Expanding our Capital Campaign
Dear Members and Friends of Our Savior's Lutheran Church,
Recently, the Congregation Council increased our capital campaign goal from $50,000 to $100,000. When we started the campaign, we set the goal at $50,000 based on what we knew at the time. As we've gotten into the work, we've found the building needs more than we originally thought — especially the roof and the heating and cooling systems. Based on those needs, the Council has decided to raise the goal.
Here's where the money goes:
Roof — $78,000. This covers everything: replacing the roof over the Education Wing and repairing the rest of the roof segments. The Education Wing roof is at the end of its life and leaking badly, and the rest of the roof needs attention too. We signed the contract this summer, and it makes sense to do it all while the contractors are on site.
Fellowship Hall and Kitchen HVAC — $22,000. The air conditioning in the fellowship hall and kitchen went down entirely this summer. The system needed to be replaced, so the council compared several quotes and chose the most affordable option at a cost of about $22,000.
Main HVAC system. Our main heating and cooling system is nearly fifty years old and runs on R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer manufactured. Repairs have been getting more expensive — the latest refrigerant leak this summer was substantial — and parts are only going to get harder to find. When this system finally gives out, a full replacement will be very expensive. We're keeping it running as long as we can, but we need to be ready.
We did receive a major estate gift in the past year and had some funds in a designated account for work on the building, but the expenses we are incurring this year entirely exhaust those funds, and then some. Raising the goal lets us do the work properly and keeps the account from being emptied by a single emergency.
Thank you to everyone who has already given. If you're able to give, we're grateful — you can give through the church office or online. Thank you for helping us be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us.
If you have any questions about this, you may talk with any staff member or council member.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Ted Carnahan
