram in the 150th Anniversary Offering brochure.

• Existing Men’s & Women’s restrooms will remain where • “Meeting Place” is a multi-purpose room where we can they are. We do intend to update those while also adding host a guest reception after worship services, small group new restrooms in 2 locations. meetings, etc.

• The “New Library” will be relocated to a modified existing • “ST” refers to Storage Areas classroom. Children’s resources will be relocated to the • All the “Green” area includes new finishes, flooring, etc. children’s hall.

• “New Entry” is new construction, not a renovation of existing space.

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DEBT QUESTIONS Do we have any plans to finance any aspect of the Renovations Project?

No. This is a cash-only project. One of our primary goals for the 150th Anniversary Offering is to reduce our debt, not to increase it.

Were the Debt & Missions aspects of the 150th Anniversary Offering included merely to help make the Renovation Project appear more acceptable or palatable to the congregation?

Not at all. From day one the original intent was to do something akin to what was done with last year’s end of the year surplus‌to use available funds to benefit multiple ministry objectives. As stated previously, the thought process behind allotting 55% towards Renovations is due to the fact that we do not budget for Renovation projects. On the other hand, we do budget annually for both Debt Retirement as well as Missions. Also, if both our Budget and 150th Anniversary Offering goals are met, the amounts we could give towards the three stated objectives would be as follows: $1,345,053 to Missions; $795,900 to Debt Retirement; and $825,000 to Renovations

MISSIONS QUESTIONS Why is missions only receiving 15% of our 150th Anniversary Offering? Should we be doing more?

We currently give 18% of our annual budget to Missions, which equates to $1,120,053 in 2014. The 15% (or $225,000) is in addition to that amount. This allocation has the potential, once again, to provide scholarships up to 50% for those going on mission trips next year. It also would help provide additional support for our ministry efforts in Boston, Salt Lake City, and our unreached/unengaged people groups. If we meet our goal, we will be giving a total of $1,345,053 to missions in 2014.

How do we intend to subdivide the $225,000 portion in Missions ministry?

How the funds are subdivided has not yet been decided. We are currently working through the budget process and are taking the 150th Anniversary Offering into consideration. We know additional support for ministry efforts in Boston, Salt Lake City, and our unreached/unengaged people groups will be included along with scholarships for trip participants up to 50%.

DO YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? Contact Us

Church Office: 864-244-3535 David Cline, Executive Pastor: davidc@taylorsfbc.org Gerald Caskey, Director of Finance and Administration: geraldc@taylorsfbc.org