United Church of God – Lafayette, Indiana Building Fund Discussion

Local Survey Results August 2008 congregational survey to determine what to do with over $45,000 in unrestricted funds currently categorized for a building fund 16 responses “…be kept locally, meaning we should complete the required building study, after which the final disposition would be determined.” 9 responses “…be sent to the Home Office as excess income, per the Rules of Association.”

U.S. Church Policy for Local Church Buildings The Church is committed to providing appropriate meeting facilities for weekly Sabbath services in all congregations If it is determined that no adequate facility exists for the local congregation to rent or lease after a thorough search of properties throughout the area, the congregation may pursue other options. A thorough financial report documenting all the details of the cost and effect on the congregation and the Church as a whole must be prepared.

1) Background on hall rentals in the local church area. Our local congregation has met in four buildings since 1970 Sunnyside Middle School, $693/month (1995) Pacelli Health Complex, $500/month Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, $400/month Seventh Day Adventist Church, $650/month

1) Background on hall rentals in the local church area. Current situation: –access to sanctuary and balcony –access to mother’s room/nursery –access to classrooms –access to Ross Room (twice a month) –access to kitchen (twice a month) –access to gymnasium (twice a month) –sound system provided –seating provided –private storage room provided

1) Background on hall rentals in the local church area. Other rental options in the area: –Sunnyside Middle School available for $175/wk, approx $760/month –Vinton Elementary or Tecumseh Middle School, $200/wk, approx $870/month –Other schools and churches may also be available

2) Approximate annual contributions by local congregation Donations to Home Office (2006) First tithe - $50,000 Holy Day Offerings - $28,000 Assistance - $1,500 Donations to Local Congregation General/First tithe - $15,000 Total Annual Contributions: $95,500

3) Cost of proposed purchase 6) Projected cost of utilities 7) Will there be a mortgage? Three scenarios considered, each with $50K down payment and 25 yr. mortgage at 7.75% interest: $220K: monthly payment of $1,240 $170K: monthly payment of $875 $120K: monthly payment of $510 Utilities, building services, maintenance, equipment and insurance: $1100-$1750/mo. Pick a low end figure of $1200 for our cost.

3) Cost of proposed purchase 4) Plan for paying for the property/building Cost $220K: $2,440/month $170K: $2,075/month $120K: $1,710/month Current local contributions are $1,250/month Approximately $250/month needed for non-facilities needs Based on current contribution patterns, this leaves $1,000 maximum available locally for facilities. Additional cost of $700-$1400 would need to be redirected by home office to our local account.

5) Is the congregation in agreement on the need to purchase a building or property? This has not been determined. A survey would be needed to determine whether there is agreement that we “need” to purchase a building and justifiable reasons why it is needed. We need to determine whether we have the interest and manpower to maintain our own facility.

8) Long term potential for growth in the area. Will the property be in a good location for the entire area? Lafayette metro area experienced 13.2% growth in 1990s, third largest growth rate in the state. Our congregation is geographically dispersed around Lafayette with no area of high concentration.

8) Long term potential for growth in the area. Will the property be in a good location for the entire area? Average Monthly Church Attendance

Open Discussion