River Rock Church
2017 Land Campaign FAQ’s
Fundraising
What does $275,000 all include?
Our primary goal is to pay off the remaining mortgage of $235,000. In addition, we seek to raise additional funds related to future expenses, namely operating and exploratory costs. Thus we have included in the fundraising goal: i) $10,000, representing operating costs such as property taxes, insurance, utilities for three years, a period which will allow us to maintain the land as we evaluate additional plans, and ii) $30,000 for exploratory costs such as environmental and engineering studies beyond those initially completed. Therefore, the total fundraising target is $275,000.
How are the current operating expenses for the land being paid?
The current operating expenses for the land are in the church general fund, which includes utilities for the pole barn on the property off of Belding Road, insurance, and taxes. We have recently attempted to receive a property tax exemption as a church for the land, but were unsuccessful given we are not currently utilizing the property.
What about interest on the mortgage?
As money comes in, we will be continuing to pay down the principal on the mortgage first and foremost. The sooner we pay off the principal, the less interest we need to pay (our interest rate is 3%).
What if we don’t raise the $275,000 needed by year end, 2017?
We eventually need to pay off the mortgage on our land. If we have to continue/extend our
fundraising efforts to achieve our goal, we will do that. However, our hope is that we will raise
the money in the desired time frame, enabling us to avoid continual interest expense on the
mortgage.
How do I know my contribution will be used for the land and not for another expense?
All funds raised in this land campaign will be kept in a separate fund that will only be used for the $275,000 as outlined above.
Commitments
How much will I be asked to give?
You will not be told to give a specific amount. Everyone will be asked to first reflect on his/her individual blessings and then pray about a financial commitment to be paid over the calendar year 2017. Your pledge should be over and above your current giving to the church.
How do I decide what I should pledge to our land campaign?
We ask that you consider your participation in this campaign with prayer and reflection. Everyone is blessed differently. Everyone cannot give the same amount. A gift truly in response to God’s generosity to you is equal in the sight of God. Deuteronomy 16:17 says, “...Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lordyour God has blessed you.”
Will I have an opportunity to make commitment payments as I desire?
Yes. Each member can designate how they wish to fulfill their commitment: one-time, or weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc. over the 2017 time period or into future periods.
When will I have an opportunity to make my commitment?
Commitment Cards can be obtained from the Info desk at church and have also been mailed to regular church attenders. You may complete them at any time and mail them back or return them to church and put them in the offering boxes.
Who will see my commitment?
A small confidential team of church staff will record commitments. Please be assured that this
information will not be shared or discussed with anyone.
How should I make my commitment donation?
You may make this donation in the same manner you make your normal tithe to River Rock
Church. We ask that in the memo line of your check, you indicate 2017 Land
Campaign. If you prefer to donate cash, please place into a marked envelope that also
indicates 2017 Land Campaign. You can also make a one time or recurring donation online through our website at riverrockcommunity.com.
Can I commit/give any gifts-in-kind other than cash to the capital campaign?
We will do our best to cooperate with gifts-in-kind. Please speak with Dave Tuit, 2017 Land Campaign Chair, about your idea.